“She’s beautiful, clever, and smiles often.”
Not to mention that she is also cheeky as hell.
“That tells me it must have been a memorable meeting,” Crispin prompted.
“That sums it up accurately.”
“You seem so intense when you look at her. What are you thinking?”
“Should I kiss her or throw a ball of snow at her?”
Crispin frowned and with his forefinger reached up to rub a small, faded scar near the corner of his eye. “Neither would be wise.”
“Which is why I restrained myself on both,” Seth said on a rueful sigh. “Don’t worry, I won’t betray your trust in me.”Not tonight, anyway.
“You misunderstood, my friend.” Crispin turned and glanced at Miss Prim. “When I said it wouldn’t be wise, I wasn’t talking about what I might do to you should you step over the line of propriety, but rather whatshemight do to you. The Prim sisters are quite able and prepared to take care of themselves.”
“After having metthisMiss Prim, I would not wager against that statement.”
“Good.” Crispin touched his scar again and smiled. “My introduction to my wife was being hit by a basket of mistletoe. You’re not bleeding so I’m going to assume your meeting with Lillian was a bit more civil than when I met Gwen.”
“Not by much. She didn’t draw blood, but it probably wasn’t because she didn’t want to.”
Crispin chuckled. “That perplexes me. Lillian is probably the quietest and most even-tempered of the five sisters.”
Seth grunted a laugh. “I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true,” his friend insisted.
“Then perhaps that’s why she’s not spoken for,” Seth mumbled under his breath.
“Not from want of offers,” Crispin assured him. “She seemed to enjoy every bachelor who pursued her during the Season, but in the end turned down all who asked for her hand.”
Seth thought again that it was because she hadn’t met her match.
“Gwen told me Lillian asked to help keep an eye on your nephews while you attend the hunt tomorrow. She knows children and how to manage them. You’ll have no cause to worry about them.”
Seth wasn’t so sure about that. Crispin’s confidence in her didn’t put Seth’s mind at ease. He had firsthand knowledge of Miss Prim’s mischief. She had tricked him into agreeing the boys could go outside. There was no telling what she might have Heron and Fallon doing during that time.
“Which brings up the point,” Seth said to his friend. “I have no idea how long it might be before Mrs. Barstaple will be well enough to travel here and resume her duties. Perhaps it might be best if I try to find someone from the village to care for the lads until she can return.”
“No need to do that.” Crispin dismissed his suggestion with a clap on his shoulder. “I’m sure we have enough extra staff who can help. I’ll speak to Gwen about it. We can take care of the boys until their governess arrives.”
“I’m not certain Miss Prim will be the best substitute governess for them. She’s not a typical young lady.”
“None of the Prim girls are. But you wouldn’t want a typical young lady, would you?”
Seth was sure he saw a glint in Crispin’s eyes. His looked around the drawing room again and a thought struck him. There were no other members of the Heirs’ Club present. No other bachelors. No young ladies other than Miss Prim.
“Want?” Seth’s eyes narrowed as he looked pointedly at his friend. “Don’t tell me you are trying your hand at matchmaking?”
“Me? No.” Crispin gave him a sober grin. “But Gwen might be. And I see that she’s motioning to me. I better see what she wants. Get yourself another drink. Your glass is empty.”
Seth looked down at his glass and then placed it on a table. They’d be called in to dinner soon. He had no idea whether he’d be seated near Miss Prim, but he knew there’d be no possibility of talking with her after dinner. Unless it was announced ahead of time there wouldn’t be a mixed night of entertainment and games after the meal was finished. The gentlemen would retire to a sitting room where they’d have brandy, catch up on the latest news from London, and play several hands of cards. Likewise, the ladies would gather in the drawing room for a cup of chocolate or a glass of sherry and discuss the latest fashions and gossip before retiring to their rooms.
Mr. Nash still had Miss Prim wrapped up in his storytelling, so Seth walked over and joined them.
“My lord,” Miss Prim said, “I hope you are feeling no ill effects from your short foray into the bitter cold today without proper armor to protect yourself.”
