Page 33 of Honeythorn
“Well, Mister Edwin. What a pleasure,” Milan said, purposefully using his first name. Edwin’s eyes narrowed. Milan ignored him.
“We were just speaking about how talented Gianna is at painting,” Katerina cut in.
Gianna blushed. “Oh, we were not.”
“No, but wecouldbe. Why won’t you let me commission you?”
“Because you would ask for something scandalous.” Gianna looked at Katerina knowingly.
Milan laughed. “Katerina, I have known you a short time, and even I know Miss Gianna is exactly correct.”
Katerina put her hand over her heart. “You both aim to tarnish my reputation.”
“And what reputation is that?” Gianna smirked.
“You wound me.”
Gianna laughed, placing her hand lightly on Katerina’s arm to show she was jesting. Milan grinned at the familiarity in the gesture.
“Miss Gianna, I cannot tell you how glad I am about having made your acquaintance. Perhaps you will letmemake a commission,” Milan said.
“Oh, of course,” Gianna answered immediately. Katerina gasped, and Gianna had to cover her mouth to stifle a giggle.
Edwin took the lull in conversation to share his opinion. “Do you have free reign to decorate Ledford Manor, Mister Milan?”
Katerina glowered. “I do believe you have confused yourself. Does your poor memory fail to remember that he is a Lord, not a Mister?”
Edwin curled his lip slightly. “Why of course.LordMilan. It must be so nice to marry well.”
Milan tilted his head, quite enjoying how bitter this Mister Edwin seemed to be.
“Of course I can decorate the manor, as lord of the estate.”
“Lord in title, perhaps.”
“And in marriage, as you said. In bonding.”
Katerina seemed to be piercing Edwin with her eyes. “Speak plainly, Mister Edwin. What, exactly, do you mean by your words?”
“Whatever do you mean? I am simply curious. I meant nothing by it.”
“Well, then. If you mean nothing, might I suggest you don’t say anything at all? It would save us all the trouble of having to listen to you. Now, we really must depart. I find myself faint with the need for stimulating conversation.”
With an imperious toss of her head, Katerina led Milan and Gianna away, leaving a spluttering Edwin behind.
Milan turned to her. “Have I told you how glad I am not to be your enemy?”
“Why, Milan. You do make me blush.”
Gianna snorted. “What a boor. Let’s get something to drink.”
Milan agreed heartily but spotted Lord Raphael on their way to the refreshments. It was no surprise that he stood against a wall, staring broodily at the crowd. He looked unhappy, and whatever contention was between them, Milan did not like seeing people unhappy.
“Excuse me. I’ve just spotted my husband, and he looks quite ready to leave.”
“Oh, no! Leave him to suffer a little,” Katerina said. Gianna hit her arm in admonishment.
Milan shook his head with a smile. “We’ll get together soon, the three of us. Yes?”
