Page 8 of A Sister to Beguile (Sherton Sisters 5)

“I know, you might think I have become addled with my delight over the baby, but do not think for a moment that I have forgotten my responsibility toward you. And do you really think you ought to have the sole aspiration of becoming a dependent upon your baby brother?”

Gracie blinked in shock at her mother’s words. “I would think our relationship could be mutually beneficial.”

“Perhaps, until he is of age to marry. But then it will be awkward and uncomfortable for both of you.”

Grace stared at the countess for a moment before she forced a light laugh.

“I will take your words as a matter of something I must give further thought. But you must rid yourself of the notion that I am going to set my cap for Lord Sterling. I doubt he will be returning, and I shan’t be seeking him out.”

Lady Sherton gave a noncommittal hum at her response, but Gracie accepted it. At least her mother was no longer trying to convince her that she ought to have kept the man there to take a meal with them.

Grace climbed the stairs toward her room, contemplating the strange afternoon. She would have to consider her mother’s viewpoint about her intention to remain at home at some point, but she felt a little too much upheaval in her heart to do so rationally at the moment.

There was absolutely no way anyone would be able to convince her of the propriety of setting her cap at anyone, let alone the arrogant and independent Earl Sterling. But it had been oddly pleasant to stroll with him in the gardens. Odd, because they had seemed to be at cross purposes much of the time, but despite that, he had been a pleasant companion. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t attempting a flirtation. Not that she had so very much experience in the matter, but when gentlemen tried to set up a flirtation with her, rather than finding it flattering, Grace became uncomfortable and flustered. In contrast, she had felt as though she could be straightforward with Lord Sterling. It was refreshing. And it certainly didn’t hurt that he was so very pleasant to look at. Not that she would ever admit as much to Mother, or she’d be walking toward the minister in a heartbeat.

With a sigh, Grace turned her attention back to getting ready for the evening meal with her parents. She was sure her mother would try to bring the earl’s visit up for discussion, despite Grace’s insistence that she had no interest in him. Grace would have her maid pull out her favourite green muslin. Knowing she was comfortably but beautifully attired would help her feel armoured for the genteel battle that was sure to be staged over the meat course. Why wouldn’t they let her remain in her lazy comfortable routine?

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