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it you don’t delight in gossip?”
    “I don’t. I find it a horrible pastime. Why people can’t stick with matters that only concern them, I’ll never understand.”
    If only she knew she had become the unwilling victim in a wager at White’s! Forcing aside the stab of guilt that pricked him, he drank more tea. “It’s certainly a pleasant day.”
    “Yes, the air coming in through the window is refreshing. Sometimes I feel restless when I’m indoors.”
    “Do you?”
    “It’s not just because of my mother,” she said with a grin. “I like being outside and enjoying life.”
    “Do you enjoy the theatre and circus?”
    “No. When I said I like being outside, I meant outside of any building. My mother prefers to take a stroll through the market, but I actually prefer Hyde Park or out in the country. There’s nothing more peaceful.”
    As he drank his tea, he came to the shocking conclusion that he liked her. Liked her immensely , in fact. She was like a breath of fresh air. Not shy in the least when it came to stating her mind, something much needed in a society that prided itself on sticking with a formal politeness that came with constant backstabbing.
    And though she didn’t let anyone close to her right away, he suspected that once she did, a gentleman would have a faithful companion for the rest of his life. He could trust that what she told him to his face was what she’d say about him behind his back. There was no deception with her. He finished the tea and tried not to wince. If she knew about him, she’d throw him right out of her townhouse…and her life.
    “Lord Davenport, I presume?” came a lady’s melodic voice.
    Setting the tea down, he rose to his feet in time for Miss Giles to say, “My lord, you remember my mother, Mrs. Giles.”
    He bowed. “It’s a pleasure.”
    She curtsied and smiled. “Likewise, my lord. It’s my understanding that we are going to take a lovely stroll through the park.”
    “Yes,” he replied, glancing at Miss Giles who placed her cup on the tray and stood up. “Your daughter mentioned it.”
    “If you wish, we could do something more to your liking,” Mrs. Giles offered.
    “No. A stroll suits me just fine. The day is a beautiful one.” Almost as lovely as Miss Giles, but not quite. It was hard to match her particular beauty and grace.
    Her mother’s smile widened. “Excellent.”
    Taking that as his cue, he said, “My carriage is outside.”
    He followed the ladies outside, and while they walked down the steps, he couldn’t help but appreciate the nice curves Miss Giles possessed. She wasn’t a stick of a lady. No. She had a full bosom and hips. Charming wit and a wonderful figure. A gentleman couldn’t do better than this.
    In that instant, he made his decision. He would go through with the wager and marry her, i f she chose him over Pennella.
    As they rode to the park, he was grateful that of all the things he owned, he made sure to splurge for a good carriage. He hated to think of Miss Giles’ reaction when she realized his estate was in trouble. But hopefully—God willing—she wouldn’t mind it so much since he loved her. Maybe love could cover up a multitude of flaws.
    After they arrived at the park, he was surprised when her mother started pointing out all the p eople they passed, providing surprising details about them. It seemed the lady knew almost everything there was to know about anyone. She knew who had a title, how long their family had it, what their interests were, and a few stories she’d heard about them.
    At one point, he wondered just how much she knew about him, and his gut tightened in apprehension. But then Miss Giles caught his attention and rolled her eyes, a silent “see what I mean abou t my mother gossiping?” message. If her mother knew about him, it seemed that it didn’t bother either Miss Giles or her mother one bit. He relaxed
    “Of course, I don’t know if it’s true that the Duke of Rumsey threatened