Bram caught the scowl his brother threw him but ignored it. He’d been expected to sit at the head of the table with his family, but Lady Osborne had asked him to sit here and keep the young ladies company. He’d not refused. He had known Pansy for many years and was quite happy with Miss Birdwhistle and her smiling cousin and friend for company. Malcolm likely was missing the opportunity to lord it over Bram, pompous twit that he was.
His mother had kissed him like he’d been away four days, not four years. That had hurt, but then what had he expected? Pansy seemed happier to see him, if he was honest. But then, his family was not close, Bram wondered when he’d fully accept that.
“The archery competition is open to all guests,” he said, returning his eyes to the woman seated beside him. She was pushing her eggs around the plate now. Clearly, she was uncomfortable that he’d chosen to sit next to her.
“I will not be competing.”
She wore a shade of brown that would look hideous hanging in a window, let alone on a body. The neck came up so high, it was surprising it didn’t choke her. All that thick brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun and secured with enough pins to make his eyes water. He wondered if the clothing was some kind of camouflage as surely no one chose to dress like that. Her cousin was dressed in the latest style, which confused him.
“Seems a shame, as clearly you enjoy it.” Bram kept his eyes on the side of her face.
She was small and reminded him of a sparrow. Her skin was pale, and he was sure would feel like satin if he ran a finger over her chin. A few freckles marched over the bridge of her nose, and color brushed the ridges of her cheekbones, which he thought was likely due to his presence.
“You don’t know that I enjoy it.”
“Miss Birdwhistle, you were sneaking out of the house with your quiver. Jokes aside, clearly you were going to practice, as it was frigid, and dark outside. Most of the other guests were very likely enduring a terrible piano recital or reading of some sort.”
She turned his way, and he felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He’d never seen eyes that color before. Pewter, and ringed black. They were stunning. Exotic, Bram thought as he noted the slight upward tilt in both corners. And intense; they seemed to bore into him.
“I will not be competing,” she said in a low voice before turning back to her eggs. She scooped up a mouthful and ate. Clearly, she hoped this would stop him asking her questions.
“How long are you back with us, Bramstone?” These words were from Lady Nivers, who had to shout them at him, as she was farther up the table. She was also hard of hearing and usually had an ear horn pressed to her ear. As a friend of his mother’s, she was often found at Nightingale Hall.
“I am unsure at this time, my lady.”
“Well, it’s good to have you here. Handsome devil that you are, it does my elderly heart good to see a face like yours!”
“You’re too kind,” he said, smiling.
Ivy Birdwhistle made a choking noise.
“Are you choking? Shall I slap you?”
She raised a hand to indicate that was not necessary. Her eyes then shot around the table before returning to her plate.
“Nice thighs too!” Lady Nivers added to Miss Hinkel, who was to her left.
The other guests snorted, except his family, who sat in stony-faced silence. Miss Birdwhistle’s cheeks were now a darker shade of pink.
Bram caught the eye of two ladies returning from the buffet and smiled. They blushed and smiled back.
Miss Birdwhistle made another noise, but when he looked at her, she was staring at her plate once more.
“Is something amiss, Miss Birdwhistle?”
“No.”
Clearly, she wasn’t one to rattle on when a single word would do. Bram sat back in his seat while she ate another mouthful of her eggs and looked at the other guests. It had been some time since he’d sat down in such company.
They were of varied ages, with plenty of young men and ladies, plus a few of the older generation, his mother’s friends. Clearly the younger members of the house party were hoping that if they had not succeeded to secure a match already, then this could bear fruit.
If he had his way, he’d make a run for it now. But he wanted to see his nieces and nephews first, and as they were nearby with family, he’d make the trip there soon. Unlike the rest of his family, they seemed to love him. Then he would be happy to leave the house party and its restrictions behind once more.
“May I have some toast and preserves, Dudley?” The family butler was always hovering nearby to ensure everything ran smoothly.
“I will see to it at once, sir.”
Miss Birdwhistle made a small sound again.
