Now he was embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to suggest anything. I like you. Perhaps we can be friends.” Unless she preferred not to have male friends. Except Creighton was obviously a friend. Or was his wife her friend, and he just came with the bargain? Did any of that matter?

“I would like that.” She gave him an arresting smile, and he began the disappointing process of telling himself not to react, either externally or internally. “Then I’ll be able to visit Ash.” She winked at him, and he nearly asked her not to do such things, that it wasn’t fair. Except, he feared everything she did drew him to her.

“Perhaps you’d like to take a ride with me tomorrow?” he asked.

“I don’t ride.”

“Oh.” Stupidly, he hesitated, as if he didn’t know how to respond to her statement. Plenty of ladies didn’t ride. “How about a drive, then? I’ll bring Ash.” That would actually be much better than a ride. He should have suggested it straightaway.

She stopped and turned toward him, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I’d planned to see you tonight and ask my favor regarding your brother and his wife. That was supposed to be the end of our association.”

“You just said you wanted to be friends.”

“I do, which is surprising and perhaps a little frustrating. After hearing Lady Witney the other day, I’d decided to avoid your family entirely.”

“While I can appreciate your desire to stay clear of Susan—Lady Witney—I can assure you that I am nothing like her. Or my brother.”

“I’m learning that.” She studied him a moment. “Furthermore, you perplex me. You look as though you should be a confident rake swanning his way through London. Yet you are thoughtful, caring, and perhaps even a trifle, dare I say, awkward?” She shook her head. “Forgive me, that isn’t the kindest word. I mean you seem slightly ill at ease.”

Gregory couldn’t help grinning. “I am most definitely awkward, particularly around fascinating, assertive women such as yourself. It was a problem when I was searching for a wife last Season.”

“We can work on that.” She pivoted back to facing forward in the direction they were taking along the path. “If you want to. I’ve been known to help people with certain things. Granted, they have all been women.”

She was offering to help him? He could use guidance, particularly from a woman, if he wanted to find a wife. And it was an excellent reason to spend time with her. “You’ll teach me the art of subtlety and flirtation? And not to be awkward?”

“I can try. Although, I’m not sure you shouldn’t embrace your awkwardness. It’s endearing.”

A thrill shot through him. Gregory couldn’t help feeling flattered. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good. We’ll start tomorrow when we take that drive.”