Page 41 of Revealing a Rogue
Landon steepled his fingers under his chin. He wanted to consider the matter before agreeing but also wanted to foster Bronwyn’s surge in confidence. “I’ll make sure your letter is delivered.”
His wife’s features lit up. Landon regretted having to add, “However, you should be aware that the House of Lords is set to reconvene by week’s end, and if it pleases you, we too will be departing in three days.”
“Oh, is there an important matter to be voted upon?”
“Nay. A trial of a peer is to be held. With the influx of new life peers granted by the Crown, many believe it important that those of us who hold hereditary titles participate and be present more often in the House of Lords.”
“Very well. I shall simply modify my note to inform my dad to be prepared to dine with us upon our return.”
His wife was terrific—fluid, able to make quick rational decisions.
Landon stood.
Bronwyn fluttered her eyelids and said, “Husband, I’m not yet finished.”
He let out a chuckle and resumed his seat. “Proceed.”
“When we return to London, what am I to do all day?”
He hadn’t the slightest idea as to how ladies occupied their time during the day. “What do Theo and Mary do to occupy their time?”
“Well, let me think.” Bronwyn pursed her lips and frowned.
He wanted to haul Bronwyn across the desk and settle her in his lap. Landon stood with the intention to wrap his hands about his wife’s waist. Her stony expression halted his movements. She was going to be a formidable leader in her own right. He chose well.
The crease between her eyebrows deepened as she said, “Hmm…Mary made mention of calling upon friends, attending and holding teas, visiting Emma, and sometimes performing investigations for Theo.”
“There you have it. You can do the same.”
“Really?” Bronwyn stood and walked to the window. “Emma is my only friend, and she is awfully busy with her shop now that her clientele has expanded to many of the ladies of the ton. Who will invite me to tea? Until I’ve been introduced properly, I can’t hold a tea of my own. I highly doubt Theo will trust me to assist with her investigations.”
Landon took the opportunity to get close. He sidled up to her. “I will make the proper introductions this evening at dinner. Our salver will be overflowing with invitations before you know it. It’s a good thing you have a keen mind for names and faces. As for Theo, I’m certain she trusts you, but since you outrank her, it should be Theo who would run errands for you.”
She released a deep sigh. “You hear my plight and offer answers, but you are not listening to me.”
What did she mean he wasn’t listening?
The dinner bell chimed in the hallway.
Bronwyn’s spine stiffened.
He turned her by the shoulders to face him. “I don’t understand, but I want to. Will you explain later tonight?”
She searched his eyes, for what he wasn’t sure, but then she smiled and her shoulders relaxed.
With a twinkle in her eye, Bronwyn answered, “Aye. I’ll attempt to provide clarity as you do each eve.”
Chapter Twenty
Raising onto her tiptoes, Bronwyn slid her hands up Landon’s chest and over his shoulders. Safe and secure in his arms, she was almost convinced the evening would be as easy as dining with the Network elders.
Landon brushed his warm lips along her neck to settle upon her mouth. The sound of footsteps from the hall were no longer the reason for her increased heart rate. The chime of the dinner bell ringing a second time permeated her foggy mind, and her husband released her lips. His hazel eyes bored into her. “Ready?”
Bronwyn stared at his upturned palm. She racked her brain for an excuse to remain where they were. But there were no reasonable reasons to postpone the inevitable any longer. Sliding her hand into his, her heart swelled with a surge of confidence. She nodded, and his warm fingers closed about hers. Landon’s lips curved into a smile, complete with the dimple that made her feel giddy.
Together they stood at the threshold of Lord Archbroke’s study. Immediately the procession of guests halted, and Landon led Bronwyn to the head of the line. Trained to remain in the shadows and unseen, her pulse raced as she walked by the prying eyes of guests.
Mary’s voice echoed through her mind:Ignore the whispers and avoid making eye contact.The murmurs ofWho is that?Were hard to dispel and reinforced the fact she was an outsider.
