Page 9 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
As she limped closer, her heart sank. Dharma was standing on the steps talking with Lord Toobury. What on earth was she doing home? She hoped her stepdaughter was not here to make trouble.
When Dharma saw her approaching, she quickly took her leave of Toobury and skipped inside and headed to the stairs. “I’m home, Mama. I shall come and find you later, after you’ve greeted your guests. Come, Bella,” and she almost ran up the stairs with an excited dog following at her heels, knowing full well Charlotte could not make a scene with Toobury standing there.
She pasted on a smile of welcome. “Lord Toobury, I hope your trip south was not too taxing. Do come in and let Burton show you to your rooms and get your valet settled.”
Toobury bowed over her hand. “Splendid journey, my dear. I’m so looking forward to your company over the week. Oh, I say. Have you hurt yourself?”
Charlotte found it easy to smile at Toobury. “A fall from a horse. A snake spooked Sir Galahad yesterday. I’ve bruised my ankle, I’m afraid.”
“Then I should not keep you standing here.”
“You are very kind. Burton will show you the way.”
She liked Toobury. As a recent widower, he was in love with his mistress, but he needed a wife for his three young children. The youngest was only a few months old since his wife died in childbirth. He’d been open and honest about where his affections lay. She found him very appealing next to Devlin because there was no artifice with him. They would both know what they would get from such an arrangement, and a part of her felt sorry for him. Fancy being in love for years, but unable to marry your heart’s desire?
He was the only one to know the plan for the week. The other gentlemen attending this event knew nothing about the week other than it was a house party.
She should sit. Her ankle throbbed, but no sooner had Burton shown Toobury upstairs than she heard a second carriage. On a sigh, she turned to organize the footman to attend the new arrival.
It was going to be a long day, and she had yet to deal with Dharma.
* * *
Sin and Devlin met back in the billiard room early evening prior to dinner. He’d taken Hercules out in the morning, learning the estate so he wouldn’t get lost again. Sin was looking forward to meeting more of the guests who had arrived today. A part of him hoped there would be a stunning beauty who would take his attention away from Lady Charlotte.
As Sin made his way up the stairs, he marveled at the décor. The walls were covered in ornate wall velvet with a deep red running through it. And upon entering the billiard room, he noted the Persian rug under the billiard table was also burgundy. Lady Charlotte must like the color red. Why that thought occurred to him, he had no idea.
Upon entry, Sin recognized the two men present.
“Gentlemen, you’re just in time. I’ve been thrashing Bann here for the past hour. I need fresh blood.” Lord Toobury stood waving a billiard cue in the air.
“Are you the first two guests to arrive today?” Sin asked as he sauntered to take the cue from Lord Bann. “You may break,” he added to Toobury. Sin just caught the flash of anger on Lord Bann’s face before the man walked to the sideboard, and with glasses clinking angrily, Bann poured the newcomers a drink. He was none too gentle with the decanter, in fact. He slammed it against the wood, seemingly not to care if it broke. Odd behavior given Sin was as much a visitor to this magnificent house as any of them.
Lord Bann handed Devlin a glass, uttering, “I’m not sure. We certainly have not met anyone else. When did you arrive?”
“Devlin and I arrived yesterday.”
Devlin said, “Lord Sinclair got here just in time to play the hero. He was coming from the coast and found Lady Charlotte’s horse spooked by a snake and she had suffered a fall.”
Bann said, “Well, that’s given you a head start in winning the favors of the hostess.”
“I’m not here looking for a rich wife. I must be the only one, by the sounds of it.” He wanted that clearly understood.
Toobury nodded good-naturedly. “I am here to find a mother for my children. I have plenty of money.”
The men leaned against the wall, watching Sin pot the balls. As he stood up to move round the table for his next shot, he said, “Are you here for any lady in particular, Bann?”
Lord Bann chuckled while his face went red, almost matching the rug he stood upon. “Just one with money.”
Sin nodded, just before drawing the cue back and striking. He stood up as he watched the ball roll into the center pocket. “I like that you’re so honest.”
“Isn’t that why you are here, Devlin? A rich wife? Even a barren one is of consideration because you have brothers.”
Sin glanced at Devlin as Toobury issued, ‘Really, Bann.’ Under his breath. “There is much to be said for manners.”
Bann shrugged. “She was married for over five years and bore no child. I don’t think her inability to fall with child is a secret.”
Sin nodded, hiding his dismay that Devlin would consider such a match. Oh, Devlin had younger brothers, that was true, but… The idea of Devlin remaining childless simply to save his family seemed unfair.
