Talk of the Ton (Free Fellows League 5)

The stirring of her emotions remained. Jenny was glad when he turned away and sat in the chair Iris offered him, yet at the same time she was annoyed with him for taking such little note of her.

“Where is Judith with the tea?” Aunt Iris said. “I could use a cup myself, and Miles, you must be in need of refreshment after your journey.” She picked up the bell and instead of tinkling it gently, clanged it hard enough to raise the hairs on the back of Jenny’s neck. Jenny reached out and stilled her aunt’s hand. Iris looked at her gratefully and made a visible effort to collect herself.

The earl was thoughtful. “I do hope the delay in the letter does not pose any problems in getting my plans under way. I wish to begin attending events as soon as possible.” His jaw set slightly, betraying a tension he did not try to hide. “I want to get this over with.”

The maid wheeled in the cart. Jenny saw how Aunt Iris’s hand shook as she poured out, and the stunned paralysis that had overtaken her at the earl’s arrival released her in that moment.

She went to her aunt’s side and gently took the teapot, pouring each cup and passing it as she took over the task of making conversation. She began by inquiring as to the earl’s journey.

The earl observed her with alert eyes. “It was uneventful, which is what one wishes for in travel.”

He seemed then to notice the tension, Iris’s stiff smile, Cassandra’s expression of awe, and perhaps a touch of the disapproval Jenny was trying very hard not to show.

The corner of his mouth curled slightly. “You are kind to receive me, especially when the circumstances are so strange, Cousin.” His smile deepened, and it was kind, not mocking at all. “I trust you were not dismayed to receive a letter from me after all these years.”

“It was something of a surprise. A pleasant one, I assure you.”

His gaze swept the three of them again. “Somehow I doubt th

at.”

“What Aunt Iris means to say,” Jenny interjected, feeling she had to defend her aunt, “is that the delay in the post was the fault of no one. What is important is that you are here, and I know Aunt Iris is very pleased to have it so. And all’s well that ends well, correct? Why, she was just telling us how fond she and her husband were of you when you were a boy.”

He blinked, and she had the impression he was bringing her into sharper focus. Her heart kicked harder against her ribs. When he glanced back at Iris, Jenny felt released.

“How kind of you. But I am not certain it is deserved. As I recall, I was not very agreeable when you visited.”

Aunt Iris erupted with laughter. “Oh, you were naughty, yes, you were. But boys are so. It is what makes them delightful.”

“Then you forgive me?” he asked. Jenny saw how his eyes danced. What was this? she wondered as she took a sip of her tea. He’d seemed so severe before, but it appeared he had some mischief in him.

“A prank,” he explained, turning to the younger women, reading their questioning gazes. “I placed a few frogs in their room when they came to visit.”

They laughed together. “What made you do such a thing?” Jenny asked.

He raised his eyebrows and made a gesture that could have meant anything. “I was put out since I had to take my dinner in the nursery because the adults were having formal dining. It was that way when we had guests, and I grew rather lonely. So . . . I did my best to discourage them from staying too long.”

“It gave me a start, but no real harm was done,” Iris said, chuckling. “And you were quite sorry afterward.”

His bringing up the incident had helped ease the mood, and Iris was beginning to relax. Jenny wondered if he were skilled at charming people or if he’d gotten it right by chance.

“You were very nice about it, I recall. You begged my father not to reprimand me. Do you remember? That made quite an impression on me. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. I suppose it was remembering this that made me think of you when I had need of a London connection.”

“But of course you should come to us,” Cassandra said, leaning toward him. “After all, we are family.”

Jenny knew her cousin so well that at times she could read her thoughts. Cassandra’s eyes were dark with excitement. She smiled too much, too intently.

Yes, she thought, kissing cousins, if you have your way.

“The relation is a distant one,” he reminded her. “Several times removed and all of that.”

“But it is a fond one,” Cassandra rushed to assure him. “You heard Mama say so.”

Jenny thought she must do something. Cassandra was being much too obvious. “Do you have any idea how long you will be staying in London, my lord?” she asked.

She hadn’t meant to sound ungracious, as if she were anxious for him to leave. She could have bitten her tongue.

“I am here for the marriage mart, Miss . . . Alt? Yes, Miss Alt. The same as you.”