Page 14 of When the Viscount Seduces
“Sometimes I do wonder how Droxford became so close with these other gentlemen, including my brother,” Gwen said. “But I suppose that’s a long story.”
“Somewhat, yes. Isaac formed a particular bond with Shefford while they were at Oxford. I do think Sheff feels protective of him. It’s rather sweet.”
“Sheff seems like the older brother who wants to watch out for everyone,” Gwen said, thinking of how he’d taken her brother, Evan, under his wing last Season. Min had said it was to replace the loss of Banemore, who’d disappeared into the north with his new wife. Whatever the reason, Evan thought highly of his friend, and Shefford seemed to think the same of him.
“Everyone except Min!” Tamsin said with a laugh. “I jest. They do seem fond of one another, even if they tease each other mercilessly.”
“Speaking of Min.” Gwen glanced toward the doorway. “Before she arrives, can we set the first meeting for me and Somerton for tomorrow afternoon?”
“I have no quarrel with that, and Isaac is due to be home,” Tamsin said. “Unless you hear something different from me later or tomorrow morning, count on it.”
“Brilliant!” They’d finished not a moment too soon as the butler announced the arrival of Lady Minerva Halifax and her companion, Miss Ellis Dangerfield.
Elegant and impeccably dressed, Min glided into the drawing room. Her dark hair was swept into a cunning style, and a beautiful garnet cross rested against her pale skin above the bodice of her ivory-and-pale-yellow-striped gown. Ellis was Min’s companion and always dressed far more subtly. She wore a light brown, high-necked walking dress with a diminutive floral pattern. Her blonde hair was pulled into a more simple, severe style.
The new arrivals situated themselves on a settee across from Gwen and Tamsin. “We are all here, then,” Min said.
Earlier in the Season, they’d met at Persephone’s, as she awaited the birth of her child, but she’d delivered a beautiful son a fortnight ago. It would be some time before she joined them once more.
“Indeed we are,” Gwen said. “Does anyone want tea?” There was a pot along with some cakes on a table nearby.
“In a bit,” Min replied. “We simply must discuss what happened at Almack’s the other night.” She looked at Gwen with sympathy. “I should have called on you sooner, but things have been hectic at Henlow House. We’ve a new housekeeper.” Min brushed her hands against her lap and fixed a worried stare at Gwen. “The rumor is that you fell into an ungainly heap in the ballroom and that you ruined Eberforce’s waistcoat. Then Somerton of all people helped you up and took you to the dance floor in the middle of a set?” She glanced toward Ellis, her companion for nearly fifteen years. “Terrible night for us to arrive late.”
“That is a fairly accurate description,” Gwen said slowly. “Eberforce was quite rude.” She considered telling them about what had happened at the park yesterday, but she was embarrassed.
“He’s horrid,” Min said vehemently. “And I hear he gave you the cut direct and made insulting comments at Hyde Park yesterday. I’m considering asking Sheff to call him out. Though, I suppose your brother ought to do it.”
Or Somerton.
Where had that thought come from?
Gwen knew precisely where—from him. He’d been clear about his desire to do physical harm to Eberforce. Still, that didn’t mean he wanted to call him out. Or should. He definitely should not. Again, Gwen thought of Tamsin and how she’d ended up betrothed to Droxford. All because the baron had sought to defend her from an overzealous suitor. It was disturbing and frustrating that protecting a woman should cause a scandal. The scandal should be gentlemen who behaved badly. Rogues. It all came back to rogues.
“He didn’t!” Tamsin said with genuine horror. “I don’t think I’ve met Eberforce, nor do I want to.”
“He tried to offer for me during my first Season two years ago,” Min said. “I danced with him once. He called on me the next day, and I think we spent ten minutes speaking. He was incredibly pompous. That evening, he approached my father outside Brooks’s—because he wasn’t a member himself—and asked if he could call the following day to negotiate a marriage contract.”
“I can’t imagine your father thought much of that.” Gwen had heard enough anecdotes about the Duke of Henlow to know that he possessed a short temper and did not give time to those he considered beneath him.
“He did not,” Ellis murmured with a small smile. “He still tells that story when he’s trying to make a point about how people should not attempt to rise above their station.”
“It’s shocking Eberforce is still unwed,” Gwen quipped.
Min grinned. “Completely. Though I am as well,” she added. “And so far, my prospects seem bleak this Season as many matrons have written me off as approaching spinsterhood.”
“You’re only twenty-two,” Tamsin said.
“And I just turned twenty-two,” Gwen said. “Am I nearly on the shelf?”
“No,” Min said firmly. “Nor am I.”
“You do, however, have the reputation for being discerning to the point of harming your potential,” Ellis pointed out. “Which I wholly disagree with.”
“Is that true?” Gwen asked. “Is your reputation suffering?”
“It’s not quite as sparkling as it was last Season, I suppose. Because I’ve turned down so many offers,” Min replied with a sigh. “I simply refuse to marry a rogue. My standards are quite high.”
Gwen gave her an encouraging nod. “As they should be. I’ve no wish to wed a rogue either. Though, if that’s the only offer I get, I may have to swallow my pride.”
