Page 84 of How to Wed a Courtesan

‘I do hope that one disagreeable reaction is all you’ll encounter.’ Kentworth took a sip of his drink. ‘The ton can be rather judgmental.’

‘Rather, indeed.’ Evander sighed. ‘Unfortunately, my mother has lost a long-time acquaintance. Someone she once considered a friend.’

Kentworth nodded, his brow wrinkled. ‘You truly do care for your wife. I hope she appreciates how far your love extends.’

Evander’s eyes found Lottie in the crowd, where she stood with Violet and Eleanor, the three of them laughing and smiling.

‘I’m certain she does.’

‘What the deuce?’ Kentworth stiffened, his focus pinpointing a tall, older gentleman who wove through the crowd. ‘Who would possibly have invited Lord Finsby?’

Evander lifted a brow as he searched his memory. ‘Lord Finsby? Was he not an associate of my father and the late Duke of Somersville?’

Kentworth continued to study the curious man with an affronted frown. ‘Yes—and one of your wife’s former protectors.’

The words slammed hard into Evander’s chest with an impact that nearly made him stagger back. ‘I beg your pardon?’

He kept his gaze fixed on the man who continued to walk towards something with purpose. Or perhaps someone. He was older than him. Quite old, in fact. Although his snow-white hair was still thick and brushed regally to the side, and his attire as stately as any other gentleman in the room. He strode without a limp nor the aid of a cane, appearing as hearty and hale as a man half his age.

Kentworth uttered a low curse. ‘Forgive me, Westix. Usually Rawley is here to keep me from saying everything that’s in my head.’ He gulped down the remainder of his drink in one great swallow. ‘I didn’t mean—’ He grimaced. ‘I’ll make it up to you.’

But Evander was scarcely listening to Kentworth. His entire attention was fixed on Lord Finsby, who was now only a few feet away from Lottie, his gaze locked with purpose.

There was no mistaking whom he intended to see.

Lottie popped the last bit of cake into her mouth. It was moist, with a thin layer of sugar over the top that seemed to melt upon her tongue and leave the slightest hint of rose. Violet was correct. It was perhaps the best Lottie had ever tasted.

Violet and Eleanor left to go to the retiring room as Lottie finished her cake. She’d turned to glance about the room, in the hopes of finding Evander, when her gaze settled on an entirely different familiar face.

Lord Finsby.

A torrent of memories rushed at her in that instant. The times they’d stayed up far too late talking, the laughter they’d shared, the fears he’d assuaged. Of all her protectors, he was the only one she’d told about Lily. The only one she’d told about Evander.

Lord Finsby hadn’t been in the market for a lover. Not like her other benefactors. He’d simply wanted a companion—someone who understood him and with whom he could speak without rebuke or judgment. It was his personal physician who had seen to Lily the night her breathing went so terribly wrong. And when Lord Finsby departed for a trip that would keep him in Italy for some time, he left her with ownership of the townhouse in Bloomsbury and a stipend to see her settled until she obtained a new protector.

‘Lady Westix.’ He inclined his head respectfully towards her.

‘Lord Finsby,’ she said, with genuine delight.

‘You look well, my dear.’ His kind brown eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. ‘Better than well, in fact. You’re glowing with joy. I see miracles do happen and the fates have returned your love to you.’ He nodded, more to himself than to her. ‘Marriage becomes you.’

‘Thank you.’ She couldn’t help smiling at his praise. ‘It appears your travels have done you some good. I trust you are well?’

‘Quite, my dear, and it is so kind of you to ask.’ He puffed out his chest. ‘I too have found love.’

Lottie clasped her hands to her chest. ‘Oh, Lord Finsby, that’s wonderful.’

‘She is widowed, like myself, and has the joie de vivre of someone half our age.’ He chuckled to himself. ‘You would adore her.’

Lottie glanced about. ‘Is she here? I’d love to meet her.’

‘Alas, she’s in Venice still. I’m only here briefly on business.’ He nodded towards Charles, who was standing some distance away. ‘I saw Charles yesterday and he mentioned the ball and asked if I’d like to come.’

‘I’m so glad you did,’ Lottie said. ‘It is good to see you.’

He bowed to her, maintaining the proper amount of distance between them, no doubt out of consideration and to ensure no one misconstrued their meeting. ‘Likewise. It is truly wonderful to see you so happy.’

‘Safe travels back to Italy.’