Vexing the Viscount

Tavers? As in Middleton and Jonathon? Tia’s mind fluttered with questions. She knew Jonathon had no sisters so there was no relationship in that manner, but could they be cousins? Perhaps they had some knowledge of Jonathon’s whereabouts. She longed to ask them, but glancing over at Emily there was a slight shake to her head, as if she knew exactly what Tia was thinking.

“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Tia said in a demure tone. There was something about these two, especially Lady Bunworth, that she didn’t like. While her mother had always told her not to make sweeping decisions based on a first impression, something told Tia that Lady Bunworth would never be friends with either her or Emily.

Lady Bunworth nodded in a condescending manner as if she was better than any of them. As Tia looked at her, she realized Lady Bunworth couldn’t be more than twenty-three at most. And yet, she held herself up as far more superior in every way.

“It is a pleasure to meet you too,” Miss Tavers murmured.

“I do not remember seeing you at any of the Seasons in the past”—Lady Bunworth paused, looking Tia over from head to toe—“well, shall we say, the last few years.”

“I—”

“Unfortunately, my dear cousin hasn’t had the opportunity,” Emily interrupted quickly. She leaned in closer and whispered, “Poor dear, one death after another in her family. First her father and then her dear mother became sick, so she was caring for her. And then Mrs. Featherstone succumbed.”

“Oh, my,” Miss Tavers whispered in return. “I am dreadfully sorry for all the losses, Miss Featherstone.”

Tia blinked as if holding back tears. “Thank you. It has been a difficult few years.”

“But now, you’re free to enjoy all that Society can bring,” Miss Tavers said brightly.

“I suppose I am.” Tia sipped her lemonade, wishing it were a glass of wine. Emily had insisted on no spirits to muddle the mind. How could Tia bring up Jonathon’s name without admitting she knew him? That would only draw suspicion to her and possibly ruin the sham of a background Emily had created for her.

“You must dance with my brother, Alistair,” Miss Tavers announced. “I shall find him at once.”

“Louisa . . .” Lady Bunworth tried to intercede, but Miss Tavers had left just as quickly as she’d made her proclamation. “Good evening, Lady Eldridge, Miss Featherstone.”

Emily giggled once Lady Bunworth left them in peace. “I truly have never liked that woman. Miss Tavers is a fine person.”

“Are they related to Middleton?”

“Oh dear,” Emily whispered. “They are cousins but I don’t believe they are close. You shouldn’t worry that they will speak of you to Middleton. Lady Bunworth would consider you unworthy of mention.”

“And her brother?”

“Handsome enough.” Emily frowned. “There have been some rumors about his fortune lately. He never had much to start and recently let go his valet.”

Tia wanted to slam her hand against her forehead. “But is he close to Middleton?”

“Tia, you must stop worrying over Middleton. I am sure no one will speak of you being here to him.”

Tia supposed Emily had a point. “Should I dance with Lady Bunworth’s brother, then?”

“Of course. The more men who see you on the dance floor, the more attractive you will seem to them.”

“Why?”

“Because the more you dance, the more other men will see something in you that makes you worthy to take to the floor.”

Tia felt as if she’d stepped into another world. A world that made no sense to her. She watched in fascination as a man close to her in age strode toward them. He was, as Emily said, handsome with sandy brown hair, cut neatly short. He smiled as he approached.

“Lady Eldridge, my sister insisted I come over and greet you,” he said in a warm tone.

“Mr. Tavers, it is lovely to see you again. This is my cousin, Miss Hestia Featherstone.”

Mr. Tavers faced her and bowed over her hand. “It is a pleasure in

deed, Miss Featherstone.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tavers.” Tia knew she had to pry a little about the family name to see if he knew anything about Jonathon. It was tricky business because she couldn’t admit to knowing him. “Tavers? I feel I know that name from somewhere.”