Page 12 of The Tenacious Lady Blackmore

Her heart responded to his flowery words...though in what manner, she struggled to say. It raced a bit, not overly, but still a bit. It was rather an inconclusive response, on the whole. Perhaps it was just that they hadn’t seen one another since her late husband’s passing. No doubt, seeing him would always remind her of her late husband, her son’s father. Yet, there was something more as well. An awareness that their histories were closely connected one to another, but not intimately so either...at least, not as of yet.

What an odd, and not wholly wanted, thought to have just now.

Also, she was aware that he still held her hand. And that the three men she’d been dining with were all staring.

Charlotte tugged slightly against his grip. But instead of releasing her, Lord Linfield only tightened his hold.

“If I may,” Charlotte said, turning to face the other men. She quickly made introductions.

As Lord Linfield’s gaze met Seth’s, something passed between the men. Lord Linfield’s smile was known to charm any he met—gentleman and lady alike. But Seth’s scowl didn’t ease, and something akin to confusion crossed Lord Linfield’s face. In that moment, his grip lessened just enough that Charlotte was able to pull her hand free.

With a fake smile well in place, she returned to her seat. “Now, as we were saying about Emma.”

With that, the debate burst back to life. Neither Lord Windham nor Lord Campbell seemed the least bit persuaded to change his stance. Not even after she’d plied them with some of her best scones and brandy, the ungrateful louts.

After several minutes oflivelydebate—if she were to put it gracefully—Seth excused himself, whispering that he was in want of a little more refreshment. But the look he gave her clearly said he needed a moment’s rest or he was liable to tell the two titled menpreciselywhat he thought of their ideas.

Immediately after, Lord Linfield excused himself as well and walked over toward the buffet and directly up to Seth.

Charlotte couldn’t hear what was being said, but it was clear both men had forgotten the food.

Goodness, what she wouldn’t give to know what those two had to say to one another.

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