As the others laughed, Lyndsey held back from snorting. The earl found herdelightful?Why would he think her boring conversations were delightful? Unless it was the other sister he actually came to see, because Lyndsey was notdelightfulcompany at all.
After a few seconds passed with nobody talking, Lyndsey had to break the silence. “Lord Dorsey,” she began after sipping her tea. “You mentioned having business out of town. May I be so bold to ask what type of business you are in?”
He nodded and set his teacup on the end table beside him. “I have invested stocks in steam and coal. And just this past week, I was in Manchester with a good friend of mine setting up a warehouse to make cotton.”
“How incredible.” Pa’s eyes were wide as Adrian had his full attention.
Lyndsey was surprised that Adrian actually did something with his life, besides seducing innocent women and creating deceitful games to toy with their hearts. “I agree,” she said. “I’m impressed as well.”
Collin turned to his brother. “I’ve been thinking lately about investing in the cotton business along with you. Perhaps you could introduce me to your friend.”
“Of course. It’s cousin Trey’s friend and brother-in-law, Lord Hawthorne.”
Collin lifted his eyebrows. “Indeed? I know Hawthorne quite well.”
“I believe I know this man.” Pa tapped his finger on his chin. “Does he live in North Devon?”
“Indeed, he does, but he also has an estate in Manchester.”
“Yes, I do know him.” Pa grinned. “What a humorous man, I might say.”
Adrian chuckled. “That’s Hawthorne. Half the time I never know if he’s serious or playing the fool.”
Lyndsey arched an eyebrow. She knew that feeling well.
“Miss Benson, Miss Priscilla,” Collin asked, “would you ladies enjoy going horseback riding with my brother and me? We brought some fine mares from my stables that I think you two would love to ride.”
Prissy’s face reddened. “Oh, I don’t know.” She stroked a hand down her messy hair. “I’m really not presentable.”
“Nonsense.” Collin smiled. “You look fine. Doesn’t she, Lord William?”
“Of course, you do.” Adrian nodded. “There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. After all, by the time we all return from our ride, I’m sure we’ll all match you with our scuffed-up shoes and windblown hair, since the wind has picked up a notch. In fact, I’m willing to bet you’ll be just as pretty when we return.”
Prissy laughed lightly and she shyly looked at her hands on her lap. Lyndsey narrowed her gaze on Adrian. Was he purposely trying to charm her sister? Apparently, since he couldn’t charm the eldest Benson sister, he might as well try the next one in line.
“Shall we be off then?” Collin stood.
Lyndsey and Priscilla rose to their feet again. Adrian turned to place his teacup on the side table, but it bumped against Lyndsey’s mystery novel, knocking it to the floor. She hitched a breath and bent to retrieve it, but Adrian beat her to it and lifted it from the floor. As he handed her the book, his eyes twinkled.
“Miss Benson, is this your book?” he asked as a corner of his mouth twitched.
“It is.” Lyndsey took the book and held it protectively against her middle.
“I’m happy to see you’re a fan of mystery novels.”
“Indeed, I am.”
“Are there other books you like to read, as well?”
She really didn’t like the way he looked at her as if they shared a secret. And she absolutely didn’t like the way she became captured by his intense stare every single time.
“I like reading many books, my lord.” She nodded.
Prissy moved closer to Lyndsey. “Oh, but mystery books fascinate her, which is why you’ll see her reading them often.”
Adrian arched an eyebrow as he stared at Lyndsey. “What do you find so fascinating?”
“I suppose it’s trying to figure out the mystery as I read the book.”
