Jane bit her lip lightly, silently calling down epithets upon her own head for her unruly tongue. She could not let him see the extent of her discomfiture. Her best defense was to take his words in stride without reading further into them. She tossed her head up and unflinchingly met the earl’s amusement. "My apologies, my lord. Your guest is, of course, welcome as well, should he be inclined, and you gentlemen need a respite from bachelor fare.” The smile she bestowed on him was brilliant in its calculation, and her eyes glittered with gemlike clarity.
He inclined his head, his lips twitching slightly. "We would be honored. And now ladies, if you will permit me, I should like to take Bertram and Edward riding.”
“Riding!” Jane’s formal cloak slipped away. She struggled, stammering, to capture its comforting folds. "W—why? I mean, they would like nothing better, to be sure. That is very kind of you?—”
“Ah, careful. Remember, I am never kind.”
“Then we are all the more at sea,” interjected Lady Elsbeth, staring at him with a considering expression in her soft hazel eyes.
“Curiosity, my dear Lady Elsbeth. I find myself curious as to how they fare, so surrounded by women.”
“But why?” reiterated Jane. "Why this interest and curiosity for a couple of children? They are no relation to you.”
“That is plain-speaking, is it not?” He sighed and leaned an elbow on the mantelpiece. "I have asked myself the same question. The only answer I offer is boredom.” He straightened, his expression grave. He stuck his thumbs into his waistcoat pockets. "Contrary to popular opinion, I do not mean the children harm, if that is what you fear. I found I like the lads and, as I admitted, I am bored. And while boredom may be fashionable in London, I’m heartily sick of it.”
“Then why stay here?”
“Because I’ve made a commitment. A commitment to my solicitor, my bankers, my estate agent, and to myself.” He paced before the hearth. "Six months ago, I was approached with an offer to purchase Royceland Hall, as the property is unentailed. I thought the offer ridiculously low. I laughed it away. My solicitor—ever so humbly and regretfully—advised me it was a good offer and that I’d not get a better one, for the estate had degenerated in the intervening years. His words were like a bucket of cold water in the face after a night of drinking blue ruin. I was shocked, angry, and suddenly wide awake. I could not let Royceland Hall go for a song. I could not let it be worth so little. So I returned to England and threw myself into the task of consolidating and rebuilding my affairs. And I will succeed,” he finished firmly. Then he shook his head in self-disgust and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Diversion is what I desire. From what I have seen of Bertram and Edward, they would make an interesting—and perhaps mildly amusing—diversion. A respite from ledgers and numbers. So you see, I am not kind, I’m selfish. Now, will you allow the boys to accompany me, or not?”
Jane glanced at her Aunt Elsbeth, who nodded. She looked back at the earl, her posture still rigid. "Very well. Please be seated while I ring for a servant to collect the boys.”
She was strangely gratified to see him finally sit. He set his hat and crop next to him and leaned back, his hands lying relaxed along his muscular thighs.
Jeremy so promptly answered her summons that again Jane wondered if the man had been listening at the keyhole. She would have to break him of that habit or be forced to tell her brother-in-law and possibly see him fired. It was a pity, for the young footman was efficient. She swiftly gave him instructions to fetch the boys. Owing to Jeremy’s penchant for eavesdropping she was confident they would arrive dressed for riding.
While they waited for the children, Royce asked after their expected guests. When hearing Sir Garth Helmsdon was one of the company, he raised an amused eyebrow. "Is Helmsdon still loose? Egad, what did he do, marry a wealthy cit’s daughter? He was bound for either exile to escape his duns or to land in the Fleet ten years ago!”
Jane’s lips twitched slightly. "I believe he came into a small bequest, which satisfied his creditors for a time.”
“Am I to understand they are beginning to hammer at our erstwhile friend’s door again?”
“Rather assiduously, I believe. It is well known he is hanging out for a rich wife, though I do not believe his case is desperate yet. He has not yet reached the state of being unconcerned as to his intended’s appearance or antecedents.”
Royce ran two fingers along his jawline and unconsciously thrust out his chin as if his thoughts had taken on a particularly unpleasant aspect. "I remember Helmsdon.” His eyes narrowed at some distant memory. "He was not a man for whom honor held meaning. I trust I do not have to tell you that a desperate man without honor can be viler than the thieves and cutpurses of London?”
Jane shivered slightly at the cold, granite-hardness in his tone and manner. What was worse was he spoke her unformed thoughts. She was becoming increasingly thankful for the heavy oak door with its large brass lock. If she prevented Helmsdon from manufacturing a compromising situation within the house, and if she refused all invitations to solitary rides or drives, she should realize a large measure of safety. The sudden tightness in her chest eased, allowing her to respond with her legendary sangfroid.
“We believe my cousin Millicent, Mr. David Hedgeworth’s widow, to be his current target. It is she he accompanies here,” she said blandly, though a hint of a smile hovered at the edges of her lips.
“And you intend to spoil Helmsdon’s game by informing your cousin of his intentions.”
Jane’s eyes opened wide, and a rich, rippling laugh escaped her lips.
Royce crossed his arms over his chest, the material of his jacket bunching only slightly at the shoulders for his jacket was cut more for his comfort than to the dictates of fashion. He leaned back against the plump brocade pillows of the settee and cocked his head to the side as he considered Jane.
Lady Elsbeth lowered her needlework to her lap for a moment. "There is no great familial love shared between my nieces,” she explained dryly.
Royce looked at Lady Elsbeth, a slightly puzzled frown twisting his brows. "Then why have her visit?”
Lady Elsbeth sighed. "My elder sister Serena, Lady Charles Tipton, did not ask, she merely announced. We could not very well turn them away, for this is not our house, and they have been guests of Mr. and Mrs. Litton on previous occasions.” She started to pick up her needlework, then paused and returned it to her lap. "My sister did write to chastise me for failing to see Jane suitably wed yet. I do hope she has not decided to undertake the task.”
“I have already told you, Elsbeth, that I believe she has," Jane said calmly.
Royce would have questioned her further if the sound of running feet outside the closed parlor doors hadn’t pulled his attention away. The sound was followed moments later with the double doors swinging wide, and Bertram and Edward, dressed for riding as Jane knew Jeremy would tell them, skidded to a halt inside the room.
“Is it true? Is it really true?” Edward demanded excitedly, scurrying over to the earl.
