He nodded. “Same for me and we’ll do that soon.”
“Why didn’t you go with my parents to see your mother? It would have been the perfect opportunity. I’m sure she misses you.”
“And I miss her, but I don’t want to leave London right now.” His gaze drifted from hers and scanned the room before he thoughtfully added, “I’ve left the nest, as they say. I’ll go, but not until summer comes around or perhaps I’ll even wait until autumn. It will do the sistersgood to have some time together, don’t you think? If I were there, Mum would want to divide her attention between the two of us. Besides, I didn’t want to miss the Season. So many new people are in Town.”
“And I see two beautiful belles huddled together looking at you right now and wishing you were speaking to them and not me.”
He looked over at them, smiled, and nodded a couple of times. “They are lovely, aren’t they? I know the Season is for making a match, but I’m not wanting to do that this year. Best I stay away from the ladies. But what of you? The reason I stopped by yesterday was to see how you are bearing the scandal Lord Blacknight brought to your door. You certainly don’t seem as if it’s gotten you down. You look splendid.”
She saw sincerity in his expression and it warmed her. “I’m managing well. Thank you for asking, Harper.”
His eyes engaged with hers. “You do know you can call on me if you need to.”
“I do, but there hasn’t been anything the earl has said or done that I can’t—” Brina’s words fell away as she thought for a split second the Earl of Blacknight had come up beside Harper.
“You remember my friend Robert Browning, don’t you?” Harper asked.
Robert was probably as tall as Blacknight but thinner through the chest and shoulders as was the usual case with younger men. His hair was as dark as the earl’s, and there was no doubt he had the same handsome features.
“Yes, of course I do. How are you, Mr. Browning?”
“Well, Mrs. Feld,” he said with a smile. “You always look so lovely and especially tonight.”
Brina could tell both Harper and Lord Blacknight’scousin had been taught the art of flattery. She returned his smile and said, “That’s kind of you to say.”
“I was visiting Lord Blacknight recently, but I didn’t stay long. He seemed busy. There were books and papers all over his desk.” “Have you seen him tonight?”
“No.” She smiled again, deciding not to say more than her one-word answer.
“Perhaps we’ll see him somewhere later in the evening,” Mr. Browning offered.
“Brina,” Harper said, “Robert and I are going to have something to eat before we go. Would you like to join us?”
“Go? You just arrived.”
“I know. We’ve said hello to most everyone. Come dine with us. It will give us time to chat and give Robert a chance to get to know you.”
“Yes, do, Mrs. Feld,” Mr. Browning encouraged, his smile as genuine as Harper’s.
“Well, yes, I will. I’m surprised you don’t intend to stay and visit with—everyone. Your hosts and all the young ladies. I didn’t expect you’d rush away.”
“We must tonight.” He glanced at Robert. “We have a card game and don’t want to be late.”
“Cards?” she queried.
“Yes,” Mr. Browning answered for Harper. “I was introduced to a gentleman who’s starting a new club. We want to play a few hands and see if we think it’s one we might be interested in joining.”
“Terribly rude of us to eat and run, I know,” Harper said. “We’re hoping to slip out without anyone noticing.”
Harper politely held out his arm to escort her into the dining room. Brina smiled and hooked her hand around his elbow.
Men and their cards. There was something about thetwo of them that made her uneasy. She couldn’t imagine what it could be. But something had her thinking that not all was quite right. And she wasn’t so sure Harper should be spending so much time with the earl’s cousin.
Chapter 12
Brina decided to forgo bonnet and cape since the school was only a short distance away. The midday sun was shining down, and that, along with her simple long-sleeved, dark-gray dress, warmed her aplenty for no longer than she planned to be out of the house.
She walked out the back door, down the steps, and into the small portion of garden that separated her house from the three-story building that used to be a servants’ quarters. There was no intricate lattice work or fancy outside moldings on it. Only a plain sign over the door that read THESEAFARER’SSCHOOL FORGIRLS. A few paces later, she came to the tall yew hedge that served as a boundary on both sides of the house. In the middle of the shrubbery was a vine-covered trellis that had been built so the servants could easily come and go from the main house. The archway now served as entrance to the grounds of the school.
