Chapter Three

“Why do I tell you anything?“ he grumbled. “And I’ll have you know my sense of adventure is fantastic.”

She shrugged and tugged on his arm till he reluctantly began walking.

“Are you going to tell me?” he asked dubiously.

“You don’t want to know,” she replied, her gaze taking in a squirrel that ran across their path.

“Morbid curiosity.”

“Sounds compelling.”

“You have no idea.”

“Very well. She either has written you off as a possible suitor because of your charming nature, or she has decided she doesn’t know enough to make a conclusion, which means you’ll be thoroughly investigated via her mercenary friends till she has enough information on your person to create a verdict.”

As Mr. Sheppard seemed to digest her information, she studied him from the corner of her eye.

His expression was stoic, but his lips turned slightly as if fighting grin. “Well, that was unexpected.”

“Not entirely. After all, you did visit an unmarried lady’s house during visiting hours. She simply wasn’t aware that your visit was to deliver several names of gentleman — other than yourself — eligible for her daughter.” Maria replied, offering him a grin--hoping to win him over despite the prickling circumstances.

“Ah! Which reminds me.” He stopped and reached into his greatcoat pocket and withdrew an envelope, no seal. “Here are several names that I believe you’ll find helpful. I took the extra step and made sure that each man is secure in his own fortune, has no gambling compulsions, and is not known to be heavy-handed.” He cleared his throat, his gaze direct as if trying to convey everything that wasn’t said, every insinuation between the words.

“So none who will marry me for my wealth, no one who will gamble it away, and no one who will try and beat it from me?” Maria replied directly.

“Your forthrightness is at once astounding, refreshing, and slightly alarming.” Mr. Sheppard asserted, as he handed over the list.

Maria took the parchment and held it tightly in her gloved fingers, tucking it into her satchel. “Thank you.”

“It was no trouble at all.” He shrugged, continuing their walk.

“It was indeed trouble… and I am grateful for it.” She paused and waited till he met her gaze.

“As I said… it was nothing.”

“In return, I’ll attempt to remove your eligibility from my mother’s mental list.”

“I’m afraid you’ll likely find that impossible,” he replied, his eyes crinkling at the edges with his grin as walked on, passing a park bench.

“Likely, but I’ll do my best. Friends don’t turn tail when faced with a difficulty!” She raised a fist and giggled.

“Indeed.” He joined in her amusement.

As they continued, Maria felt the list a glowing coal, burning through her mind, hot with curiosity at the names written within.

“Shall we turn back?” she suggested.

“Tiring of my sparkling conversation already?” Mr. Sheppard asked, his tone wounded, though his eyes shined with mischief.

“No. But I must admit to a spectacular level of curiosity at the names you listed…” She let the implication draw out.

“Impatient?”

“Always.” She grinned unrepentantly. “You knew this already, however. It comes as no surprise to you!”

“That is correct. Very well, I’ll take you back to your residence and then take myself and my wounded pride elsewhere.”

“I’d invite you in, but my mother—”

“Say no more…” He held up a hand and tried to restrain a mock shudder.

“She’s… she means well?” Maria tried, but couldn’t quite come up with the conviction in her tone necessary.

“Perhaps, but I cannot agree with the way she executes such intentions,” Mr. Sheppard replied, his expression hardening slightly.

“How so?”

“Miss Garten…”

“Maria… we are friends, are we not?” She offered with a smile.

“Mar-ia…” He seemed to trip over the word, but she disregarded it, waiting for him to continue. “…while I am sympathetic with the difficult position the fairer sex has concerning courtship, I do not believe it is the embodiment of all that is feminine to simply be married, nor is it the highest calling a woman can have. You, as you are now, have something to offer the world, even if you are unattached at the moment. Your conversation — even one-sided — is unique, your views diverting, your laughter infections. These are not traits that will magically change or appear whether or not you marry. They’re who you are. And that, my friend, is in and of itself, a wonderful and fantastic thing. Do not buy into the lie that you are a failure because no gentleman has seen fit to offer for you yet. We are a thickheaded lot.” He shook his head and chuckled, reaching over and tugging on one of her bonnet strings.

Maria’s heart pinched, and her eyes stung with threatening tears. “Thank you,” she squeaked out, casting her gaze to the ground lest he see her lose composure.

“My dear… it’s simply the truth. Now, in return for the names I provided, I have one request.” He seemed to wait for her to glance up, and she did so, however reluctantly, especially as a tear splashed onto her cheek at the movement.

“Yes?”

His blue eyes were severe, warning her to take his words to heart. It was a side of him she had never seen, and for a moment, she wondered just how deep the unknown mystery of Curtis Sheppard ran. “Remember what I said. And when you marry…” He emphasized the word, making her heart soften. “…marry for love, for the joy of living together, for the hope of the future you’ll make. Don’t marry to simply feel wanted. I assure you that even marriage can be lonely. Don’t settle for anything less than heaven on earth. Please.”

“Of course,” she answered, never once expecting to marry for less than love, yet at the same time, never realizing she had put it as such a priority either.

“Thank you.” His shoulders sagged slightly, as if unloading a heavy burden.

Maria regarded him, studying his features. She was tempted to ask more, to ask how he knew about the loneliness of marriage — he, a confirmed bachelor — but restrained as she noticed a shift in his gaze.

“And this is where I live up to my legend.” He turned his gaze back to her, his eyes bright with intelligence. “Huffton!” he called out, raising a hand in greeting.

Turning, Maria noticed a gentleman walking through the park on his blood bay gelding. The gentleman paused and offered a smile to Mr. Sheppard then approached them. After dismounting, he dipped a slight bow to her.

“And what brings you out and about on this fine day, my friend?” Huffton asked Mr. Sheppard, yet his gaze remained on her.

“Taking the air with a friend. Let me introduce you to my lovely companion. Lord Huffton, this is Miss Garten.”

“Your servant, Miss Garten.” The gentleman bowed, kissing her wrist lightly, leaving a tingling sensation where his lips brushed her skin.

“The pleasure is mine, Lord Huffton.” She replied, studying the man before her. He wasn’t overly tall, but was easily several inches above her stature. Soft brown curls crowned his head and matched the friendly hue to his brown eyes. Immediately, she felt comfortable with his acquaintance.

“I was just commenting on my displeasure at needing to cut our friendly amble short. More’s the pity since it is such a lovely day…” Mr. Sheppard let the words linger.

“It is indeed a lovely day,” Lord Huffton affirmed. “And a pity to cut short anytime with so lovely a lady.”

“Indeed. Would you perhaps be inclined to see Miss Garten home? I’m afraid to be late to my next appointment and would be forever in your debt,” Mr. Sheppard asked, his expression pleading yet also regretful.

Maria made a mental note to ask him about his ability to act later. Surely he was quite adept at it.

“I’d be honored,” Lord Huffton replied immediately, his grin growing as he turned to Maria once more.

“Thank you,” she coquetted — rather, she hoped she did.

“I’ll leave you two then. Thank you!” And with a jaunty wave, Mr. Sheppard walked off, hands in his pockets, and quickly disappeared down the path.

“Shall we?” Lord Huffton extended his arm, a smile on his face. Accepting his hand, she strode beside him as his fine animal followed their lead. She’d have to thank Mr. Sheppard later, and she wondered if Lord Huffton’s name was on the list.

Knowing Mr. Sheppard, Lord Huffton indeed was. The thought sent a smile to her lips as she walked with one of the men who just may end up being… more.