From the baron’s expression—his brows had shot up and the look of worry turned to alarm—Marian realized their tryst had to end. “I’ll be right down, Uncle,” she replied, although she visibly winced.
“Is everything all right?” From the concern in the older male’s voice, it was apparent he suspected something was amiss.
The baron quickly changed places with Marian and gave her a nod as he tucked himself into the corner behind the door. He reached over, turned the handle, and opened the door as Marian positioned herself at the opening. “Everything is fine, Uncle. I had a tear in my stocking and wished to change it is all,” she added as she pushed the door open even more and stepped out. She glanced down the corridor, and not seeing another gentleman—she was sure her uncle had been speaking with someone as he climbed the stairs—she asked, “Did the viscount come up with you?”
Richard, Earl of Penhurst, motioned to one of the doors down the corridor. “Huntley had to return to his room. We had a bit of excitement, and he spilled some brandy. Wanted to change his breeches.”
Marian turned and closed the door before placing her hand on the older gentleman’s arm. “I didn’t realize a game of whist could cause such a sensation,” she teased.
“It wasn’t the cards, darling,” her uncle said with a chuckle. “It was my declaration that I intend to see Lord Engleston betrothed before he returns to Kent. Huntley laughed so hard I think he hurt himself.”
Furrowing her brows, Marian glanced up at him. “Ah. He is the baron you spoke of a few days ago, is he not?”
“Indeed,” Richard replied. “I look forward to introducing you two.”
As they took the turn to go down the stairs, Marian dared a glance toward the end of the corridor and discovered her door was slightly open. Obviously the baron was still in her room, attempting to eavesdrop on her conversation with her uncle. In a slightly louder than usual voice, she said, “I don’t know why Lord Huntley should find it funny. I expect Lord Engleston is an excellent catch.”
Richard gave her a curious glance before he said, “I am glad we are in agreement.” After a pause, he added, “If you recall, he’s one of the gentlemen I thought might suit you.”
“Oh, I do recall,” Marian replied, her chin lifted high. “Not too old. Not too young.”My dearest. “What else did you say about him?”
Chuckling, her uncle said, “He suffers from shyness. My fear is that if you so much as look at him, he’ll disappear into the carpet,” he warned. “I rather doubt he’ll say much, but please don’t take it personally.”
Marian couldn’t help but give her uncle a disbelieving glance. Although the man she had left in her room had been a bit shy with her, he had said far more than three words. And he’d kissed her. Twice.
“What card game are we playing now?” she asked as they made their way toward the card parlor.
“Vingt-et-un,” the earl replied. “We require a dealer, and you’re rather good at it. This way, we’ll be able to include Lord Engleston when he finally makes an appearance.”
Marian gave her uncle a grin. “It shouldn’t be long. He has already checked into his room.” When the earl gave her a questioning glance, she added, “I might have paid witness to his arrival whilst I was upstairs.”
“Oh, did you now?” Richard asked, a smirk appearing. “Well then, the rest of this afternoon will be very interesting.”
About to agree, Marian decided it best she keep her secret to herself.
