Page 4 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

It was a grand new world.

With scandals coming back from the Continent—him. And buried secrets trying to stay buried, with long lost relatives hoping to change their fortunes—Lady Eliza. They were a grand lot, Edwin decided. And as the music started, he decided that if he were to be a part of the madness that was the London ton, he might as well dance.

“Lady Eliza, would you honor me?” He offered his hand.

A quirk of her full lips bloomed into a small smile before her brother caught her hand before it touched Edwin’s.

“Actually, I believe I must do the proper introductions for the dance since you are, after all, family.” Hawthorne gave a quick nod to Edwin. “I’m sure she’ll save a dance for you soon, Lord Devon.” Hawthorne led his sister away, and she spared him a quick backward glance and shrug before she dove into the fray of the Scottish reel.

“Well, that doesn’t happen every day.” Henley’s words pulled him from watching Lady Eliza dancing.

“Pardon?”

Pere snickered softly and came to stand on his other side. “I’d have to agree.”

“With?” Edwin asked his siblings, already irritated with their antics.

“I remember a time when the debutantes would literally pray for you to ask them to dance, I don’t think you ever have been undermined.”

“I’ve certainly never seen it.”

Edwin gave an exasperated expression to each of them in turn. “I’m also home from my self-imposed exile so … I don’t see anyone lining up at present. That certainly needs to change. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.”

“Give it time, they are calculating,” Pere replied.

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of and yet hoping for at the same time. It’s quite confusing.”

“I’d think you’d be used to the confusion by now,” Henley chimed in.

“And you’re no help. Married right and tight and free from the burden of performance.” Edwin gave him a sarcastic look.

“Oh, I perform.” Henley’s answering smile was devilish.

“And now I want to leave,” Pere groaned.

“Turnabout is fair play, sister,” Henley reminded her.

“It’s more fun when it comes from me.”

“I disagree,” Edwin felt the need to interject.

“You would,” Pere retorted.

Edwin twisted his lips. “They are certain that no one knows?”

The silence that followed let him know they fully understood the context of his question. Words they wouldn’t, couldn’t, say in public somehow were communicated in that simple question.

“I’m certain,” Pere answered. “I’ve asked, and checked, and asked again. He’s just as concerned, but we’re in the clear. Unless we’re the ones that disclose.”

Edwin gave a dry chuckle. “It would be a cold day in hell.”

“Agreed. And she has more to lose—”

“Shhh, just in case,” Pere scolded.

“Regardless, it will be fine. It’s half a season, what could go wrong in that short of time?”

“Famous last words, sister.” Henley took an invisible sip from his champagne.