CATHERINE GEORGE - Reform of the Rake

Lowri bolted an unchewed morsel of sandwich whole, eyes watering. There was nothing in the whole wide world she’d have liked better, but that was hardly the point. Caroline, or Fiona, or Miss Thirty-Six C or one of probably a dozen others must have let him down at the last minute, leaving him at a loose end. She smiled politely. ‘How very kind. But I’m afraid I’m tied up tonight.’

Adam stared in surprise, the wind very obviously taken out of his sails. He pulled himself together, smiling rather stiffly. ‘My bad luck. I suppose it was a bit optimistic to expect you to be free. Another time, maybe?’

Lowri returned the smile non-committally, then rummaged in the picnic basket, conscious of the narrowed look Rupert turned on her. ‘Anyone for an apple?’

When they got back to the house Lowri listened to a spirited account of the birthday party from an excited Emily, volunteered to put her to bed and read a story, declined supper on the excuse of the large picnic tea, and took herself off to mope in her own quarters.

An hour or so later Sarah knocked on her door and asked if she could come in for a while.

‘Of course.’ Lowri, glad of relief from her own morose company, went to put the kettle on for coffee.

‘You can tell me to go away, if you like.’

‘Of course I don’t mind.’ When Lowri returned with a tray she eyed her cousin sheepishly. ‘I suppose Rupert told you Adam asked me out tonight.’

‘He did, indeed.’ Sarah ran a hand through her long dark hair thoughtfully. ‘His account of the afternoon was very interesting. Adam obviously expected you to consent with maidenly—but prompt—gratitude and, I am told, seemed a bit put out when you refused. And since I know perfectly well you had no plans for this evening, unless you count washing your hair, or a date with a good book, I’m agog to know why you turned Adam down.’

‘I thought you’d have worked that one out for yourself.’ Lowri smiled ruefully. ‘He was so confident I’d say yes, you know! Besides, he’s dangerous—he frightens me.’

‘You’re not worried he’d behave like that beastly Seton man!’

‘Of course not. But you were the one who warned me, remember. The first time I laid eyes on Adam Hawkridge you told me he was a heartbreaker. You were right. I could like him a lot—far too much for safety. If I see too much of him I could get my fingers burnt a second time. So I refused. Besides,’ added Lowri tartly, ‘I objected to the way he breezed up at the cricket match, expecting me to accept with humble gratitude because somebody else stood him up tonight.’

‘How do you know that?’

‘What other reason could there be? I’ve got my pride, Sarah. It was pretty obvious he expected me to drop everything and run.’ She sniffed. ‘No chance.’

‘Rupert was deeply impressed,’ said Sarah, smiling. ‘Adam’s such a charmer that at a guess I’d say no woman’s ever said no to him in his life before, unless it was his mother, who’s absolutely lovely, by the way. A nice polite little no from you probably did him the world of good.’

‘I hope it did—because it didn’t do me any good at all,’ sighed Lowri despondently. ‘It quite spoiled my afternoon—and to cap it all Glamorgan lost by one measly run!’

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