Page 13 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

“As much as I’m thrilled to be an uncle, I must say the boon attached to your absence is an even greater gift,” Edwin remarked, but without heat.

He was truly happy to meet the little copy of his brother, and he hoped it was of the female variety, so he’d be tormented with having to navigate her courtship one day. The thought made him chuckle. Better yet, let the little girl take after their sister.

Maybe not. The world didn’t need two.

God save them all.

“Your expression is terrifying,” Henley remarked.

“It’s nothing.” Edwin shook off the idea and looked toward the wallflower kingdom.

His gaze landed on Lady Molly. He’d pay a call to her tomorrow, just late enough in the day to make her wonder if he was in fact coming. It would set up the expectation perfectly, because he wouldn’t seem eager.

There was a delicate balance.

“Do you think you’ll call on her?” Henley asked.

Edwin nodded once, not looking to his brother. “Tomorrow.”

“Best of luck,” Henley added.

Edwin looked to him, skeptical of how his brother meant the words.

Henley’s expression was open. “I mean it. You could do worse. Just…”

Edwin narrowed his eyes. “Just … what?”

Henley smacked his shoulder. “Don’t mess it up.”

Chapter Six

Don’t mess this up. Eliza adjusted the tea service, refolded a napkin, and smoothed her skirt. It was nearly time for potential callers to stop by, and she was a bundle of nerves. Certainly, at least one or two of the gentlemen she danced with yesterday would come to call, but particularly, she hoped Lord Langshire would make an appearance. He was her prime prospect, she had decided. If he failed to show interest, she had considered her best second and third choices. Certainly, of the three, one would make an appearance.

“It looks perfect,” Pere said.

“I hope so.” Eliza instinctively touched her stomach, the butterflies taking flight as she glanced to the clock.

“You’ll be surrounded by swains, don’t you worry,” Pere remarked with her usual cheeky charm. “You danced every set last night. I’m surprised you can stand! Your feet must ache.”

“A little,” Eliza confessed, but it was a small price to pay to have callers today. “It’s nearly time, do you think they will arrive on the hour, or do you think it will be more of a drawn-out affair? I’ve never done this before and it’s so different in the country.”

“Ah, well, a little of both, actually. It depends on the gentleman’s schedule, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a few eager men here right at four.”

As if on cue, the butler came into the room with a silver tray, several calling cards on the top.

“And so it begins.” Pere gave a smile and accepted the tray. “Let’s see who is here.” She glanced meaningfully to Eliza.

The butterflies took off at a full speed in Eliza’s belly, and her heart began to hammer. Calm, reserved, intentional. She rehearsed the words in her mind. Be what they expect, what they want. That’s why they are here. She took a deep breath through her nose and waited for Pere to list the names.

“Baron Holley, Sir Wainswite, and Lord Bargler,” Pere stated. “Please show them in.” She nodded to the butler and took a seat. “You’re not alone. I’m here, respectable chaperone that I am now.” She gave a teasing grin.

“I’m ready.” Eliza took a seat beside the window, the sunshine filtering in and giving a cheery glow.

She picked up a needlepoint project, one that she began yesterday for the sole purpose of having one available for today, and began moving the needle in and out of the linen.

The butler returned, the gentlemen in tow, and Eliza stood, allowing a welcoming smile to slowly spread across her face. “Good afternoon,” she greeted and gestured to the empty chairs. “Gentlemen, may I offer you tea?” she asked, giving each man a smile as they bowed and found a seat.

And so progressed her afternoon. At intervals, new gentlemen would arrive and the previous ones would give their regards and depart. It was nearing the time when her at home hours would end when she received the card she’d been most hoping to see.