Page 26 of Brazen

Chapter Eight

They reached the ballroom. Aunt Leana and Angeline stood with Sir Stirling and Lord Magnus to the right of the hallway. Mia stopped beside Lord Magnus. Two women who strolled past looked their way. They leaned toward one another and whispered.

“Lord Lewis,” Sir Stirling addressed a man walking past with a woman. “Lady Lewis.”

The couple stopped.

The gentleman smiled. “So good to see you, Sir Stirling.”

Sir Stirling bent over Lady Lewis’s hand. “My lady.” He straightened. “May I introduce Lady Leana?”

Lord Lewis bent over her hand.

Sir Stirling indicated Angeline, and said, “And Lady Angeline.”

Angeline curtsied.

Sir Stirling looked at Mia. “Lady Mia.”

Mia caught the look of surprise on the man’s face as she curtsied.

“My lady,” he said stiffly.

“This is Lord Joshua,” Stirling continued smoothly.

The two nodded at one another.

“Lastly, Lord Magnus,” Sir Stirling said.

“My lord.” Magnus gave a slight bow.

“Sir,” Lord Lewis said in a curt tone.

Mia was certain now. The chill was too apparent.

“Of course, this is Lady Lewis.” Sir Stirling nodded to the lady.

“My lady,” Lord Magnus said.

“Ma’am,” Joshua said with a slight bow.

She didn’t extend her hand, but gave a nod of acknowledgement.

“If you will excuse us,” Lord Gordon said, “I was taking my wife to the balcony for some fresh air.”

“Of course,” Sir Stirling said. “The ballroom does get stuffy.”

Lord Lewis glanced at Mia, her sister and aunt, and said, “Ladies,” then led his wife away.

When they were out of earshot, Joshua said, “Don’t tell me no one else noticed how rude they were.”

“Joshua,” Mia started, but Sir Stirling shook his head.

“Your brother is right. They were terribly rude. I’m not sure what to make of it.”

Mia caught the sideways glance two gentlemen sent their way. Sir Stirling must have noticed as well, for he said, “Something strange is afoot.”

Lady Chastity rounded a group of guests. Her gaze fell on them and relief shone on her face. She hurried over.