“Do you know what this means?” Prissy’s voice lifted higher.
“I can only imagine,” Lyndsey muttered and closed her eyes.
“Thanks to our wayward sisters, the earl will have nothing to do with us. He’ll be too embarrassed to come around every day.”
“Yes, I know.”
Priscilla set the slingshot on the side table. “Just when you get your chance at being courted by a titled, wealthy man, our sisters have to ruin it!”
Lyndsey snapped her head toward her sister and scowled. “Priscilla, do you honestly believe I care that he’s titledorwealthy?”
A blush covered Prissy’s face. “Um, no, but...”
“Because I’m not. The amount in the man’s bank account has nothing to do about how I feel about him.”
Priscilla took cautious steps closer and sat on the edge of the empty chair. “Lyn,” she said in softer tones, “exactly how do you feel about Lord Hanover?”
“Well, I...” Lyndsey prepared her thoughts, and was surprised when nothing was there. She really didn’t know her feelings. She liked him and she was happy when he visited, but it was only because it kept her from becoming bored. If the man wasn’t in her life, she would have found something else to do to entertain herself during the slow part of the day.
“I suppose I... um...” Lyndsey began again, still grasping for words, but then she heard her father clear his voice loudly. She snapped her attention toward the door to the parlor, and her heart sank. Standing beside her father was none other than the earl... and Adrian.
She sucked in a quick breath.What’s Adrian doing here?
Both Lyndsey and Priscilla jumped to their feet at the same time, but it was Prissy who smoothed out her dress and patted her messy hair.
“Forgive us for not seeing you.” Lyndsey curtsied, and Prissy copied the action.
Her father motioned for the other two men to enter. When they reached Lyndsey and her sister, the men bowed.
“It is good to see you again,” the earl said. He pointed to Adrian. “I would like to introduce you to my brother, Lord William Dorsey. He has finished his business in London, and he’s now residing at Hanover Hall.” He looked at Adrian. “And this is Miss Lyndsey Benson, and her younger sister, Miss Priscilla.”
Prissy gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Adrian.
The earl chuckled. “I’m assuming, by your reaction, that you realize my brother was at the party we had not too long ago.”
“Yes, my lord. If I’m not mistaken, he had chatted with Lyndsey for a while.”
“Forgive me,” Adrian said. “It was my request to remain unnamed while at the welcoming party. I hope you will understand.”
“Um... of course, my lord.” Prissy curtsied.
Adrian kept his gaze on Lyndsey, and for the oddest reason, her heartbeat quickened with a strange fluttering. Quickly, before her mind changed toward the rodent masquerading as a man, she squashed the disturbing feelings.
“Miss Benson, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Adrian said.
Lyndsey nodded. “And you, as well. I’m happy to know you have decided to let everyone know who you are.” Lyndsey tried to keep her voice from shaking.
“Indeed.” Adrian grinned. “I thought it was about time now that my business has been settled out of town.”
“Would you like some tea?” Priscilla asked. “And I made some fresh crumpets this morning.”
“That would be wonderful.” Adrian nodded.
“Please, why don’t you sit with us.” Lyndsey motioned toward the two chairs. The men sat as she and Priscilla poured tea in the cups and served them the cakes. Pa sat next to the two lords, his attention focused on the men.
“I’m very happy that I wasn’t at the church preparing the sermon today when you came,” Pa said. “My daughters tell me you have come to visit them every day since the ball.”
Collin nodded, smiling brightly. “Yes. I find your daughters delightful company. They make me laugh more than my dreary brother does.”
