Page 2 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

“I usually do, unfortunately my wife begs to differ,” he teased. “But I am right in this aspect. So, change. Start over. You have a rare opportunity because, oddly enough, everyone is watching to see if you, in fact, did change.”

“I never thought I’d see the day where I’d say you were right,” Edwin pestered, allowing himself to release some of the tension in his shoulders.

“I always knew I was, whether or not you admitted it,” Henley joked. “Now. If I’m not mistaken, the lady accompanying our new brother is heading our way for an introduction.”

Edwin followed his brother’s attention to Lord Hawthorne, their sister’s new husband. He nodded in welcome and then shifted his gaze to the woman on his left side. She was tall, nearly as tall as Hawthorne, with a curvy figure that made her modest dress seem decidedly seductive, even though it was perfectly hiding all the right charms. Edwin blinked, focusing his attention on her face, rather than her form. Expressive, wide brown eyes met his, a flutter of curiosity and polite distance flickering before she turned her attention to Henley.

“Allendale, Devon.” Hawthorne’s voice drew Edwin’s attention from the woman on his arm. “Allow me to introduce Lady Eliza Montford, a cousin.”

Henley was the first to accept her hand. “Delightful to make your acquaintance, Lady Eliza. I hope you’ll save me a dance?”

“Of course, I’d be honored.” Lady Eliza spoke, her tone matched her form, sultry, alluring, and decadent.

Edwin swallowed and watched as her attention shifted to him.

“Lady Eliza.” He offered his hand and deftly kissed the air above her wrist. “I’d be honored if you’d save me a dance as well.” He met her gaze boldly, watching as she nodded.

“Of course, my lord. Thank you,” she answered.

Edwin watched her blush prettily under his gaze, and while it pleased him to see her reaction, he remembered his brother’s words. He had been given the opportunity for a fresh start; he needed to make those changes now. He took a step back, releasing her hand, and turned his attention to Hawthorne.

“It’s quite the well-attended event, is it not?” Hawthorne said.

“It was quite a disaster when we first arrived, the Rymonts’ carriage broke a wheel, and they were holding up the whole line,” Lady Hawthorne whispered conspiratorially.

Edwin turned his attention to Hawthorne’s right and, for the first time, noticed his sister. “Ah, Pere. Good to see you too.”

“And now he notices me,” she badgered. “I was waiting but I shall forgive you,” she pestered. “At least this time. I might not be so benevolent if it happens again.”

Edwin arched a brow. “I’d believe you except we’ve a history that proves your threats null and void.”

His sister gave him a quick assessment and then turned to her husband. “Well?”

Edwin watched as Hawthorne blinked and frowned slightly at his wife, a slightly alarmed expression entering his eyes. “Well?” he repeated, his tone cautious.

Edwin glanced to Henley and noted that he was biting back a smile, as well, as he watched the dynamic between the two.

Pere gave a sigh of impatience. “Aren’t you going to ask me to dance?”

Hawthorne’s answering grin was wolfish, and Edwin decided the entertainment had ended.

“You had me concerned, perhaps I forgot something important again…” Hawthorne grasped his wife’s hand and tugged her close, as if to pull her into a waltz frame when no music surrounded them.

“Again is the key word,” Pere replied, her smile teasing and far too intimate for a ballroom.

Henley cleared his throat.

Edwin glanced away, then to Lady Eliza, who was watching the whole exchange with a curious, somewhat wistful expression.

“And yet, I somehow charm my way out of it.”

“You are rather annoyingly charming. But it was delightful to see you momentarily panic. I saw it in your eyes, don’t deny it,” Pere teased.

“I did, I’ll not deny it, but look how easily you melted into my arms … you nearly already forgot what you asked,” Hawthorne whispered.

Edwin glanced back and decided enough was enough. “If you had forgotten, this is a rather public venue.”

“I hadn’t forgotten,” Hawthorne answered, not sparing his brother-in-law a glance.