Well, he assumed she ended up in such a state because he most certainly did.
However, it had only been a sennight since the two of them became reacquainted after five years and she claimed to have changed. It was something that he could not argue with because he had noted those changes. The question that remained was how much had Franny changed? Would they even suit now?
After they arrived back at his home and he escorted the women into the parlor, his suspicions of matchmaking were confirmed when Blythe’s eyes widened in surprise and disappointment as she glanced at Lady Bethany, who simply shrugged.
Frances had noted her reaction as well and her lips pursed.
As the footman poured wine, the women discussed Athena’s Salon, which Blythe attended two of the four nights, while he stood back observing and listening to the women until dinner was announced. He then offered his arm to Frances to escort her into the dining room with Blythe and Lady Bethany following.
Conversation around the table was polite and general, and nothing of substance as they likely shared during their hours in Athena’s Salon. Though he noted that it was more Blythe and Lady Bethany conversing while Frances said little.
As dinner was concluded Seth stood. “Shall we adjourn to the library for billiards?”
Both Blythe and Lady Bethany looked at him as if he were mad.
“Why would we do so?” Blythe asked.
“It was the purpose of this dinner,” he answered. “I promised to teach Miss Hawthorn how to play but needed you to arrange a dinner so that it was not remarked upon if she simply called.”
“Billiards?” Lady Bethany asked Frances.
“I wish to learn the game,” she answered defensively.
“You two go along,” Blythe insisted. “Lady Bethany and I will enjoy tea in the parlor.”
It is what he hoped her response would be and had counted on the same thing occurring had it been Tessa and her husband at dinner. Though, His Grace may have wanted to join, which would have taken some of the fun out of his teaching.
Frances allowed Seth to guide her down the corridor and into the library. At one end of the large room were shelves of books and a desk piled high with documents. At the far end was a billiards table. However, it was the desk she approached. “Do you not employ a secretary?”
“I see no need to do so,” Seth answered.
“By appearances, you do.” How could he possibly know what was of importance and what could be ignored? Most of the missives had not even been opened.
“We are here for billiards, not to discuss my disorganization.” Seth crossed to a sideboard. “Would you like wine or brandy?”
“Wine, please,” she answered absently. How could he possibly be a successful owner of a gentlemen’s club if this was what his desk looked like?
“I can assure you that my office at The Emerald Garter is much neater and organized, and the books are accurate and up to date.”
He crossed to hand her a glass of wine. “We are here for billiards,” he reminded her again.
She accepted the wine and strolled to the green baize-covered billiards table. The sides were raised and the pockets where they should be. Frances was familiar enough with the game to know what the table looked like, she simply did not understand the game, nor had she ever attempted to play.
“Why do you have this table in your library instead of a billiards room?” she asked. “Don’t most gentlemen have such a room for entertainment?”
“Some do,” Seth answered as he took a small, locked box from a shelf. “I rarely have guests to enjoy the game and usually play, or work on my game, when I am thinking.”
She glanced back at the unorganized and messy desk. “It appears you may do more thinking than working.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” he answered as he placed the box on the table, unlocked it and drew out the balls.
“Why are they locked away?” Frances asked as she wandered to his side.
“They are ivory and expensive. I would not want anyone to steal them.”
“You do not trust your staff?” she inquired.
“I do not trust visitors to my home, if they would have cause to be in my library.”
