Justin groaned. “For heaven’s sake, Alex. You know Papa was increasingly immersed in his own odd world, especially at that time. That letter you found was clearly a manifestation of that.” He threw up his hands. “It’s likely nothing more than his own private rantings.”
He blew out a harried sigh. “Let it go. It’s not important.”
“If it’s not important then why should you care whether I show it to Lord Branford?”
“Because I don’t wish to see you made a laughingstock of the Town. Secret codes indeed! Why, thetonwill think we are even odder than they already do!” exploded Justin.
“I’m sorry we embarrass you,” she said quietly.
“Alex! I didn’t mean?—”
“And by the by,” she added, “I hardly think Lord Branford is someone who engages in idle gossip.” She rose, deciding to take her leave before the disagreement could turn even more confrontational. “If you will excuse me, I have some sketches I would like to finish while the light is still good enough.”
Justin fixed his aunt with a stricken look as Alex let the door fall shut behind her.
“I—I’m just trying to protect her.”
Lady Beckworth nodded in understanding, but couldn’t hold back an inward sigh as shewondered whether this visit to Town was going to end in grief and heartache for all of them.
Seven
More carefree laughter, more melodious music, more swirling jewel-tone silks … Alex closed her eyes for an instant. The balls were beginning to blur together?—
“Good evening, Miss Chilton. I trust your brother is on the mend?”
Alex gave a start at hearing the earl’s voice, then turned with a smile from watching the country dance in progress.
“The doctor finally allowed him out of bed this afternoon. I’m not sure who was more pleased—Justin or myself.” A wry grimace. “I confess that I’m not sure I could have endured another day of listening to his rantings and complaints of boredom.”
“Youth has little patience,” observed Branford dryly. “And even less sense.”
Alex chuckled. “Were you never young, sir?”
His mouth twitched. “I can’t remember.”
She laughed lightly, enjoying his pithy sense of humor. “And just how old are you?”
“Nearly thirty-three.”
“Good heavens—how positively ancient!”
“Show some respect for your elders,” he quipped before taking her arm and guiding her to a less crowded part of the room. “Would you a care for some ratafia punch? Or perhaps some champagne?”
“Champagne, please,” replied Alex, deciding to be daring.
The earl returned shortly with two glasses of sparkling wine. “Here’s to good health from now on in your household,” he said after passing one to her.
“Yes, to no more … accidents.” She took a sip, only to feel the effervescence of the champagne prickle like daggerpoints against her tongue.
Branford eyed her curiously, but moved on to a different topic. “Would you still like me to take a look at the piece of paper you found in your father’s books?”
Alex was pleased that he had not forgotten. “If it is not too much trouble …”
“Miss Chilton,” he interjected. “You need not simper like a peagoose. I would not offer if it were too much trouble. I assure you, I’m not in the habit of doing things that I don’t wish to do.”
“Then, yes,” she said. “I would very much like to show you the paper.”
“Shall I call at your residence tomorrow at, say, eleven?”
