Page 14 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

Lord Langshire. The elegant script of the name was a welcome sight, and she shared a glance with Pere, took a deep breath, and strove to listen intently to the gentleman she was currently conversing with, a Lord Shotman.

As the butler arrived, announcing Lord Langshire, Eliza took the opportunity to make her excuses to Lord Shotman to perform her hostess duties to her new arrival. With an apologetic smile to her hopeful swain, she turned to greet Lord Langshire. At once, it was a noticeably different entrance than those of the men before. Rather than focus on her, he scanned the room, his eyes taking in each gentleman and seeming to measure them for something. His dark brows didn’t furrow, but they were in solid lines that added to the evaluating expression on his face. After he’d taken in the room, he turned his gaze to Eliza. At once, the expression softened.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” she offered softly, curtseying and coming to stand before him.

He took her hand and kissed the air above her wrist.

Boldy, she added, “I was hoping to see you today, thank you.”

Lord Langshire gave her hand a little squeeze before he released it. “I see I’m in competition for your companionship, but what a worthy challenge,” he complimented, offering a warm smile.

“You flatter me. May I offer you tea? The maid has just refreshed the pot.” She gestured to the tea things on the table.

“That would be most appreciated.”

Eliza demurred and then motioned to a high-back chair beside another empty one. “Would you care to sit? I’ll join you shortly.”

“Thank you.” He nodded, then turned, and upon seeing Pere, he gave a little bow. “Lady Hawthorne.”

“Lord Langshire,” Pere’s voice welcomed, and Eliza took a deep breath and poured his tea.

“Do you take cream or sugar?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder to him.

“No, I thank you. Just tea,” he replied as he took a seat.

“I’ll take my leave, Lady Eliza, it was a pleasure.”

Eliza set the tea service down and nodded to Lord Shotman. “Thank you for coming, it was a pleasure to speak with you,” she offered sweetly.

He bowed and left.

She lifted the teacup and turned to serve Lord Langshire. “And here you go. Tell me about your day, my lord,” she said by way of starting the conversation.

He took a sip of tea and set the delicate china cup back in its saucer. “It was eventful, which is why I was so late this afternoon.”

“Hopefully, the events were of the good variety,” Eliza offered.

She placed her hands on her lap, tipped her head, and leaned forward slightly, showing interest and just a hint of concern. It must all be played perfectly, and she kept her focus on his eyes, reading his expression as best as she could.

“There was an issue at my country estate, a fire at one of the tenants’ houses. It would seem the injuries are minimal, but we will need to rebuild and, for the time being, the family is without a home.” His eyebrows rose in sympathy, then he frowned as if continuing to consider the issue.

“That’s very good news that the injuries weren’t life-threatening, but I am sorry for the loss of their home. I can’t imagine how dreadful that would feel. Will you need to travel there?”

His eyes flickered to hers. “Already trying to get rid of me?” he flirted.

“No.” She blushed, glanced down, and then softly continued, “Afraid I’ll have to say goodbye far too soon.”

He gave a low chuckle. “Ah, I don’t think you’re in any danger of that, Lady Eliza. So have no fear.” He reached out and patted her hands as they rested on her lap.

“That is comforting to hear, my lord,” she murmured, then glanced up through her lashes. “I so enjoyed last evening. Tell me, do you often attend the parties?” She steered the conversation to their meeting the night before.

“When motivated enough, I attend.” He shrugged then took a sip of tea. “And it turns out I find myself quite motivated at present.”

Eliza smiled. “Tell me more about yourself, my lord. I want to know the man behind the charm and handsome smile, and a waltz is not always the best place to have a long conversation.”

“Are you saying I’m not boring you yet?” he trifled.

“Not at all.”