Page 49 of Redemption of a Marquess

Her head snapped up, and he was startled at the fear in her eyes. “I detest gossip.” She laid down her fork. “I am finished with breakfast.” She pushed back her chair and rose.

Valan opened his mouth to remind her that a lady always excused herself before leaving a room, but stopped short when he glimpsed a shimmer of moisture in her eyes an instant before she turned and hurried from the room. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the doorway, his mind on last night.

* * *

The carriage approached the home and Jeanine was surprised at the size of the mansion. “Lord Gordon’s home is larger than Grey’s,” she said to Miss Stone. “I imagined that Grey had more money than him.”

“The size of a man’s house does not necessarily indicate his true wealth,” Miss Stone said. “His lordship is a man of genteel taste. He will not flaunt his wealth. I am not certain the same can be said of Lord Gordon.”

“I suppose you are right,” Jeanine said. Lord Gordon certainly didn’t have Grey’s manners.

The carriage stopped, then tilted to the right as the footman left the perch beside Mr. Potts and descended to the cobblestone. He opened the door and helped them down. Half a dozen other carriages lined the street.

“We will wait here for you, Miss,” Mr. Potts said.

“Jeanine smiled up at him. “Thank you, Mr. Potts.”

She and Miss Stone started up the walk.

“I must advise against your course of action once more, Miss Matheson,” Miss Stone murmured. “I feel certain his lordship can deal with Mr. Gordon.”

Jeanine shook her head. “He will advise us to ignore Lord Gordon. I cannot allow Grey’s reputation to be blemished on my account. If he wishes to marry Lady Claire, then we must help him.”

“I find it difficult to believe he wants to marry her,” Miss Stone said.

“Lady Guilford said they discussed marriage negotiations. Men don’t enter into marriage negotiations if they don’t want to be married.”

They reached the door and it opened before they could knock. A somber butler led them down the hallway and upstairs to the first floor. Jeanine spotted servants’ stairs to her left as they passed. Two doors down, they reached a parlor and entered.

Jeanine blinked against the glare of the room’s bright purples and blues. “My goodness,” she blurted, then looked at Miss Stone, whose expression remained bland. Only the hint of disdain in her dark eyes gave away her true feelings. Miss Stone was right. Lord Gordon’s taste was not as refined as Grey’s.

Two dozen people occupied the room, some at cards tables, some sitting on divans and chairs drinking tea, chatting.

“Miss Matheson.” Lord Gordon approached from her right.

Jeanine smiled, and hoped her shock at seeing a bright yellow waistcoat beneath his jacket wasn’t obvious. She forced her eyes to meet his and not linger on the ridiculously complex cravat that hung halfway down his chest. He reached them and grasped her hand, then pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

She froze the smile on her face and said, “You remember Miss Stone?”

He bowed, but didn’t take Miss Stone’s hand. “Of course. A pleasure to see you again, Miss Stone.” The words were proper, but Jeanine caught frustration in his voice.

He led them to a table, ordered a maid to bring tea and cake, then launched into inane chatter about the weather, food, and upcoming parties, until Jeanine wanted to scream. She had to break free of him and have a look around the house.

“The ball last night was quite fantastic,” he said.

Jeanine nibbled on cake and nodded. “Lady Guilford’s efforts made the party an enormous success.”

“Indeed,” he said. “Indeed. Do you play cards, Miss Stone?”

“No more than passably, sir. Miss Matheson is the expert card player.”

“Lady Melanie has despaired of being able to find players. Perhaps you would oblige and play with her.”

“As I said, sir, I play only a passable game. I doubt I would offer any challenge.”

“But you would,” he said. “Lady Melanie is a new player, so could use a patient player like yourself to lend guidance.”

“I regret that I must decline,” Miss Stone said. “I must remain with my charge.”