Charlotte stifled a giggle. “I think,” she said with a reproving glance at Alex, “that I shall accept Lord Holland’s invitation, as it was the first extended.”

“Oh, no,” Alex said. “Why, Will and I are old friends, aren’t we, Will?”

Will nodded slowly.

“So we will all go together,” said Alex. “I have two carriages outside with more than enough picnic food and a nanny. Why don’t we all meet at the east side of Hyde Park, next to the statue of Eve? Will, perhaps you would accompany Lady Charlotte?”

Will nodded, his head spinning. Why on earth were they all going on a picnic together? And if Alex was competing for Charlotte’s hand, why did he so carelessly hand her over to him? He had to know that the carriage was a perfect tête-à-tête.

For her part, Charlotte was furious. She wasn’t as naive as Will Holland. She knew that she was outmaneuvered. After being so thoroughly kissed, she was unlikely to enjoy Will’s company overmuch in the carriage. No doubt, that was what this Alexander—or Alex, as Will called him—had surmised.

Ha! she thought vengefully.

And so when they were in the carriage and Will put a gentle arm around her shoulder, she unresistingly moved closer and lifted her face for a kiss in an entirely natural gesture that made Will’s hopes skyrocket. He kissed her skillfully, his tongue racing over her lips, parting them delicately.

Charlotte’s mind remained entirely clear. She did enjoy it, to a point. But there was nothing there to make her knees weak, or to make her feel instantly flushed. Even when a hand descended to her curls and pulled her closer, she didn’t feel a tingle in her stomach.

Will wasn’t fooled either. Charlotte was not responding at all. He pulled back and smiled down at her.

“I think,” he said, “that we should have a well-bred conversation, like the well-bred people that we are. Do you know, I think I saw your friend Cecilia Commonweal yesterday in Clark & Debenham? She appeared to be buying fourteen ostrich plumes, dyed a violent purple. Do you think that is possible?”

Charlotte giggled and then caught herself. “Feathers are all the rage,” she observed, not sure how possible it was to defend Sissy’s fashion sense.

“Oh, really?” Will said saucily. “And will London soon be seeing Lady Charlotte dressed up like one of the king’s best horses?”

To Charlotte’s mind it was taking an awfully long time for their carriage to arrive at Hyde Park. In fact, Will had directed his coachman to drive around the park twice before stopping, since he had hoped to spend the time passionately kissing his future bride.