Page 10 of Playing the Scoundrel

Chapter Four

Henry held a glass of wine in his hand, smiling and nodding to give the appearance that he was completely invested in the dinner conversation, but he was actually staring down the centerpiece, completely lost in his own thoughts. He wanted to be mentally present, but how could he when he knew what was waiting for him back at his own townhouse? A letter from his father. It had arrived as he was walking out the door, but he couldn’t stop to read it, so he’d left it to simmer in the back of his mind. The anticipation had become the very killjoy that ruined a lovely evening.

“What say you, Henry?”

Shaken from his thoughts, Henry blinked. “About what?”

“Joining us tomorrow afternoon for a stroll through the park,” Isabel said between bites. “Unless there’s poor weather, of course.”

“I have no immediate plans.” Though all that depended on what his father’s letter revealed. “I shall be there.”

“I think that is one of my favorite pastimes.” Miss Clay smiled brilliantly. “Out of all the balls and plays and museums, I believe I favor the outdoors. Even here in town.”

“Then we shall be certain to match you with a gentleman who has a large country estate,” James said with a wry smile.

“But you do enjoy town, Miss Clay?” asked his friend, Thomas Ramsbury, as he took a sip of his drink.

She nodded. “I enjoy it for what it is. A social marriage market is quite entertaining, but for everyday life, I must prefer the quiet beauty of the country.”

“You and I are very much alike in that regard,” James said.

Miss Clay regarded him with a smile, then paused before turning back to her place and pursing her lips together.

She knew. If she didn’t know, then she at least suspected. Henry could read it easily on her face. No one had ever stated it outright, where she’d come from, but Miss Clay was no simpleton. After living with the duke and duchess for over a year, she had probably pieced together that James was likely more sibling than mere guardian.

“And what do you plan to wear for tomorrow evening?” Isabel asked. “I’m sure there will be plenty of choices.”

Miss Clay put down her napkin. “Perhaps we should take this conversation to the drawing room, so as to not bore the gentlemen.”

Isabel raised her chin. “If you like. It might do these gentlemen some good to learn about lady’s fashion. Especially these two unmarried gentlemen.”

Henry had a comment regarding women’s clothing that he knew would not be acceptable in present company, so he held his tongue, and Thomas came to the rescue.

“What possible good could come from knowledge of women’s fashion?” Thomas asked incredulously.

Isabel stood and linked an arm with Miss Clay. “It would set you apart from your countless peers in your search for a wife and perhaps even catch the eye of just the right young lady.”

James chuckled to himself, only looking up when his wife brushed a hand on his shoulder, and he touched her hand before she slipped out the door with his ward.

“She does realize who she’s talking to, doesn’t she?” Henry asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, she does, trust me. She believes it her life’s duty to marry off my two bachelor friends, the wastrel and the recluse.”

Henry huffed in mock offense, putting down his glass. “Now see here, I may be overly indulging with the ladies every now and then, but I know how to hold my liquor and control my pocketbook.” That he would waste a cent of the generous living left him from his dearest mother was an insult.

James rolled his eyes. “Your perception of holding liquor is debatable.”

Henry would have flushed if he knew how. “The point is, I’m not a complete wastrel.”

“And how could I be considered a recluse?” Thomas questioned. “I’m at nearly every ball, same as the two of you, and I’ve been invited to dinners at least twice every week since we arrived.”

“Yes, but you’re only calling on Lady Finley, who Isabel believes is not good enough for you,” James explained.

Ah, Lady Finley. One of the few widows who had not succumbed to Henry’s charms. She did appear to prefer Thomas’s company, so she was clearly in possession of a more pristine character, and looking for a husband, not a lover.

“Not good enough?” Thomas sat back, mouth open and brow furrowed. “She’s a titled lady, James. Nearly your equal in rank, with more wealth and connection than I could ever hope for, andshe’sthe one not good enough forme?”

“I cannot tell you what goes through her mind, only that she’s determined to see you both happily settled, even if it’s the death of her.” James chuckled stiffly. “Only please see that it doesn’t come to that. I’ve only just got her, and I’d like to try to live a relatively happy and normal life now that I have her.”

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