The change of topic was a welcome relief. “We have spoken of it off and on over the last year, but I owe a good majority of my knowledge to my brother and your husband. They told me how you kept your home running after your father died. They claim you are one of the bravest women in the world. Did you really throw yourself in the way in order to keep your brother from getting shot?”
A blush tinged Lady Hamdon’s cheeks. “I did.”
The admission brought a dozen questions to Grace’s mind, and they fell into conversation as Lady Hamdon recounted the story of how she and Anthony met. It was a beautiful tale of intrigue and trust, but the parts that held her attention the most were the ones that included Lady Hamdon’s brother.
After hearing his name over a dozen times throughout the story, her mind latched onto it.Alan.Until now she’d used his title to place space between them, but she could not help herself as she thought of him in less formal terms.
According to Lady Hamdon’s story, Alan had also faced down danger to rescue her. He exemplified bravery in all that he did. Was that why he’d admonished her to be brave?
Her mind turned over all the things she wished to say. Would he have been so insistent if he knew that the words she held back were those of love? What would he do if she truly said what she wished?
Could she really be that bold?
Chapter 17
Alan checked his cravat in the hallway mirror. Emma was most definitely playing matchmaker. He’d begun to suspect as much, but yesterday she’d made it abundantly clear. To his surprise, he didn’t mind. Daylight had not brought on the change of sentiment he’d expected, and his thoughts still turned to the possibilities. Perhaps he’d gone completely mad, but after two days spent in Grace’s company, he could not deny the constant desire to make her his wife.
It was completely selfish, he knew. What woman would want to be tied to a man who jumped at his own shadow and apparently screamed in his sleep? Not to mention his penchant for reaching for knives when he thought trouble was anywhere near.
“You’d look particularly handsome this evening, if not for that sour face,” his sister said from behind him.
He spun to face her, his lips pulling into a smirk. “Nonsense. I always look this way. Perhaps you are in need of spectacles.”
She chuckled. “Indeed, your sour expression is a constant, but I do not need any help to see that you have taken special care and shaved for a second time today, nor is it hard to see your extra accessories. Is that Grandfather’s opal ring and stick pin?”
He had added a few more adornments than usual, and perhaps he’d been a little more attentive to his toilette. That she had noticed meant he’d gone overboard. He’d not meant to catch anyone else’s attention. Only Grace’s.
Emma sidled up next to him and lowered her voice. “Is there anyone in particular you are hoping to impress?”
He gave her a flat look. “Really, Emma? We are not children anymore. I can see your conniving from a mile away.”
She grinned. “Is it working?”
Biting back a smile, he said, “A little.”
If his sister had not been such a composed woman, he was certain she would have danced in her place. Instead, her ice-blue eyes twinkled with so much mischief he worried about his immediate future.
“Emma.” He drew out her name as a warning. “Let me handle this.”
She reined in her smile. “Oh, I am.”
He tipped his head to the side, disbelief no doubt evident on his face. Hopefully, she was serious and not simply biding her time as she manipulated the situation. Years had fully acquainted him with her powers of persuasion. He’d not put it past her to tell him they were going for a drive only to show up to the church, marriage contract in hand and Mr. Clayton ready to perform the wedding to whomever she chose.
His continued stare broke through, and she lost control over her smile. “You don’t believe me?”
“No.” He placed a protective arm around her shoulders and turned her toward the drawing room. “It is safer that way.”
Her laughter rang out as they made their way across the court. Mr. Lenning and his wife were already seated so they took up places near them as they awaited the others. When all were assembled, including Mr. Clayton who said he could only stay for dinner to round out the numbers, Emma advised them of their partners for the evening.
Since it was Miss Prudence’s birthday, he would lead her in as the guest of honor. A pang of disappointment filled him, but then Emma announced that Hamdon would lead Grace in to dinner and her seat would be to Alan’s immediate left. He bit back a smile. Emma gave the tiniest of nods in his direction. It seemed she didn’t miss anything.
The little meddler. But he loved her for it. Never had there been a more devoted sister. He was lucky to have her on his side.
Dinner was full of the usual chatter made livelier by Miss Prudence’s excitement over being the center of attention. She exclaimed over every course and thanked him about a hundred times throughout dinner for serving her favorites. The genius of the menu really belonged to Mrs. Gibbons, but he promised to pass on her thanks to her and Mrs. White, their cook.
Near the end of dinner, all the servants paraded in a cake decorated with a fine white frosting and nuts. Miss Prudence’s eyes widened at the sight. She turned to look at him.
“Is this for me?”
