The Earl Steals a Heart

Lord Middlebrook’s expression brightened then, going from sheer boredom to delighted interest in an instant.

“We all know that you have the best stallion in the county. I would very much like your stallion to cover my best mare. I think that together, they could produce quite a spectacular line of thoroughbreds which would surely be the envy of every other nobleman in England.”

Neville nodded at the man’s explanation as one of the housemaids passed him a cup of hot tea. He took a sip of the steaming liquid, savouring its soothing flavour and fragrance.

“I am allowing my stallion to cover mares this coming spring, for a fee, and now that I know you are interested, you’ll be first in line.”

“Delightful!”

Lord Middlebrook beamed at Neville over the rim of his teacup, then took a long sip.

“What colours will you be wearing to the St. Valentine’s Day Ball, Lord Seabury?” Lady Henrietta asked, her mind apparently still on the dress the modiste had created specifically to match the bracelet which they had been discussing a few moments before.

“I had not given it so much as a moment’s thought.”

Neville shrugged and took another sip of tea, wondering where, exactly, this conversation was supposed to be leading.

“Well, I think that you would look quite dashing in a handsome red waistcoat. Don’t you think so, Henrietta?”

Lady Middlebrook took a bite of the scone she’d selected, and Neville thought he saw a slight pink blush highlight the smattering of freckles which dusted Lady Henrietta’s nose and cheekbones.

“Indeed I do, Mama.” Lady Henrietta set her cup of tea down on the table and smoothed her skirt, absently jingling her bracelet as she did so. “I think such a bold, striking colour would look lovely. But then, I suspect any colour at all might look well on such a handsome man.”

Neville had absolutely no idea how to respond, so he took another sip of tea instead. Lady Middlebrook’s sharp gaze fell on him in the lull left by his lack of response, and she arched a dark eyebrow at him.

“I do hope that you still intend to grace us with your presence at Lady Mowbray’s Ball, Lord Seabury? After we ran into each other in Hyde Park yesterday, Henrietta was so looking forward to having a neighbour and friend to talk to in that room full of strangers.”

“Yes, of course.” Neville frowned, reminded of his carelessness in knocking the young lady over the day before, and set his now empty cup of tea down on the table. “I gave you both my word that I would attend, and I most assuredly intend to keep it.”

Lady Middlebrook beamed, then, apparently pleased with his answer.

“It is lovely that you are a man of your word, Lord Seabury. So many in this day and age think nothing of breaking their promises, and it is such a shame. I hate to think of my dear Henrietta navigating such a treacherous world with only her father and me to protect her.”

“I understand your concern.” Neville nodded gravely. “I find it most offensive when people take their promises lightly. A man’s word is his bond, after all.”

Lady Middlebrook graced him with another benevolent smile, though she darted a glance at her daughter as she did so.

“I wonder, Lord Seabury, if you would consider doing me a favour, as my neighbour?”

Lord Middlebrook was sitting right there, so Neville couldn’t very well refuse, though he had no idea what the favour she asked might be.

“Of course I will.” Neville forced a tight smile. “What can I do for you, Lady Middlebrook?”

“I am a doting Mama, as you can see. I worry about my dear Henrietta, you see, and it would soothe my nerves to know that someone close to her own age is keeping a watchful eye on her during the Season. You do not have to hover incessantly, of course, but I might breathe more easily if your name was on her dance card, and if you were able to keep a watchful eye on her at Lady Mowbray’s Ball.”

Neville blinked at the Countess as she explained the kind of favour she was asking of him. It would not be a terrible hardship for him, he supposed, to dance with Lady Henrietta and make sure that she did not involve herself with anyone unsavoury.

“I would be happy to dance with Lady Henrietta at Lady Mowbray’s Ball, of course, if it will help you rest easier, Countess.”

Neville inclined his head to her.

“Wonderful!”

Lady Middlebrook stood, then, smoothing her skirts. Lord Middlebrook and Lady Henrietta rose, too, and Neville stood, relieved that their visit was now coming to a close. He badly wanted to return to his sketching, though he would never say as much.

“It was lovely seeing you. Do call again.” Neville extended the invitation purely because it was the polite thing to do, though he was more than ready to see them go. He walked them into the front hall, watching as they made their way down the townhouse stairs to their carriage.

Suddenly, Lady Henrietta’s steps faltered, and she let out a horrified gasp.

“My bracelet!” Neville frowned, taking a half-step forward as she held up her now-bare wrist. How had she lost the bracelet? “I must find it! I’ll only be a moment.”

Before Lord and Lady Middlebrook could say a word, Lady Henrietta whirled and rushed back into Neville’s townhouse. She paused mere inches from him, eyes wide, cheeks flushed, and chest heaving.

“Would you mind helping me find my bracelet, Lord Seabury? I simply can’t live without it.”

Neville was about to agree when Stephens reappeared, clearing his throat loudly enough to drown out whatever his response might be.

“Mrs. Stephens and I will be more than happy to aid you in looking for your lost bracelet, Lady Henrietta.” The housekeeper, Mrs. Stephens, hurried behind her husband, the butler, darting a quick glance at Lord Seabury as she passed him. Something about her wide-eyed expression and pinched lips gave him pause, as did the hard look Lady Henrietta gave his butler and housekeeper, even as they leapt to aid her in recovering her lost bracelet. Still, Stephens pressed on, in a determinedly cheerful tone that brooked no argument and smiled brightly, waving Lady Henrietta into the parlour ahead of him. “I’m afraid Lord Seabury was attending to some rather pressing business before your visit, and he must get back to it immediately.”