To Distraction (Bastion Club 5)

How she thought she was going to lose him.

His lips curved. His expectations of the next four days soared; his entertainment appeared assured. He made a mental note to remember to thank Audrey.

Phoebe Malleson marched into the clustered guests much like a general visiting his troops; others gave way before her, reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea. Deverell followed close behind, smiling genially on everyone yet making no attempt to disguise his intent; he preferred all to see him as he was—an experienced gentleman in fixed pursuit of Phoebe Malleson.

She headed for the table behind which Stripes stood, magisterially manning an ornate silver samovar.

Deverell drew level; reaching the table, he nodded to Stripes. “A cup for Miss Malleson.”

She threw him a glance, but when he handed her the delicate cup, she accepted prettily enough.

“And you, sir?”

Deverell met Stripes’s gaze. The man knew perfectly well that he was not the type to coddle his innards with tea. However…“Indeed.”

Taking the cup Stripes offered, Deverell was aware of Phoebe’s frowning gaze as she sipped and studied him over the rim of her cup.

He turned to her, and she turned away. Her gaze raced over the guests, then she shifted and drifted to a nearby group. Not the closest group; one she’d selected. He followed, wondering why.

“Mrs. Hildebrand. Leonora, Tabitha. Mr. Hinckley.” Phoebe glanced at Deverell as he halted beside her. “I believe you’ve met Viscount Paignton?”

The ladies smiled brightly, gazes already locked on him; Mr. Hinckley inclined his head.

“I was just describing to his lordship the many activities we usually indulge in whilst here.” Phoebe smiled at Leonora Hildebrand, a dashing blond. “You’re such an excellent rider, Leonora—did you intend to go riding this afternoon?”

Leonora hadn’t, but as she lifted her blue eyes to his face, Deverell was perfectly sure Phoebe had known that. Just as she’d known Leonora would breathily gush, “I had thought of it. Perhaps we could get up a party?”

Leonora’s eyes remained on his face. He smiled vaguely, as if thinking of other things, and took a sip of tea, apparently unaware that Leonora’s general question had in fact been addressed primarily to him.

When he didn’t respond, Leonora was forced to look to Mr. Hinckley.

Who was only too ready to leap into the breach. “We could ride to the ford. It’s not that far away. We’d be back in plenty of time to change for dinner.” Eager, enthused, he appealed to Mrs. Hildebrand.

Having taken shrewd stock of Deverell’s immobility, Leonora’s mama deigned to smile on Mr. Hinckley. “Indeed—fresh air and exercise. That’s precisely what the doctor prescribed for blowing away the megrims poor Leonora has suffered over these last weeks. I declare, London has been overrun by encroaching cits and halfpay officers.”

Mr. Hinckley contrived to look sympathetic.

Deverell didn’t bother; he’d already taken stock of Leonora and Mrs. Hildebrand.

Hinckley turned to him. “Can we interest you in joining us, Paignton?”

Setting his cup on its saucer, he used the moment to appear to be considering. “It’s tempting, but I think not. I’ve only just arrived, and I need to get my bearings.”

Hinckley disguised his relief well. He turned to Phoebe. “Miss Malleson?”

Phoebe shot a glance at Deverell; instinct pushed her to accept simply to ensure she was somewhere he wouldn’t be…but she didn’t trust him not to change his mind. “Thank you, but no. However, you might speak with Mr. Manning and Miss Pilborough. They’re both keen riders.”

Mr. Hinckley and Mrs. Hildebrand turned eagerly to scan the guests. Leonora looked distinctly less keen.

Before she could initiate any conversational gambit to try to hold Deverell, Phoebe took charge. “I believe you wished to speak with Mr. Mellors, Paignton. He’s just over there.” She smiled brightly at the other three. “If you’ll excuse us?”

Everyone murmured politely. Parting from them, she steered Deverell toward the group that included Peter Mellors—along with his ravishingly beautiful sister, Deidre.

Obviously, Leonora didn’t suit; she’d have to find some other young lady to catch Deverell’s eye.

And deflect it from her.

She had far too much going on in her life to have a potential suitor dogging her heels. Especially one like him.