It was time to get back to her own work.
The next day,Alex was still in an oddly unsettled mood when she arrived at the evening’s soiree and joined her friends in one of the side salons off the main drawing room. They were alreadyengaged in an animated conversation concerning a recently-published scientific paper. Mr. Graves, a noted expert on roses, had apparently stirred up a great deal of controversy—due in no small part to his arrogance and abrasive manner—with his theories on hybrids.
Alex knew she should find the subject interesting—she always enjoyed taking part in any heated botanical argument. But tonight, she found her attention wandering.
Her thoughts were caught up in more pressing concerns than the shape and color of certain roses. Though she had completed her end of the business deal with Branford, the fact that she had donenothingto follow up on her vow to investigate accidents that had befallen her brother, weighed heavily on her conscience. Granted, it was difficult to know where to begin, having little practice in sleuthing …
But of course, she wouldneveradmit that to the earl.
Her jaw tightened as she recalled Branford advising her to drop the whole matter.
Ha! And pigs might fly!
One simply had to apply logic to the problem, she told herself. Perhaps a first step would be to find out if any stranger had been observed in the vicinity of the accidents. Pursing her lips in thought, Alex decided to send a letter of inquiry to her aunt’s steward first thing in the morning. And then she would make a point of questioning Justin’s good friend Mr. Hartley regarding the saddle incident
She would show the earl that she could use her head?—
Alex spotted Branford as he entered the room. His gaze seemed to sweep the room … and she felt a pinch of disappointment when he didn’t as much as pause to acknowledge her presence. After watching him move on and disappear into the crowd near the punch table, she sighedinwardly and turned away to catch the last of Mr. Simpson’s comments on the rose controversy.
No matter that plants and their nuances couldn’t seem to hold her interest tonight?—
“Good evening, Miss Chilton.”
Feeling her face grow warm with pleasure at the sound of Branford’s voice, she hesitated for a moment before slowing shifting her stance to face him. “Milord,” she responded, forcing a cool tone. “Where have you been for over a week?”
“Ah, has my presence been missed?” There was a twinkle in his eye.
Her blush deepening, Alex ducked her head to hide her embarrassment. “No, of course not…. That is, I mean …” she mumbled, struggling to regain her equilibrium. “It’s just that I have been wondering about our … business arrangement.”
She sucked in a quick breath to steady her emotions. “Well? Have you made any progress?”
“I regret that other matters have prevented me from dealing with your request. Be assured that I will address it forthwith.”
Alex found herself wondering just what had occupied the earl’s attention for such a stretch of time.
“I trust you have been well?” Branford asked pleasantly, seeming to ignore the awkward interchange that had just taken place.
“Quite well, sir.” To her consternation, she felt her cheeks color again.
Ye gods what had come over her?She was acting worse than a giddy schoolroom miss.
His brows rose. “Is something wrong?”
Alex forced a frown. “Why do you ask?”
“Because the scowl on your face would put Napoleon’s Imperial army to rout,” replied Branford.
“Forgive me.” Alex avoided meeting his gaze. “I was thinking of something else.”
“Well, I shall endeavor to turn your thoughts to a less disturbing subject.” He took her arm. “I trust you will allow me the next dance?”
Before she could compose herself for a reply, they passed Justin and a petit brown-haired young lady dressed in an expensive figured silk gown of the latest fashion.
“Halloo, Alex.” Her brother greeted her, then smiled rather shyly at the earl. “Good evening, Lord Branford. May I have the honor of presenting my friend, Miss Anne Lockwood?”
Branford bowed politely. “Miss Lockwood.”
The young lady dipped a hurried a curtsy, then shied against Justin’s shoulder, words seeming to elude her.
