“Miss Talbot,” Glynnis reminded her, with no compunction to become any less formal.
Hargrove’s eyes widened slightly at the snub, but Isabelle only smiled.
“A proper, starched miss,” she remarked. “I see how it is. That’s all right. And what about you, Lord Hargrove? Are you mired in social etiquette and hamstrung by propriety?”
“Not at all,” he said, his gaze drinking in the woman as if she were fine wine, and Glynnis wanted to kick him under the table if she could only reach. “You may call me James, if you wish.”
“I do wish,” Isabelle declared.
Glynnis knew she’d lost that battle, seeing as how Hargrove had not yet given her leave to call him by his first name. And now she wouldn’t even if he did!
“As for a topic, let’s discuss the Prince Regent and what you’ve already seen of him,” Isabelle suggested, directing her questions to Hargrove as if Glynnis hadn’t been keeping close company with Prince George, too.
Regardless, she was only too happy when Lord Dodd engaged her in a separate conversation, asking after her family in a friendly way. And in return, Glynnis found out more about his residence in London near Hyde Park.
“And do you always rent this house when you come to Brighton?” she asked.
Isabelle overheard. “I suggested Hugh would like it. I’ve stayed here before.”
Glynnis bet she’d stayed many places, but she merely nodded politely.
“And I was right. He finds it to be absolutely perfect, don’t you, Hugh?”
Lord Dodd allowed as he did. Glynnis wasn’t sure she could marry him knowing he was related to this flash female.What kind of man let his aunt rule his dining table and pick out his residence?
On the other hand, Lord Dodd’s cook put out a fine dinner from the pottage to the pudding course. And Glynnis was content by the time they returned to the drawing room. She dearly hoped Isabelle wasn’t going to put her feet up again, and then realized the woman had dinedwithoutshoes.
If it weren’t that she was waiting for some sort of sign of admiration from Lord Dodd, Glynnis would be ready to leave at once, eager to converse with Hargrove over what he truly thought of the outrageous Isabelle Montrose.
She decided on ratafia when asked, while Isabelle asked for brandy like the gentlemen, and then they played whist. Lord Dodd insisted on partnering with Glynnis, which she thought a good sign, particularly when he praised her when she won the first trick. Unfortunately, they ended up losing to Hargrove and Isabelle.
Finally, when they were all taking turns yawning, Glynnis looked bleary-eyed at Hargrove and he said they were going to take their leave. She thought it a good time and hoped at their next meeting, she could decide whether Lord Dodd was someone by whom she would like to be compromised, and then marry.Moreover, was he the type of man who would step up if pressed?
Perhaps she ought to try harder with his aunt, who might be a wealth of information as to Lord Dodd’s character and his preparedness to take a wife.
“Will you be at the Castle Hotel assembly tomorrow evening?” she asked Isabelle.
“If Prinny doesn’t call it off again, then yes.”
“May I escort you to the assembly, Miss Talbot?” Lord Dodd spoke up, catching Glynnis off-guard.
Without thinking, she glanced at Hargrove. For a moment, she wished he would claim that privilege for himself. However, he did little more than shrug. It wasn’t his place to grant his permission, nor was she asking for it.
“I would welcome such an occurrence, my lord.”
“Although,” Lord Dodd added, “I cannot imagine how you will possibly look as beautiful as tonight.”
Luckily, Glynnis still had a few splendid evening gowns to carry her through.
“I’m sure Miss Talbot will be as perfect as tonight,” Isabelle remarked, and Glynnis thought there was the smallest hint of tartness to her tone.
“And who shall escort you?” Hargrove asked her.
“Why, James, how sweet of you to wonder. I expect I will simply cross the street by myself. It’s only a stone’s throw, after all.”
There was a moment’s thick silence, and Glynnis was certain she and Isabelle and even Lord Dodd were waiting for Hargrove to offer to accompany her. He didn’t, nor did he look the least bit uncomfortable.
In another few minutes, Glynnis had her hand tucked into the crook of Hargrove’s arm as they strolled the Steyne back down to the oceanfront, and she had to ask the first question on her mind.
