Page 20 of The Secrets He Keeps

“Maxwell?”

“The same. Thank you.”

In an obviously contrary move, Pendragon claimed the other wingback chair in a flourish of her scarlet skirts, leaving the small settee for the men. Erik almost chuckled but managed to hold it in as he took a seat on one end of the narrow sofa. Leaning back, he crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. If the madam’s intention was to make him uncomfortable, she’d have her work cut out for her. If his childhood performing in front of endless crowds taught him anything, it was how to avoid becoming distressed in even the most awkward circumstances.

Hale brought the ladies their wine first, then returned with a glass for Erik. It appeared he hadn’t poured anything for himself. When he saw what the women had done, he made a low sound of displeasure. Sending his sister a swift glare, he took up a spot standing beside the fireplace, where the heat rolling from the roaring flames would likely soon grow unbearable.

Pendragon smirked in self-satisfaction as she sipped from her crystal wineglass.

“Are you only recently of London, Mr. Maxwell?” Lady Katherine asked.

He met the young woman’s directly questioning gaze and noted that, although she wasn’t as boldly beautiful as Madam Pendragon, there was a distinct loveliness in her dark eyes and fine features. “Yes, I arrived in England less than a year ago.”

“And where were you before that?”

Her interest obviously derived from pure curiosity rather than a desire to pry, but Erik had to think on it for a moment. The extensive nature of his past travels tended to make the details blur together after a while. “I believe I was in Istanbul just prior to coming to London.”

Lady Katherine’s dark brows lifted in interest. “Really? Have you traveled to a great many places?”

Erik smiled. “More than I’ve time to name tonight, my lady.”

“How fascinating. I’ve only ever been to Lincolnshire, where I grew up, and now London. I’d love to travel someday.”

“We will, luv,” Hale asserted firmly. “Once everything is settled. Promise.”

His wife responded with a smile that reflected her complete and utter confidence in his words. Erik glanced to Pendragon, wondering if she saw the depth of faith and devotion between her brother and his wife. The Hales’ marriage appeared to be a perfect example of what she claimed didn’t exist.

Likely sensing his regard, she looked back at him. Her green eyes flashed with quiet frustration. When he tilted his head in silent question, she quickly averted her eyes and took another sip of her wine.

“Ah, here they are,” Lady Katherine noted with a smile as she rose to her feet.

Erik stood as well and turned toward the doorway to see a dark-haired boy of twelve or thirteen holding the hand of a small girl with soft blonde curls who could be no more than three years old. The girl looked a bit shy as her blue eyes darted between Pendragon and Erik before settling on Hale.

“Come here, sweet pea,” the big man said in a soft tone.

The girl immediately dashed forward to be swept up in Hale’s arms.

“Frederick,” Lady Katherine said as she gestured for the boy to come forward. “I’d like you to meet Mr. Maxwell. He is an associate of Miss Hale.” Lifting her gaze to Erik, she continued, “Mr. Maxwell, this is my brother, the Duke of Northmoor.”

After executing a bow appropriate for the boy’s rank, Erik replied, “A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”

With a surprisingly stoic expression for one so young and a sharply intelligent gaze, the young duke nodded. “And you, Mr. Maxwell. It is always nice to be introduced to new friends.” Turning to Pendragon, he added, “I’m very happy to see you again, Miss Hale. Your visits always bring a welcome bit of excitement to the house.”

Her smile was slightly teasing as she replied, “Then I shall do my best to come by more often.”

“I think Claire would like that, as well,” Hale interjected as he stepped forward with the little girl still held high in his thick arms. “Wouldn’t you like to see Aunt Lissy more often, sweet pea?”

The little girl smiled sweetly and she nodded her head, causing her pale curls to bounce about her cheeks.

“See?” Hale stated emphatically as he gave his sister a smirking look.

She responded with a roll of her eyes.

Turning to Erik, Hale added, “And this is Aunt Lissy’s friend, Mr. Maxwell.”

Erik tilted his head toward the girl and offered a gentle smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Claire.”

After blushing prettily, she murmured softly, “Merry Christmas.”

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