His disapproval was nothing she hadn’t experienced before. And truly why should she care? He had no notion of the atrocities she’d suffered in her marriage to the man’s monstrous predecessor. She owed him nothing. Least of all an explanation. If the new earl remained in town for any length of time, he’d learn soon enough. Her erratic pulse slowed to something nearer to normal. She lifted her chin. “Nonsense,” she said. “Please be seated.”
The earl surveyed the less than stellar morning room, his blank expression saying much, finally resting on Lorelei.
“My lord, please allow me to present Lady Kimpton and Lady Harlowe.”
“My pleasure, ladies.” His gaze lingered on Corinne, and suddenly Ginny was glad Corinne was a married woman. Something about his perusal had Ginny wanting to shield her. She had to remind herself that not all men were like her late husband but it took an extraordinary effort.
Lorelei didn’t speak, inclining her head. The look on her friend’s face was smooth. Ginny recognized the skepticism. Corinne was more difficult to read. After all, the late Maudsley had been her father. This man was Corinne’s cousin. And, oddly enough, Ginny’s daughter by marriage. Still, Ginny didn’t like thinking of Corinne under this man’s guardianship. There was something much too practiced about him that made her uneasy.
His gaze flicked back to Ginny. “I confess, I was hoping to speak to you on a personal matter.”
Ginny filled a cup.
“Two lumps, black,” he said.
She dropped in two lumps and handed it over. “Of course, sir, how may I assist you?”
Red stained his cheeks. “As I said, it’s a personal matter. Would it be possible to call upon you later this afternoon or tomorrow?”
Ginny couldn’t imagine what he needed to say that couldn’t be said in front of present company. “Certainly. Later this afternoon, perhaps? I’m leaving for Colchester soon.”
A smile curved his lips that didn’t conceal the censure in his eyes. “You’re attending Griston’s country house party, then?”
She gave him a brilliant smile of her own and reveled in it. She was now a widow in charge of her own fate. It was a heady sensation. “I am indeed.”
“Then that shall suffice. I shall be there as well.”
That made no sense. Ginny frowned. “I thought you said you’d just arrived in town.”
“Yes.” His expression grew sheepish. “But I stopped by White’s on my way over to meet up with some old cronies. I thought to secure lodging before seeing you. As such, I’ve taken room at The Albert on George Street, should you need to reach me.” He drained his cup and rose, took her hand not so smoothly, causing her to flinch. He bowed over it. “I’ll take my leave, then. Until this weekend.” The new Lord Maudsley strode to the door and opened it, almost running over Mrs. Couch, who was laden down with a tray filled with crust-free delectables.
The older woman stepped back quickly.
“Pardon, ma’am. I’ll not be staying.”
Just then, Brock stormed in, nearly knocking them both aside. “Who the devil are you?” he demanded.
“Lord Maudsley at your service, sir.”
“Mauds—” Brock’s sharp gaze shot to Ginny, leaving her unnerved.
The earl looked at her from the door. His disapproval appeared like a cloud over his head. “I’ll see you over the week’s end.” He bowed. “Lady Maudsley, Lady Kimpton, Lady Harlowe.”
The second the man disappeared, nervous giggles burst from Ginny and Lorelei; Corinne’s expression remained unchanged.
Ginny watched Corinne from the corner of her eye and let out a sigh. “Bring in the tray, Mrs. Couch. It appears I have a revolving door this morning.” She put a hand to her hair and turned to Lorelei. “How dare he show up without notice,” she whispered. “I-I look a fright.”
Lorelei’s lips twitched. “I notice your reaction on the earl’s arrival did not evoke your irritation. Never mind. You look perfectly acceptable, Ginny.” She stood and shook out her full skirts. “We’ll just run up and check on the children,” she said with a perfectly bland countenance.
Ginny didn’t want to be left alone with Brock. “The girls—”
“Will be fine with your Miss Lambert.” She bussed Ginny on the cheek. “I’ll return shortly to save you from the beast. Come, Corinne.”
“If only.” But Lorelei had already moved away.
Brock strode over as if he owned the place. Lorelei’s lips curved in a demure smile as he bowed, allowing her and Corinne to skirt by. “Brockway.” The mischievous wink over her shoulder to Ginny had Ginny stifling a groan. She pulled herself together. She needed all her wits about her to deal with said beast—an apt description.
“Lady Kimpton.”
