Chapter 4
The gentleman, however, did not retreat. “Are you sure? Can I escort you anywhere?” he asked.
“No, thank you. I simply wanted a few moments out of the crush,” she replied with honesty
He smiled at her. “I came out for the same reason. But your friends…?”
It was unusual for a lady to be outside unescorted, she supposed. She was fed up with the whole palaver all of a sudden. “I assured my aunt that I was in no imminent danger from stepping out onto the terrace alone,” she retorted, clapping the fan closed again and half turning away.
He was taken aback. “I do beg your pardon, Madam,” he said. “I did not mean to intrude.” He went to step away.
She sighed. She didn’t want to offend him. He seemed…benign. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Please, don’t feel you have to go. I’m altogether out of sorts and sorry for myself. Please accept my apology, that was rude.”