He released a pent-up breath, trying to calm his ire. Adrian wanted to march out there right now and tell them to get off his land. He would not abide trespassers. Or gawkers.
As he stepped toward the door, his mind quickly halted his progression. He couldn’t go outside looking like this since he didn’t want anyone to know that he was the younger brother, William.
Grumbling, he swung around and looked for something else to wear. He rummaged through the drawers and the closets, searching for anything that wouldn’t let these women know of his wealthy status. When he spotted a man’s overcoat hanging near the back door, still stained with dirt and green from the grass, he grinned. He would bet the coat belonged to the gardener.
In a flash, he shrugged out of his deep coffee colored riding jacket and slid his arms through the gardener’s coat. He brushed some of the dirt from the garment onto his trousers and boots. He even messed his hair a little and smeared some dirt on one of his cheeks.
As he opened the door, ready to get rid of the young women, his words stopped in his throat before even leaving his mouth. Taking long strides toward the young giggling females was a slightly older woman. She wore a dress that wasn’t as brightly colored, and her dark brown ringlets were tighter than the other two girls’. This woman didn’t appear to be anything like the tittering henwits by the shrubbery.
“Lizzie, Jannette...” The woman in the beige dress stopped in front of the other two with her arms akimbo. “Pa is going to beat you alive if he hears of your exploits this time.”
This time?Adrian quickly moved away from the door but kept it ajar so he could hear as he continued to watch them.
“But Lyndsey,” the girl in pink whined, “we were curious about the two lords who’ve moved into the manor. We have heard their family owns four more estates like this one. Can you imagine —”
“Lizzie,” the older sister interrupted, “you will stop spreading rumors this very instant. When you meet the earl and his brother tonight at the ball, that will be soon enough to know if what you’ve heard is correct.” The woman scowled. “Unless, of course, Pa finds out what you’ve done and forbids you to attend.”
Adrian rolled his eyes. His family didn’t own four other estates like this one. Only three. But it disturbed him more hearing that they were invited to this evening’s event. Next time, he’d have someone who knew the people around town, read over the guest list to make sure onlyproperanddisciplinedwomen were invited.
“Both of you know better than to go sneaking around on other people’s lands,” the brown-haired woman berated. “Ma would be turning in her grave if she knew what the two of you were doing.”
The younger two frowned, their gazes dropping to the ground.
“Now hurry toward home before someone sees—”
When the woman’s words stopped, his gaze moved to her. The woman’s attention was directly on him and her surprised eyes blinked slowly. Apparently, he hadn’t hidden himself well enough.
Her cheeks brightened and she took a hesitant step toward him. “Please forgive my sisters, sir.”
Clearing his throat, he lifted his chin and proceeded out the door. The younger girls’ gasped and quickly scurried away. But the older sister stood stiffly, her gaze fixed on him.
“I... I apologize for my sisters trespassing on your lands. It shan’t happen again.”
“I would hope not,” he snapped. “That is very ill-mannered.”
Her cheeks tinted pink as she scanned his attire. “Are you... one of the earls?”
“I am not. The Earl of Hanover and his brother, Lord William Dorsey, aren’t even here at the moment.”
Her eyes widened, and he realized they were a lovely blue. For a brief moment, he thought they looked like the sky on a clear day. He quickly pushed that sappy thought out of his head.
“But, shouldn’t the earl and his brother be getting ready for the party this evening?” she asked.
Adrian chuckled. “I assure you, they will be ready. We expect them to arrive at the manor very shortly.”
“Oh.” Her gaze slid over him once. “Are you, um... one of the servants?”
“No, actually. I’m their cousin from...” His mind scrambled to find a word. “Whitby.”
She curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Miss Lyndsey Benson. Our small farm is not more than two miles east of here.”
“Will you be attending tonight’s event?” Adrian wondered.
“I suppose, since my father and my sisters were all invited.” She sighed heavily. “That’s assuming, of course, we are still invited. I must apologize again for my sisters’ behavior. They shouldn’t have trespassed.”
Adrian tried not to grin. This woman had read his thoughts. “I thank you for saying that.” He bowed slightly. “I suppose I should leave now so that I can get ready for the party.” He picked at the dirty jacket. “My cousin would be appalled if I showed up looking like this.”
Her laugh was light. “Then I hope to see you later this evening.”
