Lyndsey’s gasp was quite adorable, even if Adrian had to admit it. But really, did she not know that batting her lovely eyes and showing Collin her captivating smile would not affect him? Good grief, Adrian was having a hard time not letting it affect him.
“I... I would be honored, my lord.” She handed Adrian her empty champagne glass as if he were nothing but a servant.
Collin held out his elbow and she placed her hand on his arm as he escorted her to the dance floor.
Adrian clenched his teeth as he watched the pair dance. Thankfully, it was another reel. But still, he didn’t like the way Collin’s eyes glimmered or the way Lyndsey’s demeanor had changed to one of shyness.Shy?Lyndsey was not shy. She was bold with her words, which Adrian liked. So then why was she so different with Collin?
When another servant walked by with a tray of champagne glasses, Adrian set the empty glasses on the tray and took a full glass. This time, he didn’t sip it, but tossed it back quickly as though he was a man who’d been denied the luxury of a drink.
The longer he watched his brother and Lyndsey, the more anger built up inside him. Why was this dance taking so long, anyway? But as Adrian studied her, he realized that the few times she’d had to hold Collin’s hands, she had hesitated.
Slowly, Adrian’s tense body relaxed as he kept his curious stare on the woman. He still wondered about the shy way she looked at his brother, but why did she find it difficult to touch his hands? Very odd, indeed.
When the dance was finished, Collin led Lyndsey back to Adrian. He still didn’t approve of the stars in his brother’s eyes when he thanked her for the dance. When he turned back to Adrian, Collin motioned his head.
“I need to talk to you for a moment...cousin.”
Adrian nodded and met Lyndsey’s flushed face. “If you’ll excuse me, I won’t be more than a moment.”
She smiled. “No need to hurry. I should find my father and talk to him.” She curtsied, turned and left.
Adrian threw a scowl at Collin. “What wasthatall about?”
Collin shook his head and leaned closer to Adrian’s ear. “This game must stop. Too many people are asking why you aren’t here.”
“No, you’re wrong. I’ve heard the gossip moving around the room, and everyone believes I’m away on business, which is just as I’d planned.”
“William,” Collin grumbled in a low voice. “You know I’m not happy with this game you’re playing.”
“But it’s too late to stop. Besides,” Adrian grinned, “I’m weeding out the women who only want you for your money. So really, I’m helping you find the perfect wife.”
Collin scrubbed his hand over his chin and blew out a heavy breath. “William, you’re a nuisance and you have always been one. But unfortunately, we can’t tell everyone who you are now. That will make us laughingstocks. And I won’t have our family name ruined.”
Adrian snorted. “My dear brother, when will you learn that people with money will never have their names ruined? And stop calling me William. I’m Adrian now. I actually like that name better.”
Collin’s glare narrowed. “You need to grow up, and fast. Let’s hope you can find someone who will lead you in the right direction, because Heaven knows I can’t do it.”
Collin turned to leave, but came to a sudden stop as he glanced across the crowd. His eyes widened. Adrian tried to see what had disturbed his brother, but he couldn’t find the culprit.
Swinging back to Adrian, Collin scowled. “I don’t know how you’re going to get out of this mess, but Aunt Beatrice just sashayed in as if she owned the manor.”
Adrian held his breath. What wasshedoing here? But it was too late to start asking his brother why he’d invited her, of all people. The old windbag’s middle name wasgossipmonger.
He grumbled under his breath. How could he fix this mess? “Try to distract her and I’ll leave out a back door.”
Collin nodded and hurried away. Adrian finally spotted the old windbag and her weakling son beside her. The tall, frail woman’s gray hair appeared blue tonight because of the lighting in the room. Aunt Beatrice leaned heavily on a cane, but she smiled brightly as her gaze moved around the room. He’d better get out of here before she noticed him.
Keeping his head lowered, he moved in between people, heading for one of the side doors. Thankfully, he played the part of the earl’s cousin tonight well enough, because no-one stopped his haste. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he glanced over his shoulder toward his father’s sister. She was looking his way! Raising her hand, she called out his name.
Adrian grumbled under his breath and rushed outside, breathing in the fresh air as he searched for a place to hide. The heat inside the ballroom was nearly unbearable, and at least out here he could think more clearly.
Aunt Beatrice would certainly come after him, especially now that they had exchanged glances. He hoped she and her son hadn’t made plans to stay with them for very long. Adrian would definitely have to do something to get them to leave. His aunt mustn’t find out what he was up to.
Immediately, the image of another door popped into his head. Earlier today, he’d stepped outside from the kitchen when he’d first saw Lyndsey. Aunt Beatrice wouldn’t think to search for him in the kitchen.
He hurried on, trying not to look as though he was running away. Several people had wandered outside and were in groups or couples. He didn’t make eye contact with anyone as he moved around the house, heading for the back of the manor and toward the kitchen door. Finally, he reached a spot in the yard where there were no people, so he quickened his step.
Just as he turned the corner, he bumped into another person. In the shadows, all he could see was a woman in a light-colored dress falling backwards, a squeak escaping from her mouth.
