And how he longed for hisladrato feel the brilliant sense of belonging that Ethan himself experienced when in the company of Leah and Malcolm.
Allie detested afternoonsspent idly chitchatting with strangers.
So did Kendall, thank goodness.
Consequently, her ducal brother stood to one side of Lord Hadley’s large drawing-room and censoriously stared down anyone who contemplated striking up a conversation.
Allie plastered herself to his side.
The room was full of people—aging peers and their haughty wives, débutantes giggling in small groups, gentlemen lounging in pairs—none of whom she knew. By contrast, Aunt Whipple, with her eager tongue and gossiping nature, knew everyone. She was already ensconced on a crowded sofa, teacup in hand, chatting energetically with another elderly lady.
People wandered in and out of a pair of tall, glass-paned doors, enjoying the gentle Scottish sun on the terrace and strolling through the Italianate gardens beyond.
Ethan had yet to make an appearance.
“Remember our pact,” Kendall murmured beside Allie. “You must give Charswood a legitimate chance if you wish to earn your pin money and months of reprieve. I expect you to act refined, elegant, and most importantly, conciliatory.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Allie replied in her sweetest tone.
Given how quickly Kendall frowned at her, he was not the slightest bit deceived.
“I know you have developed something of a tendre for Penn-Leith, but the man is merely a passing fancy, a disgraceful interlude. It is time to shelve him and focus on the reality of your life and future.”
“Lord Charswood, you mean?” Allie asked, though given her sardonic tone, she might as well have said,Don’t you meanyourfuture, Your Grace?
“Precisely.” Her twin tugged on his waistcoat, ignoring her sarcasm.
Allie said nothing in reply, allowing her caustic retort to burn a hole in her tongue.
She would do nothing to jeopardize her pact with her brother. The promised pin money and increased independence gave her options and time to determine how she would seize the freedom she envisioned.
“Your Grace,” a voice said. “Lady Allegra.”
Allie turned to see Lady Hadley before them, a younger woman at her side. Given the sharp resemblance between the two ladies, this newcomer could only be her ladyship’s daughter.
“May I present my eldest child, Lady Isolde Langston?” Lady Hadley waved a hand toward her daughter. “Isolde, His Grace, the Duke of Kendall and his sister, Lady Allegra.”
Lady Isolde dropped a beautifully elegant curtsy. She was a striking beauty—lithe and tall with vibrant auburn hair that glowed against the pale blue silk of her afternoon gown.
Kendall went terrifyingly still at Allie’s side, his hands clenching into fists.
He said nothing.
He scarcely breathed.
Allie dared a side-ward glance at him.
Her brother’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his nostrils slightly flared.
Mmm, howveryinteresting.
Giving her brightest smile, Allie curtsied and extended her hand to Lady Isolde. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Isolde.”
Kendall nodded in stiff agreement.
More and more interesting.
Did her brother fancy this woman? Had she left him tongue-tied?
