Curiosity was a dangerous thing.
“I wasn’t aware you two were acquainted.”
Michael’s voice interrupted her thoughts and she nearly jumped. Setting her teacup down, she used the moment to gather her thoughts.
“We aren’t really—” Elizabeth started just as Lord Penderdale said loudly, “Actually I’m old friends—”
“We are not.” Elizabeth turned her attention back to him. “I’ve known you a short three days, if that, and it’s been the most unpleasant three days of my life.”
Lord Penderdale bit his lips as if struggling to restrain his laughter. “Ah, the compliments keep coming. Allow me to clarify.” He gave a chiding expression. “I’m old friends with her father, one of my former professors. He taught alongside my brother-in-law and best friend who recently stepped down from teaching at Cambridge.”
“I wasn’t aware—” Elizabeth started, then paused. No, it wasn’t her business. “Pardon me, never mind.” She held up a hand.
“See, Miss Essex, you do not know as much about me as you assume,” Lord Penderdale said and turned to Michael. “I do have a short and somewhat antagonistic friendship with Miss Essex.”
“I see.” Michael nodded. “Well, if you’re staying for tea, I can have the cook refresh the ladies’ pot.”
“I believe I’ve interrupted your party long enough,” Lord Penderdale said. “However, I thank you for the kind offer. I have some errands to see to.But I’ll see you later tonight, correct?”
“Aye, nine o’clock?” Michael asked.
Collin agreed. “Yes.”
Elizabeth watched as he turned his attention to her.
“Thank you for the delicious conversation, Miss Finch, Miss Essex. I look forward to seeing you both again soon.” He bowed and then walked to the door.
As he disappeared onto the street, Elizabeth turned to notice both Patricia and Mr. Finch staring at her with openly disbelieving expressions. It was at times like this that she noted how similar they were as siblings. Their expressions were nearly identical, only one was decidedly feminine and the other masculine.
“Well?” Patricia said, breaking the silence.
Elizabeth glanced down to her empty teacup. “Well, what?”
Patricia let out a long sigh. “What do you mean, what? How do you know him and when did you start the second Waterloo? I haven’t seen aggression like that since…well, ever actually. But it wasn’t really aggression, was it?”
Elizabeth turned to her friend. “Pardon?”
“Nothing, never mind. Disregard what I said.” Patricia waved her hand. “Well, Michael, what do you think?”
Michael rubbed the back of his neck as he tooka seat at the table with them. “I’m not certain what exactly to think, but if I wasn’t so bewildered, the whole exchange would have been quite entertaining,” he admitted.
“Entertaining,” Elizabeth stated. “That’s not the word I’d use.”
“Of that I’m certain.” Patricia giggled. “You’d use far more descriptive words, but entertaining is exactly what it was. Now…” Patricia addressed her brother. “Is Lord Penderdale married?”
“Good Lord, Pat, I didn’t ask nor will I.”
“He’s old enough to be married…”
“So am I, but I’m not,” Michael stated, his gaze flicking to Elizabeth before darting back to his sister.
It was an expression Elizabeth didn’t miss, and she still wasn’t certain how she felt about it. If they were all being honest, each of them was old enough to be married. As if everyone understood that at once, the room fell silent. Elizabeth lifted her teacup and glanced into it. Still empty. She set it back down and turned to Michael as another question came to mind.
“How doyouknow Lord Penderdale?”
Michael shrugged. “We’re in a bit of a business partnership for the time being.”
“Helpful, Mitch,” Patricia replied with sarcasm, then turned to Elizabeth. “He showed up yesterday, and they’ve been working together since. I don’t know anything else, sorry.” Patricia gavean apologetic expression. “However, it stands to reason that he will be around my brother often enough for the time being.”
