Free A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Choice by Reina M. Williams Page B

for the countryside, pressed a weight upon her.
    “I believe we have one other commonality, Miss Wilcox,” Mr. Mainmount said with a mixture of sincerity and smoothness. “I place myself at your disposal. What do you wish to do?”
    Cecilia was momentarily silenced for she was rarely asked such a question. Also, she did not know what would be proper. At her obvious puzzlement, Mr. Mainmount gave a chuckle.
    “Might I suggest a walk in the park or perhaps you would prefer some indoor diversion as you have already been out?”
    “A walk, if you please, Mr. Mainmount.” Cecilia looked to her mother, who nodded her approval. The park opposite Mrs. Higham’s provided a pleasant place to stroll and as she had suspected, Mr. Mainmount kept the conversation light.
    “Have you been to London before, Miss Wilcox?”
    “Only once, last year. I admit I prefer country pursuits.”
    “I enjoy them too but you ought give the city a fair chance. You may find both country and city have their appeal. What have you done on your visits? Theatre, galleries, Vauxhall gardens? Or have you only been to private parties?”
    “Mostly, yes. I was not out yet last year and we have only been here four days.”
    “I hope you will allow me to show you some of the pleasures of London, then. You must go to the theatre, of course, and if you like the countryside, there are some pretty spots just outside town. Will you allow me to arrange both?”
    “Yes, thank you.” Cecilia attempted to take an expanding breath, but the air was as heavy and dank as the graying skies.
    “I will speak to Mrs. Wilcox later, then. Also, my mother asked that you join us for dinner the day after tomorrow. She sent over an invitation to your aunt.”
    “Thank you, you are most kind.”
    “Think nothing of it. It will be my pleasure.” He sounded truly pleased with her, unlike Mr. Thornhill. “Now then, I do not believe I have claimed enough of your time yet. I intend to quite monopolize you, Miss Wilcox.” Again Cecilia was reminded of Mr. Cateret and so was silent.
    “I shall take your silence as agreement. Will you to church tomorrow, I assume?”
    “Yes,” Cecilia said, lightening at an opportunity to tease Mr. Mainmount. “Surely not you, sir? Quiet and a sermon cannot agree with you. I fear you would take ill.”
    “Do you? Yes, I have required sustaining many a Sunday. Perhaps you will try to reform me, Miss Wilcox?”
    “Reforming is not in my character, sir. I leave that to better women than myself.” Cecilia laughed.
    “Better? Surely not. Are you secretly sinful, miss?” He drew himself taller and affected the disdainful smirk of many a country curate.
    “I suppose that depends on your definition.” Cecilia laughed again. “Certainly not by your standards, I would assume.”
    “No, I imagine not,” Mr. Mainmount said, raising an eyebrow which sent Cecilia into a fit of giggles. Sitting on a nearby bench to compose herself, she apologized.
    “I am glad you find me so amusing, Miss Wilcox. Perhaps it is you who needs reforming? What are you guilty of, then? Disobedience? Willfulness? Dishonoring your father and mother? Not loving your neighbor? I willingly submit myself so you may amend the last.”
    “I am sorry to disappoint, but I fear I can only be charged with the first three offenses, sir. However, if you wish to submit yourself to me as my tutor in the amusements of London, I shall accept.” Placing her hands on the cool bench, she gazed at the swaying poplars.
    “Happily, though I believe we must begin with something more sober. Will I see you tomorrow, then? Remember, dinner on Monday and I lay claim to Wednesday and Friday as well.” He offered his arm, which she rose and took.
    “As you say. I hope I will prove an apt pupil.”
    “I have no doubt you will prove yourself talented, especially under my experienced tutelage,” Mr. Mainmount finished with half a smile.
    Cecilia was delighted by their lively conversation, though