Page 45 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Tessa entered on the arm of her husband, sailing in with a smile on her face as everyone greeted the new arrivals.

“Minta has brought gifts for us,” Adalyn exclaimed. “Now that you are here, Tessa, we can open them.”

She reached into the box and handed each woman the package designated for her. Minta had come to know bits and pieces of each of them and had gone to a bookstore, choosing a book that each one might enjoy.

“I would have rather embroidered something for you because I like how personal a gift of that nature is,” she explained. “The three of you have kept me far too busy, however, and I had no time to do so.”

“You did not have to get us anything,” Tessa said. “Your friendship is quite enough.”

Minta smiled. “I appreciate you saying that, Tessa. I did want to show you a bit of appreciation, though. You have welcomed me to London with open arms.”

“And I will find you a husband,” Adalyn chimed in as she undid the string and tore away the brown paper.

She watched as the packages were opened. For Tessa, she had chosen a book on gardening. Adalyn, who was known for her keen fashion sense, had received an illustrated copy of women’s fashions during the Renaissance. Louisa was mad for Bach and Minta had found a biography of the composer which had recently been released.

All three exclaimed how delighted they were with their books, giving her warm embraces.

Then Minta sensed something different in the room and turned. Standing to the side was the Marquess of Kingston looking on. Somehow, he had slipped in during the chaos of the packages being unwrapped.

He took a few steps and joined her. Her pulse beat wildly as she inhaled his cologne.

“I see you have made the Three Cousins quite happy,” he noted.

“I did not know you were returning to town,” she said faintly, the blood pounding in her ears.

“I was fortunate to find—through my butler—a remarkable man who has proven to be the perfect estate manager. I have so much confidence in him that I decided I could return to town and partake in the Season.”

Minta swallowed, her mouth dry. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say.

Lord Kingston’s gaze pierced her. “I hope you have not forgotten that you promised to waltz with me at the Blakeney ball tomorrow night.”

“No.”

One eyebrow cocked up. “No, you haven’t forgotten—or no, you won’t dance with me?” he asked.

She dug her fingernails into her palms. “No, I had not forgotten,” she said quietly.

“I have been gone for a few weeks. I was worried you had. Or that you might have promised it to another gentleman. Say, Lord Boxling.”

Her heart sped up. Hewasjealous of the viscount!

“I have promised no dance to any gentleman,” she told him. “However, you must arrive in time to sign my programme if you wish to waltz with me at the ball, my lord.”

Again, one brow shot up. Then the marquess smiled. “I wonder if Lady Blakeney minds if I join them for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“Why would you do that?” she asked, puzzled by his odd remark.

He grinned. “Why, the better to stake my claim by being first in line at their ball, Miss Nicholls.”

Minta turned red to her roots.

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