Page 8 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

“Perhaps it is hereditary from your father,” Susanna responded darkly, her eyes twinkling. “Was he a highwayman?”

“Yes, that would be an interesting study to complete,” Martin jumped back in. “I wonder if any scientist would ever partake in it.”

Susanna parted her lips, about to fire back some other retort, but she did not get a chance to say a word.

“So, for the wedding,” Mary cut in, looking like she desperately wanted to keep the conversation running smoothly. “I am thinking about carnations for the flowers.”

It was very funny, especially because he could feel Susanna’s eyes burning through him even as they discussed flowers and dresses. Much as she was the one who wanted to get under his skin, it seemed like she was the irritated one. How funny. It was honestly a little challenging for Martin to hold back his laughter.

Their eyes kept meeting while Mary and Luke talked, and Martin could not ignore the fizzle of excitement coursing through his body.

He wanted to continue their chat for as long as he possibly could. He did not want to leave this parlor because it was the most fun he’d had in a very long time. This afternoon tea could last as long as possible, as far as he was concerned. He was happy to not leave this room all afternoon if possible.

Unfortunately, that was not possible. Before Martin could even find the words to spark up his conversation with Susanna again, a footman entered the room, speaking directly to Luke.

“My lord, more of your guests have arrived.”

“Ah,” Luke replied with a smile. “Wonderful. Come on, let us go and greet them.”

Martin wasnotin the mood to talk with others, but he would do it for his friend.

He was even more disappointed when he spotted who had actually arrived, because this was not someone he got along with well.

“Lord Edwin Allen,” he muttered to himself, unimpressed.

“Cousin, it is so good to see you.” Edwin embraced Luke enthusiastically. All Martin could hear was the insincerity in his tone. “And for your wedding as well. How thrilling!”

It was honestly always surprising to Martin to recall that Luke and Edwin were cousins. They could not have been more different if they tried. Luke was always genuine and kindhearted.

Edwin… was not.

Martin was yet to find a quality in him that he enjoyed. He could not exactly pinpoint what he did not like about Edwin, but the distaste was definitely there. It always had been.

“Lady Mary Creasey, how wonderful it is to see you too.”

From the back of the crowd, Martin could not help but notice that Edwin seemedverykeen to greet Mary and to try and talk with her, but she seemed colder. Not the way he had seen her be with Luke at all.

“Yes,” she replied awkwardly. “Thank you for coming.”

“And Lady Susanna. Always a delight.”

Susanna was much less subtle with her distaste. She shook Edwin’s hand and curtsied to him, but she also had an iciness about her.

She seemed relieved as Edwin stepped to the side to talk with everyone’s mother. He had a way of charming the older ladies, which was likely why he was always around.

And now they had to suffer the whole week with him in the build-up to the wedding.

Martin suddenly sensed eyes upon him, and he turned to see Susanna eyeing him. It seemed like she had picked up on his unimpressed expression as well.

They might not have outwardly agreed on a lot of things, but it seemed like a distaste for Edwin was potentially something that they could bond over…

Interesting.

CHAPTER THREE

“Everyone has been so wonderful,” Susanna commented happily to Mary as they walked through the hallways of the house. “So kind and welcoming. It really is building up to be a wonderful wedding.”

“I am so grateful that you are getting along with everyone,” Mary declared with a smile. “Lady Standen, in particular, has been kind.”

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