Page 55 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

And return she would. She would not let Percy’s atrocious behavior make her behave poorly. She had more than manners. She had kindness and a regard for others, unlike the selfish, frustrating marquess.

Quickly, she went to her bedchamber and washed her face. It would take too long to wait for Bertha to come and help her into a new gown and so Minta grabbed a colorful shawl and wrapped it about her. She glanced into the mirror and grimaced at her reflection. Still, she determined to return to her suitors.

Making her way downstairs, she inhaled a deep breath and held it a moment before letting it out and stepping into the drawing room again. She saw the three gentlemen still present, though they had all taken a seat and now spoke with her aunt and uncle.

Aunt Phyllis looked up, dismay crossing her face. “Minta, my dear, whatever is wrong?”

She launched into a quick lie as she took a seat. “I had something in my eye that hurt fiercely, Aunt. I returned to my room and was able to wash it out but I spilled quite a few tears since it was so painful.”

“And you are better now?” Lord Boxling asked, his deep voice filled with concern.

“Very much so, my lord.” She smiled at him. “In fact, I was hoping you and your friends might stay and join us for tea if Aunt Phyllis and Uncle West do not mind.”

“Not a bit,” her uncle declared.

Her aunt beamed. “We would be delighted if you could stay.”

The viscount glanced to his friends, who both nodded eagerly.

“Then stay we will,” Lord Boxling said.

She rang for tea and spent the next hour with a smile pasted upon her lips. She fought every urge to think about Percy, shoving it away, as she focused upon their visitors.

When teatime ended, Lord Boxling asked, “Will you be attending tonight’s musicale, Miss Nicholls?”

This time, Minta gave the viscount a genuine smile. “Yes, Lord Boxling. And I hope you will be present, as well.”

“Good,” he said. “I will claim the seat next to yours. I believe we have much to speak about.”

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