Page 35 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

“I made no such statement.”

“You didn’t have to,” she pointed out.

“He . . . was interested in Louisa—Lady Danbury—at one time.”

“But you were still at war, my lord. And Lady Danbury married Lord Danbury. It is easy to see they adore one another.”

“I am loyal to my friends,” he said succinctly. “I did meet Boxling the other day at White’s.”

“Did he make an ill impression upon you?”

“No, he was rather agreeable,” the marquess admitted. “Just don’t let his oozing charm dazzle you.”

She bit her lip, realizing the marquess might be just a tad jealous of Lord Boxling’s presence tonight. Since she was the only unattached female present, it gave her a slight thrill that Lord Kingston might not wish her to show any interest in the viscount.

“It takes more than charm to interest me, my lord.”

They reached the dining room and he led her to her seat.

Which was right next to Lord Boxling.

And Lord Kingston was on her right.

Oh, this was going to be a very interesting meal.

*

Percy thought dinnerwould never end.

He had never experienced jealousy before tonight. Oh, he had upon occasion been a bit envious when one of his friends scored better on an exam than he did but that had been fleeting. He had never truly had any type of relationship with a woman, much less one he cared for.

And he had come to realize that he cared deeply for Minta Nicholls.

While he still believed she deserved a much better man than he could ever be, he did not like her paying attention to Lord Boxling. Under any other circumstances, Percy might have actually tried to make friends with the viscount. He had seemed interesting the other day at White’s. Now, however, Percy saw the man as a competitor. Unfortunately, if tonight was a race?

He would be losing by a good amount.

Miss Nicholls had done her best to include him in conversation but Percy had been reluctant to enter it. Eventually, she turned her attention to her left, where Lord Boxling sat. The viscount occupied a good portion of her time during dinner. He wanted to kick himself, wishing for the thousandth time that his nature was different and he could be open and charming as Rupert had been.

Louisa said, “It looks as though it is time for the men to have their port. Shall we withdraw to the drawing room, ladies?”

The females rose and the countess added, “Don’t be long, gentlemen. Miss Nicholls has agreed to sing and play for us once you join us.”

“Do we really need a glass of port after such a lavish meal?” Lord Boxling asked. “I, for one, would be happy to forego it and head straight to the drawing room to hear Miss Nicholls play.”

Ev rose. “That would be fine with me.” He looked to Louisa. “My compliments to your cook. She outdid herself. Owen will be upset he missed such a wonderful meal.”

The other gentlemen rose and Lord Boxling quickly claimed Miss Nicholls, leading her from the dining room. Glumly, Percy watched the others do the same and offered Louisa his arm.

“You did so well yesterday, Percy,” she encouraged. “You talked with Miss Nicholls. You did a remarkable job of teaching her the waltz. Do not let your progress be stymied by anyone.”

“You mean Lord Boxling,” he said petulantly, as an angry child might.

Louisa halted. “Do not be sullen, Percy. It is not an attractive quality on anyone, man or woman. If you are interested in Miss Nicholls, then you must let her know.”

“I thought I had.”

He recalled kissing her and felt his ears grow warm.

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