“What is it, child?” the dowager asked softly.
“Nothing. Only… I wonder what Dominic will say when he arrives.”
“He will say you look well. And happy. And then he will lecture you about remaining in England.” The dowager reached across the table to pat her hand. “But he will also be glad you are home. We all are.”
Deena turned her hand over to squeeze her grandmother’s fingers. “I am glad to be here. Truly.”
Even if everything felt suddenly complicated.
The dowager smiled. “Good. Now finish your tea. We have an amazing breakfast game planned for this morning, and I intend to see you partnered with the most handsome gentleman. Practice makes perfect, my dear.”
Deena groaned. “Grandmother…”
“Hush. A little game never harmed anyone. Especiallymygames.”
The dowager rose with a satisfied swish of skirts, leaving Deena alone with her cooling tea and a whirlwind of thoughts. She wished she could tell her grandmother that there was no time for games.
“Your Grace, do tell us why you disappeared so suddenly last night. I was devastated when you did not return to the ballroom in time to stand up with me for the third dance.”
Lady Amelia’s voice carried across the breakfast room like a trumpet, tinny and impossible to ignore. Half a dozen ladies had already clustered around Austin as he stood near the sideboard, waiting for the footmen to bring out the covered dishes. The room buzzed with the usual morning chatter, but every eye seemed fixed on him.
Austin turned slowly, teacup in hand, and offered the circle a lazy yet dashing smile that had them all swooning for his attention. “Ladies, hold your horses. I do apologize if I have disappointed any of you, but I was busy catching up with an old friend of mine.”
“Yes, Your Grace, we are all well aware of whosheis.” Lady Ann smiled tightly.
Austin turned his attention to her. “Yes, Lady Ann, I am sure that you know the dowager’s granddaughter. Lady Deena Archdall is the sister to my oldest friend, so do forgive me if my time has been sparse.”
A ripple of whispers followed. “Archdall? The sister who was sent to Paris?”
“I heard there was quite the scandal at her debut?—”
“Caught alone with Lord Haverstock, wasn’t it?”
Austin’s smile vanished. “I suggest we leave ancient history where it belongs. Lady Deena has been abroad for years because she’s passionate about her studies. She’s returned for a family visit. That is all.”
Lady Amelia pouted. “But you danced the first waltz with her. And then both of you vanished.”
“We suffered a small wardrobe mishap.” Austin smiled as Lady Ann blushed profusely. “I merely escorted her to the dowager. Nothing more salacious happened, I assure you.”
“You looked rather protective, Your Grace, as if she were your own sister,” the Countess of Harrow added with a smirk.
“I am protective of His Grace’s family,” he replied. “I know that he’ll have my hide otherwise.”
The whispers continued, but were quieter now. Austin sipped his tea, his gaze kept drifting to the doorway until Deena entered. She looked breathtaking in a simple morning gown of pale jonquil. Her red curls were pinned up with only a few rebellious strands escaping. She paused on the threshold as her eyes swept the room until they locked with his. Austin inclined his head slightly towards the empty chair beside him. She looked at it, then deliberately chose a seat at the far end of the long table.
Stubborn as ever.
He felt the corner of his mouth twitch.
Before anyone could press him further, the dowager swept in like a ship under full sail.
“Good morning, my darlings!” she announced. “I had hoped last night’s dance would break the ice, but you all still look stiff as pokers. So, I have decided that we shall make our own breakfast today!”
A collective gasp rose.
“Make our own?” Lady Ann squeaked.
The dowager beamed. “Indeed! To honor my granddaughter, who has lived in France these many years, we shall prepare crêpes. The kitchen staff has set up stations in the conservatory. Batter, fillings, pans, and everything we need have been provided.”
