Vexing the Viscount

The butler left and Tia couldn’t help but giggle. “Surely he knows if she is at home.”

Middleton stifled a smile. “True, but he doesn’t know if she will accept us into her home.”

Tia shook her head. She would never understand these people. “Why would she not? You are her cousin.”

“True, but if she doesn’t wish to speak with me, then the butler will say she is not at home. It is common courtesy.”

Footsteps announced the return of the butler. “Lady Bunworth will be down presently, my lord. I have ordered tea.”

“Thank you,” Middleton said.

Once the butler walked away, Tia whispered, “What will happen once everyone finds out we are not engaged?”

“Not now, Tia.”

Lady Bunworth appeared at the threshold. Her lips were pursed, her face drawn, and her eyes narrowed. “You had the nerve to bring that woman into my home, cousin?”

He rose and bowed. “You are speaking of my future wife, Constance.”

Lady Bunworth inhaled and slowly released the breath. “Very well, Middleton. Welcome to the family, Miss Featherstone.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“You may call her Constance,” Middleton said with a smile.

His cousin eyed him critically. “You are looking well, Middleton.”

“Thank you, Constance.”

“Where is the tea?” Constance turned and shouted down the hall.

“Coming, my lady,” a voice called from down the hall.

Constance walked to the sofa and sat down. A footman rushed into the room and placed the tea service on the table between them, before leaving the room with all haste. She poured the tea and handed a cup to each of them.

“So,” she drawled. “Other than to announce you have decided to make Miss Featherstone an almost respectable woman, why are you here?”

“Ah, Constance,” Middleton said. “Always straight to the point.” He sipped his tea as if to make her wait for an answer. Finally, he set his cup down and looked over at her. “I heard a rumor that my brother paid you a visit last evening. Is that true?”

Her face went pallid. “Yes, he called on my husband. Why?”

“I haven’t seen him since I returned to town. I would like to speak with him.”

Tia watched the expressions running through her face.

“You haven’t seen him at all?” Constance sounded truly surprised. “I spoke with him briefly before Harold came downstairs. Jonathon said he had seen you only two days ago.”

Middleton’s shoulders sagged. “No, he has not paid a call on me.”

“How odd,” Constance said with a shrug.

“Is Bunworth home that I might speak to him about this?” Middleton asked.

“No, he is at his club. Was that the only reason you stopped by?”

“Yes,” Middleton said.

“No,” Tia said.