ke that," Noelle replied. She inclined her head at Pierce, her expression quizzical. "Forgive me for asking, Your Grace, but your reason for needing to speak with Ashford—it related to finances?"
"Indeed it did. My son is brilliant with numbers." Pierce returned her puzzled look with one of his own. "Why do you ask?"
"I'm not sure." Noelle shrugged. "Perhaps because you both seemed so earnest when you spoke—not that you said or did anything overt, but just that there seemed to be an underlying tension…" She broke off. "I suppose I have an overly active imagination."
"Not at all." A surge of admiration shot through Pierce. This young woman was astute. Very astute. "The truth is, Ashford and I do tend to become very intense when we're dealing with money—especially money meant to benefit others. I apologize if we caused you any concern."
"You needn't apologize. I understand." In contrast to her claim, Noelle looked thoroughly unconvinced, and Pierce began to see why Ashford considered the chore of diverting her a daunting one indeed.
Hopefully Daphne would find a way to do so.
Even as he culminated his thought, Pierce sensed, rather than saw, his wife turn her head, visually communicating with someone nearby.
He didn't need to look to see who that someone was.
"Enjoy the party," he told Noelle, confident that the necessary diversion had been arranged. "I'll show your parents to the study."
Pierce, Brigitte, and Eric moved off.
Noelle had just taken a reflexive step to follow them, when Carston appeared by her side.
"Lady Noelle, may I have the honor of this dance?" he inquired with a bow.
She blinked, looking about and realizing that many guests were lining up in pairs, preparing for a reel. "Oh." She caught a quick glimpse of her parents as they disappeared through the doorway. Then she turned back to Carston. "Of course. I'd be delighted, my lord. Thank you."
He offered her his arm and led her onto the floor.
"Was that helpful?" Juliet murmured in her mother's ear. "Perfect, darling," Daphne assured her, watching with satisfaction as Noelle got caught up in the dance. "Noelle is not an easy young woman to fool. Then again, I suspect your brother already knows that, which is why our combined efforts—yours, mine, and your father's—were needed."
"What do you think Ashe wants to discuss with the earl and countess?" Juliet sounded as excited as a young girl. "Or need I ask?"
Daphne's slender brows arched in amusement. "I think it's a little soon for what you're alluding to. However, it's safe to say that this talk will not solely be about business."
"Mother, he's in love with her."
A sage nod. "Yes, dear, I know."
"The question is, does Ashe?"
Sparks of pleasure lit Daphne's eyes. "I believe he's in the process of finding out."
* * *
Pierce ushered Eric and Brigitte into the study, then shut the door and took his leave.
Ashford stood near the window, staring out across the grounds.
"How can we be of help?" Eric asked him, scanning the empty desk with a baffled look.
"Pardon me?" Ashford pivoted to face them, his eyes narrowed in question.
"Your father said you had a financial question that pertained to our parish. We're here to answer it."
"Ah." A half-smile. "Father's keen mind never ceases to amaze me." Slowly, Ashford crossed over to the desk, gesturing for Eric and Brigitte to sit. "Thank you for coming so quickly. As it happens, I do have a question for you. But it's not financial, and it has nothing to do with your parish. That excuse was simply something Father conjured up to hasten your appearance and delude any eavesdroppers."
"I don't understand," Brigitte murmured, settling herself in an armchair. "What is this about, Lord Tremlett?"
"Noelle."