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He leaned forward just enough to ensure she caught his look of consternation. “And now the smile is gone.”

“Should we take a turn about the room?” Vivian stood, and after a moment, his eyebrows lifted, Alexander did the same.

Vivian purposefully walked to the fireplace at other side of the room. Mr. Yarnsby joined her. Since the settee was behind the others’ chairs, only her father looked over to where they went, then returned his attention to Penelope.

“You must stop interfering in my personal life,” Vivian asserted.

The corners of his lips lifted, just enough to not quite become a smile. “I am not sure what you mean.”

It took a lot of self-control not to do something childish like stomp on his perfectly shined boot. “You are well aware what I am referring to. I received a note earlier from Mr. Jameson, stating he will no longer be visiting. What did you do?”

When he looked down his nose at her, Vivian curled her hands into fists. With one look or expression, he managed to make her so angry.

“I happened upon Mr. Jameson at a gentlemen’s club. I merely asked his intentions and made it clear that you were not in the least bit interested.”

With every word, her eyes went wider and wider. “How dare you?” At a loss for what else to do, Vivian’s mouth remained open.

“Deny it,” Alexander prodded. “You wished nothing more than to be away from him, the other night at yer home, when he accosted you.”

It was true; Mr. Jameson had put her off when declaring himself. Vivian had already begun to plan ways to dissuade him.

“It is not your place to represent me Sir. Do not interfere in matters that pertain to me ever again.” Vivian rose to her tiptoes and glared at him. “Do you understand?”

“Vivian?” Her mother tapped her shoulder. “Perhaps you would like to come join us?”

It was then she looked over to find everyone stared at them.

“See what you did?” She motioned to the other side of the room with her right hand.

Thankfully, everyone in the room was either family or like family, so there was no chance of any rumors spreading. Nonetheless, it was mortifying that she had become so distracted as not to notice the music had stopped.

Forcing a smile, she focused on Clara. “Mr. Yarnsby and I have different opinions on women’s rights.”

It being one of Clara’s favorite subjects, her sister immediately came to her rescue. “Alexander, I hope you will come to understand that my sisters and I are like-minded in that we feel women are vastly undervalued in London society.”

Mr. Yarnsby slid a look to Vivian. “I am in complete agreement. However, it is also true that without a male champion, it is impossible for a woman to thrive in high society. It is unfortunate but true.”

“I agree with Mr. Yarnsby. I give my girls as much freedom as possible, but at times they push the boundaries of polite society. Not to say they are in any way doing something that would ruin them. My wife and daughters have always had a soft heart for the poor and elderly,” her wonderful father pointed out.

“Oh goodness,” Lady Barrow added. “Since very young, all three have expressed a rather fervent need to learn and study as well. I do say, that is what will make your girls wonderful wives to fortunate husbands.”

Vivian hurried to Lady Barrow and kissed her cheek. “And you understand us, which is why we love you so very much.”

“Play something for us, Lady Barrow,” her mother insisted, giving Vivian a pointed look.

Sit down and do not make any more blunders tonight.

* * *

“I know, Mother, you do not have to lecture me. It was wrong of me to allow Mr. Yarnsby to annoy me so,” Vivian said as they rode back home after a wonderful evening.

Her mother lifted a brow. “It was more than that. Mr. Yarnsby is a member of the family now. You must learn to get along with him. Honestly, Vivian, he is delightful. I do not know why he bothers you so.”

“I do,” Penelope said. “Vivian has not admitted it yet, but she finds him appealing.”

Vivian huffed. “What I find him is maddening. I do have a strong urge to stomp on his feet.”

“Well, you will be spending time with him in the country. Do keep your ire in check,” her mother insisted.