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at Summers Glade. As for his driving her, she’d finally concluded that he must have found himself stranded there after his sister had returned to London without him. So he probably wasn’t doing her a favor a’tall, as he’d implied. Which was just as well. She did not want to feel indebted to him .
    But she wouldn’t mind having her name linked to his, which would happen if anyone she knew saw him driving her coach once they reached London. And the people she knew looked for her coach—well, the men did anyway. That could only be to her benefit, as esteemed as his family was. She did still have to find a husband for herself, after all, and preferably before the Season ended.
    Without the threat of an unwanted “arranged” marriage hanging over her head, she could devote the proper attention to finding the right man for her this time. Her criterion wasn’t that unrealistic. She merely wanted, needed, to meet one man who didn’t worship her beauty instantly, one man who would make an effort to know her, the real her, one man who didn’t profess undying love ad nauseam when he couldn’t possibly love her—yet. Not too difficult at all, she thought bitterly.
    “There you are,” Raphael said from the bottom of the stairs, only to add, “I could have sworn you said early.”
    Ophelia gritted her teeth. So much for dazzling him to make him regret his harshness with her. He barely looked at her as he slipped his greatcoat over his wide shoulders!
    She’d actually been up for hours after going to bed so early last night. She’d delayed coming downstairs merely so everyone else could get a little more sleep before another long day on the road. Next time she’d save her consideration for someone who might appreciate it.
    “I was exhausted yesterday,” she merely said, “or I would have come down to meet your aunt. Am I going to have that pleasure before we depart?”
    “Oh, indeed, in fact she’s coming with us. Didn’t think you’d mind sharing your coach.”
    “Afraid to be seen with me without chaperonage?” Ophelia smirked as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
    “I knew you’d understand. No one likes having a favor backfire on them.”
    “If they’re actually doing someone a favor. I doubt you are,” she said drily. “Why don’t you fess up that your sister left you stranded at Summers Glade, so in essence, I’m doing you the favor—”
    “Of letting me ride in your nice warm coach?” he cut in with a raised brow.
    She actually felt a blush coming on. What the devil? She never blushed. Pink on her ivory cheeks looked like a splotchy rash. It was not becoming.
    But having disconcerted her, he at least didn’t expect an answer and continued, “Why don’t we agree to suffer each other’s company for the duration and let it go at that?”
    “Fine,” she retorted. “Since the duration will be a short one, I suppose I’ll survive it.”
    “Ouch,” she thought she heard him say, but she wasn’t quite sure.
    An elderly lady came out of the parlor just then to join them, a young maid close on her heels, both dressed to travel. Ophelia assumed this was Raphael’s aunt. Heavily bundled in not just a coat but a heavy cape over that, and thick woolen scarves about her head, it was hard to see the cherub face beneath all that covering.
    “You must be Lady Esmerelda,” Ophelia said with a smile, extending her hand in greeting. “I’m Ophelia Reid. It’s a pleasure to meet—”
    “Speak up, gel,” Esmerelda said in a testy tone. “I’m quite deaf, you know.”
    “I said it was—!”
    “You don’t have to shout,” Esmerelda interrupted. “I’m not quite that deaf yet.”
    Ophelia grinned. “Shall I help you to the coach?”
    “There’s nothing wrong with my feet, gel.”
    Ophelia didn’t take offense at the lady’s cantankerous replies. She found them rather amusing. “Very well. My maid went out earlier to start the brazier. It should be nice and warm for