She supposed that was as good a recommendation for continuing with Lord Payton as any.
“And may I know your Christian name?”
“Yes, of course. It’s Rufus,” he said tentatively, which she thought rather sweet of him.
“Rufus,” she echoed. “A nice name. Mine is Glynnis.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“If I haven’t scared you off with my boldness, then yes, I will accept your invitation.”
“Quite the contrary, I like how frank you are, without stooping to games or coyness.”
Regret lanced her sharply. If only she’d attempted some measure of frankness with James back in London...
“I have work to do tomorrow on the Prince Regent’s behalf, but I will gladly escort you to the assembly. I believe it’s in your old place of residence.”
She’d forgotten the next dance was at the Old Ship. Prince George liked variety, and thus, held parties alternately at each of the large venues in Brighton.
“Indeed, you are correct,” she said.
The assembly room at the Old Ship rivaled that of the Castle Hotel. She’d wandered through it when exploring on her first day in Brighton before the crowd from London had arrived.
“Good.” Like a gentleman, he took her gloved hand and bowed over it. “I’ll be here promptly at eight o’clock.”
They’d been talking so long that, when he turned to leave, James strolled the last few paces to his own front door. He was scowling at the two of them, yet Glynnis still thought him exceedingly handsome in a Gothic way. And while she preferred his easy smile, she no longer cared to invoke it.
“Hargrove,” Lord Payton said with a friendly nod of his head, even walloping him on the shoulder.
“Payton,” James returned, only slightly less friendly, watching him walk away.
“Miss Talbot,” he greeted, then reached around her — making her suck in her breath — but all he did was push open the front door, then gesture for her to precede him.
With a last glance at the man she hoped would be her future, Glynnis went inside.
***
WHEN SHE IMMEDIATELYclimbed the stairs with James trailing behind, he could stand the awkward silence no longer.
“Please, Glynnis, won’t you have a drink with me?”
She continued to the top, then paused but didn’t turn her head.
“I’ve been out for hours, and I feel dusty from head to toe. I was going to change for dinner.” Then she finally looked at him, and when her brown gaze skittered towards his, he felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut by the disappointment he saw.
“Moreover, I think you had enough to drink last night that you needn’t bother again for a week.” Her voice was tart. “Do you even remember?”
James ran a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t so foxed I don’t remember. It was a party, and I was having fun.”
“It did seem you had plenty of amusement,” she agreed before turning away.
“Dinner is hours away,” he tried again. “Surely, you’re hungry.” He was famished for her company. And even though they’d last kissed just the night before, he was hungry for her touch. Even a friendly brush of her fingers as she slapped his sorry face would do.
She sighed. “I am a little peckish, and I would love a cup of tea.”
With that proclamation, she changed direction and entered the upstairs formal drawing room. James thanked his good luck for the demands of her stomach and followed.
Plopping down upon the sofa, she removed her hat and gloves.Such intimacies!Quickly, he yanked the bell pull and gave their request to the housemaid who appeared.
