Page 4 of A Gentleman to Avoid (Sherton Sisters 3)

Chapter Two

Ashford Northcott took a deep breath just before the butler announced him. He couldn’t have told you why he was bothering. The chit would barely acknowledge him, so it puzzled him why he felt such a compulsion to continue pursuing her. But here he was, once more about to make the attempt.

“Mr. Ashford Northcott, to see you, my lady.”

As far as he could tell, the girl hadn’t even heard the announcement. She wasn’t even a girl, really. He ought to think of her as a young woman. She wasn’t a brand new debutante, after all. Which was part of why he would expect her to have a little more enthusiasm for his attentions. She would probably say he was being insufferable if she knew what he was thinking. The thought of her reaction made him smile. It was one more reason why he liked her. With a slight shake of his head, he stepped into the room to greet Lady Crossley.

Her wide grin was a surprise.

“We were just talking about you,” she exclaimed with delight.

Ash’s eyebrows inched toward his hairline as his eyes flickered toward Lady Vigilia. The consternation written on her pink face let him know it hadn’t been she who was doing the talking. He was filled with amusement as he watched her glare at the other woman that he knew was her best friend. He hoped he was able to keep the amusement off his face as he quirked an eyebrow at the countess.

“Only good things, to be sure,” he drawled.

“But of course.” Ash appreciated the countess’ sense of humour as her gaze met his. “We’ve just begun planning a house party, and you were the first person I thought we ought to invite.”

“I’m honoured,” Ash replied.

“Of course, we’ll understand if you’re too busy,” Lady Vigilia quickly interjected.

“Vick, don’t put words in the poor man’s mouth. Of course, he wants to come.”

Watching the flushed young woman struggle to confine her embarrassment, Ash was tempted to feel bad for her. But he couldn’t understand why she was so determined to keep him at arm’s length. He tried not to be insufferable, but he was unused to being rejected by females. It was both unnerving and also challenging. He hoped his smile didn’t appear as predatory as he suddenly felt.

“When did you plan to gather at Crossley?”

“In three weeks. You will come, won’t you?”

“Of course. As I said, I’m honoured.”

Ashford’s amusement deepened as he watched Lady Crossley glance speculatively toward her friend.

“Anyway, never mind about that. We have just begun our plans, and that is surely not why you have called.”

“I’d be happy to discuss your party, if you’d like, but I did stop by to see if I could interest you ladies in going for a drive.”

Lady Crossley’s eyes lit up as she glanced again at her friend before smiling at him. “How delightful, Mr. Northcott. Your timing couldn’t have been better. I’m sure Lady Vigilia would be glad to get out of the house, and I should probably speak with the earl about this development with Parliament. Thank you.”

Another quick glance at Lady Vigilia told Ashford she was not excited about his offer, but as she opened and closed her mouth, it was obvious she didn’t have a response. When he turned fully toward her with what he hoped was a welcoming smile, she returned it, even if it seemed a little tight.

“Thank you, Mr. Northcott. I will just need to gather my spencer and hat. I won’t keep you waiting overlong.”

“No need to rush on my account,” he replied lightly as she swept by him without a glance, leaving silence in her wake.

Ash glanced at Lady Crossley, wondering what he ought to say. He was surprised to see her frowning after her friend. Her mouth opened as though to say something but then shut as though she had thought better of it.

“Might I have the tea ordered while we wait?” was all she said, leaving Ashford wondering if he ought to remark upon her guest’s obvious discomfort with his pursuit.

Ash quirked an eyebrow at her. “She isn’t likely to take that long, is she? I did tell her not to rush, but grabbing her hat isn’t likely to take as long as ordering tea. Besides, I wouldn’t want to put you to the trouble, since you mentioned you wished to speak with Crossley.”

The countess sighed. “While, of course, I’m always happy to speak with Crossley, I really only said that to get Vicky to go with you. I’m not certain why she seemed reluctant. She’s the most easy-going female of my acquaintance. That is to say, most of the time.”

Ashford stifled his amusement as the countess blushed when she realized she shouldn’t be speaking so openly with him about her houseguest. She coughed slightly in an effort to cover her embarrassment. “That is to say, my dear friend will most likely only be a moment, but if you’d care for some refreshments anyway, she’ll be happy to partake of them as well, I’m sure.”

“Perhaps not, if she’s already donned her outerwear,” Ash returned, wondering why both ladies suddenly appeared to be so nervous in his company. The soft clatter of Lady Vigilia’s footsteps approaching saved them from further awkwardness.

“I trust I didn’t keep you waiting overlong,” Vigilia remarked without meeting his gaze.

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