Page 23 of Brazen

“Why would I be angry?”

She regarded him. “Lord Magnus, is it? Why did you introduce yourself as Mr. Forbes?”

“That is my name.”

They entered the refreshments room and she started to ask who he was related to, then caught sight of her brother Joshua. He met her gaze, then shifted his attention to Lord Magnus and frowned. Lord Magnus led her to the refreshments table. An instant later, Joshua reached her side.

“I have been looking for you.” Joshua looked meaningfully at Lord Magnus.

“Lord Magnus, this is my brother Joshua. Joshua, this is Lord Magnus, the new owner of Barkely Hall.”

Surprise flickered in Joshua’s eyes. He gave Lord Magnus a stiff bow. “My lord.”

“Mr. Forbes will do,” Lord Magnus said. “I am only the second son, so I go by Mr. Forbes.”

Joshua angled his head in acknowledgment. “As you wish, sir.” He looked at Mia. “Where is Aunt Leana and Angeline?”

“They are sitting with Sir Stirling in a private parlor. Mr. Forbes and I are here to fetch champagne for everyone. We could use your help.”

Frustration flickered in his eyes, but he nodded and surprised her by saying, “Of course.”

He didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of Lord Magnus. Her heart constricted. There was something to be said for having another man around. They each selected two glasses of champagne then left the refreshments room and returned to the private parlor.

Lord Magnus stood aside and allowed her to enter first. Joshua followed with Lord Magnus in the rear.

Aunt Leana looked their way. Her expression brightened. “Joshua, I wondered where you’d gotten off to.”

Sir Stirling rose as they neared and hurried to take one of the glasses of champagne from Mia. He gave the glass to Aunt Leana, and Joshua gave a glass to Angelina. Lord Magnus gave a glass to Sir Stirling.

“My lord,” Joshua gave a slight bow to Sir Stirling.

“So nice to see you, Joshua,” Sir Stirling said. “Please, have a seat.”

Mia took a seat on the couch to her aunt’s right. Lord Magnus started around the couch. Joshua slid past him and dropped into the chair nearest her. Mia glimpsed the hint of a smile on Lord Magnus’s mouth as he continued around the chair and settled in the chair beside Sir Stirling. Mia caught the thin-lipped look Aunt Leana cast Joshua but, as usual, her brother remained oblivious.

“How are you liking Barkely Hall, sir?” Angeline asked Lord Magnus. “It must be very different from city life.”

He cast Sir Stirling a glance. “I see Sir Stirling has been acquainting you with your newest neighbor.”

Stirling smiled. “Only that you last resided in Edinburgh and plan to farm and ranch. Of course, I mentioned how you are interested in purchasing some of Kaerndal Castle’s property.”

“The property isn’t for sale,” Joshua said.

Their aunt frowned. “In fact, we are considering selling some of the property.”

“Father strictly forbade it,” Joshua said.

Mia stared in surprise. Since their father’s incarceration, Joshua had refused to speak of him. The last thing she expected was for him to enforce any of their father’s wishes.

“You are mistaken, Joshua,” Aunt Leana said, then turned her gaze to Lord Magnus. “Perhaps Sir Stirling might help facilitate a discussion.”

“I would be happy to help,” Sir Stirling replied.

From the corner of her eye, Mia watched Joshua. His mouth thinned and he watched Lord Magnus over the rim of his champagne glass.

“Magnus plans to grow oats and potatoes,” Stirling said. “As well as raise cattle.”

“Have you farmed before?” Joshua asked.