Page 23 of My Wicked Earl
That wasn’t true in theleast. Ridley and Hamill were both idiots and equally unworthy of Miranda.
“Indeed.” Colin sounded as if someone had just punched him and he couldn’t breathe.
“I believe Lord Welles will also be in attendance along with Lord Carstairs.” Well, Donata told herself, the two men would certainly be in the vicinity of Gray Covington and she thought Sutton would likely invite Welles to stay a night or two, though there was no danger of Welles deciding to court Miranda. He was a notorious rake with no interest in marriage.
“You remember Welles, don’t you? From Eton? Handsome devil and still unattached.”
“I should look forward to seeing Welles again.” Colin didn’t sound pleased at all.
“I knew Lord Carstair’s mother, Lady Diana.” Donata continued. “A great beauty in her day. The most startling eyes. Such an odd shade of blue, almost violet. You may have met Lord Carstairs at the gathering hosted by Lord and Lady Marsh. I’m told Lady Marsh has settled on the sister of Lord Carstairs as a wife for her son, Rowan. The girl’s name is Gwendolyn.”
Donata bestowed upon Colin a benevolent smile as she imparted the information. Lady Diana had indeed been beautiful, but empty-headed, lacking in personality and had an annoying habit of tilting her head in such a way that she always looked confused. Her son had not fared much better. She doubted he was capable of carrying on a conversation in any remotely intelligent fashion. Certainly Lord Carstairs would not be in competition for Miranda’s hand, though Colin need not know that.
Miranda took a raisin cake and began to systematically tear the pastry into tiny bits, carefully placing the raisins to one side of her plate.
“Malden has never mentioned Lady Gwendolyn to me. I wonder that he knows of his mother’s plans for his future.”
Donata frowned. “Lady Gwendolyn is an excellent choice.” She didn’t really believe that. The girl was as dull as her brother. “What a delightful coincidence that you and Miranda will both marry soon.” Donata’s voice raised an octave in delight. “It shall be quite the celebration! Perhaps we should holdbothceremonies at once.” She clapped her hands.
Oh, that last bit was terrible of her.Truly.
“We shall leave for Gray Covington the day after tomorrow. Oh, how I adore house parties.”
Miranda’s torture of the raisin cake ceased abruptly. A loose raisin rolled off the plate.
Donata would need to ask Bevins to make sure the maids searched the couch for stray raisins.
“Sutton has asked that you escort us in the Cambourne coach, Lord Kilmaire.”
Actually, Sutton had asked no such thing, as he was as yet unaware that he and Alex werehostingthe house party at Gray Covington. Her grandson would be less than enthusiastic. His dislike of Lady Dobson was only rivaled by his dislike for Lord Ridley. Upon meeting the Cottinghams, Sutton would likely detest them as well.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” Colin’s dark gaze slid to Miranda and the tortured raisin cake.
“We shall enjoy your escort.” Donata dipped her head in acknowledgement of his offer, though she was certain if Colin could find a way to politely refuse he would have.
Miranda stood suddenly, clutching Lord Thurston to her breast as if it would protect her from the horror of the upcoming house party. “Please excuse me, but I must prepare for our journey.”
Before Donata could say stay her, Miranda turned and fled the room, slippers in one hand, Lord Thurston in the other, her skirts fluttering madly about her ankles as if running from the Devil himself. Or a Cursed Earl. It appeared they might be one in the same.
Colin stood and gave a small bow. “Good day, Lady Miranda,” he said as Miranda retreated. Something raw flickered in his face when his gaze lingered on her fleeing form. Hunger and longing.
Donata leaned back in her chair, satisfied. She no longer had any doubts as to the true nature of the Earl of Kilmaire’s feelings. Donata felt certain Colin would never act on his emotions unless forced to. Intervention was necessary.
Colin stood for several moments, his attention focused on the open doorway. Abruptly he turned, his features carefully composed, all sign of emotion stricken from his handsome face.
“I thank you for your assistance and discretion in this matter, Lady Cambourne. I’m sure this will result in a most suitable match.”
Donata wished to reply that she had already found him a most suitable match, but she did not. Instead, she raised her cup of tea to her lips, all the better to hide her satisfaction that her intuition had been correct.
“You shall call on us two days hence for the trip to Gray Covington.”
Colin bowed. “Until then, my lady. I’ll see myself out. No need to call for Bevins.
Just as well, for it would take Bevins an agonizing amount of time to return and show Colin the door.
“Good day, Lord Kilmaire.”
At the sound of the front door closing behind Colin, Donata poured a bit of milk into her tea and allowed herself a moment to gloat. She rarely gloated. It was unseemly, although in this instance she felt justified.
