“No, really, I’m fine.” She tried to brush the mud from her gown, but it only made matters worse.

“My dear Miss Barrow, it would delight me no end to have you call me Freddie.”

Emily was not at all comfortable with the idea. It would only start up the courtship again. And now that she was married, he needed to understand that it would be entirely inappropriate. “Mr. Reynolds, thank you, but I…believe you may not have heard of my recent nuptials. I am Lady Whitmore now.”

“Really.” His voice transformed with a hint of irritation. “I hadn’t heard.”

Her cheeks flooded with color, and she managed to nod. “Yes. Well, I really must be going now. It was a pleasure to see you again.”

Freddie’s face became a mask, as if he’d suddenly realized the angry tone. “Forgive me. It was rather a shock to hear of your marriage.”

With a warm smile, he opened the door to his barouche and bowed. “Please. Since it was my fault you fell into the mud, you must allow me to make amends.”

“I do not wish to soil the inside of your carriage.” She held up her muddy skirts. “I had best walk home. It isn’t far.”

“I wouldn’t hear of it.” Freddie removed his cloak and set it upon the seat beside him. “There. Your throne awaits, my lady fair.”

He wasn’t going to relent. Though she winced at the thought of leaving muddy traces upon the fine cloak, another refusal might cause greater embarrassment.

She decided there could be no harm in accepting a ride, so she gathered up her purchases. One of the footmen rode with the driver as an escort, while she sent the other man home.

“Seeing you again does my heart good,” he insisted. “The beauty of your perfect face and the sweetness of your deportment have haunted my dreams.”

Emily nearly choked. She doubted if her husband would call her deportment sweet. And hadn’t Freddie heard her when she’d said she was married? What were his intentions?

“May I call upon you?” he asked. “I would cherish the pleasure of your company.”

Oh, no. That would not do at all. Not with her marriage in such a delicate state. The earl would be furious.

“Mr. Reynolds, I am flattered, but as a married lady, I—“

Freddie held up his hand. “I shall adore you from afar, then. Say no more, my lady.”

It wasn’t quite what she’d wanted, but she let it go. Freddie’s smile faded into melancholy a moment later. “I should like to extend my sympathies upon the loss of your brother.”

Emily nodded, feeling the familiar twinge of hurt when she thought of Daniel. “Thank you.”

“Were you—with him, the night he—?” Freddie’s voice broke off, embarrassed at his question.

Emily shook her head. “No. I found out when they brought his body, and…” She broke off, not wanting to remember. “I’d rather not speak of that night.”