Page 59 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

No sooner had Alexander savored his snuff and stepped into the tavern, then Rupert appeared and bowed. “Your Grace, all has been made ready for your luncheon.”

“Thank you, Haskell. Is there a fire? I cannot bear the cold in this place! And is the soup very hot?” He shuddered elaborately, then ran a finger across the top of a table. He eyed his glove with distaste. “I hope it isclean, Haskell.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Rupert bowed once more and smiled. “I have ensured that all will meet with your approval.”

“And dessert?” Alexander whined. “I must have a choice oftwodesserts.”

“There is only one pudding, Your Grace, but I will fetch some oranges from the carriage.”

Alexander sighed. “I suppose that will suffice. One must endure so many hardships while travelling.” He waved to the ladies with his lace-trimmed handkerchief and followed Haskell, ensuring that his steps were mincing. He then held that handkerchief to his nose, as if the smell of the tavern was too much for him to endure, and heartily regretted losing sight of Miss Goodenham.

He couldn’t help but overhear the discussion Lady North Barrows had with the proprietor.

“I apologize, my lady, but there is only one private chamber,” that man informed her with a bow. Alexander paused to listen. “We seldom have such noble guests. If you would like to take your meal in the far corner, there, I will have that fire set...”

“In thetavern?” the dowager protested. “It is unthinkable! Surely you have some chamber available.”

“I am sorry, my lady, but...”

Alexander cleared his throat. “How large is the chamber where I shall dine?” he asked Rupert.

His man bit back a smile. “It is a fair size, Your Grace. I am certain you will have every comfort there.”

“Is it of sufficient size that the ladies might join us?”

Miss Goodenham turned to him, her eyes alight with pleasure and her lips parted. Zounds, but she was an alluring creature!

Was she as conniving as that beauty, Lady Miranda Delaney, had been? Alexander wished very much to know, although already he doubted as much. There was something open about her expression, something that hinted at an honest heart.

He couldn’t help but recall his sister’s list of attributes in a potential wife.A suitable woman, one who is honest and true, pretty enough to tempt you—and young.

Miss Goodenham appeared to have every quality on that list.

The seed seemed heavily in his pocket.

“There is no need, Your Grace,” Lady North Barrows began to protest, for undoubtedly she did not wish to be in his debt.

“There is every need when the comfort of three ladies is at stake,” Alexander said with a bow. “I insist that you accept my hospitality and dine with me this day. Our conversation will pass the time pleasantly until we continue on our separate ways.”

“Oh,Grandmaman, what a wonderful invitation!” Miss Goodenham enthused. “Surely we cannot decline such generosity?”

“Surely we cannot,” Lady North Barrows said grimly. She gave a stiff curtsey. “I thank you, Your Grace. Your kindness is most welcome.”

“The pleasure will be all mine,” Alexander replied, then offered his arm to the elderly viscountess. Lady North Barrows hesitated only a moment before placing her hand upon his elbow. He was keenly aware of Miss Goodenham trailing behind him and could not quell his own sense of triumph.

* * *

The roomwasof a goodly size, both comfortable and warm. The fire had been stoked up and the table had been set with hearty fare, both hot and cold. There was wine, because Alexander ordered it, and he fussed over the vintage as well as the cushion on his seat. Of course, the viscountess seated them in order of precedence and he was ridiculously pleased to have Miss Goodenham at his left hand.

He wished with all his heart that he might not have been in disguise.

Perhaps he might encounter her again, after this quest was completed, and appear to her as a reformed man.

Perhaps he would ensure that eventuality.

The meal was served and various pleasantries exchanged. Alexander ensured that he slurped his soup loudly and took great satisfaction in the way Lady North Barrows winced at the sound. The viscountess turned and began a conversation with Eurydice, enquiring after that girl’s choice of reading.

Miss Goodenham, however, regarded Alexander with shining eyes, apparently oblivious to his bad manners. Was she stupid? He supposed it was possible, though it would be disappointing.

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