“Captain Edgeworth is eager for a tour of my sister-in-law’s garden,” Diana offered, her eyes bright—perhaps a little too bright—as though she was out of her depths.
The captain coughed into his hand. Because, of course, his enthusiasm was not for the garden, but for the privacy the thick shrubs and trees would provide him.
“Indeed, and so, I believe, is Lady Isabella.”
Lady Isabella’s smile was a smug one. “Oh, yes. I am.”
If he were to tag along with Diana and Edgeworth, Greys surmised, he’d be equally successful as if he prevented the captain from escorting her at all. The military hero must realize he’d need to step up his game if he wished to court Diana Jones.
Because although she lacked theTon’swhole-hearted approval, she would command respect all the same. He’d make certain of that.
That the captain would be frustrated by Greys’ interference was something of a bonus.
“I admit I’m happy for some fresh air.” Diana moved to place a lace shawl about her shoulders, but the captain beat her to it.
Fast hands.
Could be problematic for a lady. Greys tightened his jaw when he caught the captain’s gaze dropping to Diana’s décolletage.
What was Chaswick doing that he couldn’t watch over his sister’s suitors?
As luck would have it, Violet and Posy chose that moment to join them as well. Greys exhaled a satisfied breath. Excellent.
He’d come to put great faith in his cousin’s ability to chaperone. Anyone who could keep Posy in line could only be appreciated for her capabilities.
“Shall we?” Greys asked and then bit back a grin when Violet took his arm. She was going to protect him from Lady Isabella after all, despite the disapproving stare their Aunt Iris sent from across the room.
A few manservants were distributing flickering tapers, and Greys relaxed his shoulders. Far from presenting the captain with an opportunity for a tryst, this garden stroll seemed as though it was going to be more of a group exhibition.
All but a few elderly guests followed Lady Chaswick out the glass doors opening to a path that led them to the back of the house. The moon’s glow hid most of the stars, and a warm breeze stirred the leaves on the trees, sending fluttering shadows dancing across the path.
Walking two by two, the guests made appreciative sounds when a sweet floral scent floated in the air.
Miss Jones glanced over her shoulder, and he could almost believe she’d evoked the delicate fragrance with her smile. Greys shrugged off the notion the moment it occurred.
“Lady Isabella has her sights fixed on you with more determination than I’d thought she would,” Violet spoke softly beside him.
“I’m almost impressed by Aunt Iris’s machinations—although, I assume Lady Isabella’s parents were involved as well. One would imagine I’d already promised to offer for her!”
“You ought to have expected this, Greys,” Violet reminded him. “Was that not your intention when you expressed your interest?”
Guilt pricked at him.
It had been, initially. But then Diana had somehow managed to convince him to go along with her charade, and he’d become somewhat… distracted.
Although, he’d failed to convince anyone that he was courting her so far—what with Diana allowing the captain to claim her for most of the evening.
“Lady Isabella is an excellent choice for you, Greys, as I’m sure you are well aware,” Violet added when he didn’t answer.
“She is.” And he’d not have to worry about the union being messy or emotional. He wanted a rational marriage—one that suited both his and his wife’s purposes without turning either of them into lovesick imbeciles.
Greys watched as, up ahead, Stone Spencer slipped an arm around his wife and tugged her off the path into the shadows.
Lord Westerley’s fingers threaded with Lady Westerley’s as they walked, and when she laughed, the earl tilted his head affectionately closer to his American wife.
Chaswick’s arm encircled his baroness’s waist, his hand creeping so low that it rested in a barely decent position, just above the curve of Lady Chaswick’s bum.
Dash it all, even Mantis’s union had been a love match.
