“They know of me,” he replied. “That is not exactly the same thing.”
Together, they walked to the entrance of Hyde Park. A few nannies pushed their charges in prams down the shady walkway. Groups of old men sat on benches while their wives leaned over the railings to talk to ladies and gentleman riding in The Row. Young people were everywhere, and Linley thought they were all dressed much too nicely for a walk.
“It’s a very popular to be seen here,” Patrick explained.
“That seems silly—going to the park just so someone would see you.”
He shrugged. “Everyone does it.”
“Do you do it?” she asked. “Did you bring me here today so we’d be seen together?”
“Can’t I show you off?” Patrick stepped aside to let a woman and her two children pass. “Besides, I haven’t walked in Hyde Park all season. I figured I was overdue.”
Linley watched a troupe of young riders trotting on The Row. “Do you like to ride?”
“I do when I’m in the country, but I haven’t brought horses to town in years.”
“I like to ride, too,” she said. “But lately I find I’m on donkeys, or elephants, or camels instead of horses.”
Hyde Park was a far cry from nature, but it was nice to get away from the bustle of London for a few hours. There was no need to spoil it with conversation merely for conversation’s sake. Linley and Patrick were comfortable enough in each other’s presence not to feel the need to speak, and just to enjoy the warm sunshine and fresh air.
A short distance behind them, someone called out, “Patrick!”
Both he and Linley spun around at the sound of the voice. Linley never heard anyone else call him by his given name, but Patrick knew who it was without looking.
“Georgiana!” he called.
His sister waddled her way over, Hereford in tow.
“You shouldn’t be out walking,” Patrick scolded. “You should be home resting.”
“I’m tired of resting! I want to get out and live a little.” She stopped in front of them, finally noticing that her brother was with a young woman she did not know.
“Georgiana,” he said. “This is Miss Linley Talbot-Martin.” To Linley, he explained, “My sister, the Duchess of Hereford.”
“How do you do?” Georgiana said.
Linley curtsied. “Your Grace.”
Georgiana’s hair was much lighter than Patrick’s dark brown, but Linley could still see the resemblance between them. Among other things, they both shared the same dimples when they smiled.
“Oh,” Patrick added, “And that is her husband, the Duke.”
Hereford nodded from behind his wife, and Linley curtsied one more time.
Georgiana rubbed her stomach. “The doctor said women sometimes get great big bursts of energy before the baby comes,” she explained. “Hopefully that is what’s happening to me today.”
“Do you think it wise to run around Hyde Park when you could be so close?” Patrick asked.
His sister giggled. “I would jump up and down in front of Buckingham Palace if it meant I could get this baby out sooner.”
Everyone laughed except for Patrick.
“Oh, Patrick,” she said. “Everything is going to be fine.” Turning to Linley, she explained, “Our mother died giving birth to me, and I think he is terrified I’ll do the same.”
Not bothering to argue, he shuffled his feet and pretended not to hear.
“It’s really very sweet of him,” Georgiana added. “He’s such a good brother.”
Linley smiled up at Patrick, who studied two squirrels fighting over a half a piece of candied lemon. “I’m sure he’ll make a wonderful uncle as well.”
“Of course he will,” the duchess said. “Men can be very reluctant about babies at first, but once he actually holds the little darling, I just know he’ll come around.”
At that, Patrick spun to face them. “I will not be holding any babies.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Georgiana said, waving him off.
He started to open his mouth to argue, but looked over at Linley and decided to shut up. Hyde Park was no place for an argument, even if it was between family. And he didn’t want Linley’s first impression of the Wolford siblings to be of two squabbling, immature brats. They were raised better than that.
Thankfully, Georgiana realized this and let the argument go. For such a large city, London was a surprisingly small town. Rarely did she ever see her brother with anyone she did not already know. Yet here he was, walking in the Row with someone completely new.
Her curiosity was piqued. Patrick had never been one to go out and make friends, but this young woman seemed easy and comfortable in his presence. And, although well mannered and smartly dressed, Georgiana knew the girl was nowhere near her social equal.