Page 17 of Courting the Country Miss

“Truly?” Leticia clasped her hands together. “How generous of you.” Perhaps Leticia’s assessment of Mrs. Seton’s character had been overly uncharitable. She might be a bit heavy-handed in her methods to help her daughter have a successful Season, but she seemed to have a good heart, at least as far as helping the down-trodden. If only she could see how badly her daughter needed gentler treatment.

The gentlemen joined them and soon young ladies took turns on the pianoforte and sang to provide entertainment and show off their skills for any interested parties. Leticia played to please her mother, although she had no real talent, while her sister, Isabella sang. Poised and beautiful, Isabella sang like an angel and Leticia’s heart swelled in pride.

After the musical performances, a group of young men engaged Isabella in conversation. Leticia melted back to give her sister her moment in the sun and found a seat near her mother who sat with Mrs. Seton, Mrs. Wynn, and their daughters. “Perhaps a Season in London won’t be necessary,” Leticia said to Mother. “Isabella may receive a proposal sooner.”

“Perhaps. But these things take time,” Mother said.

Leticia admired a collection of figurines on a nearby shelf before letting her gaze drift over the other members of the party.

With the ease of a skilled dancer, Tristan mingled with the guests, reducing most of the ladies to blushing, tongue-tied fools—except the sensual Mrs. Hunter, who flirted with him in bold confidence.

Colonel Sherwood announced a game of Whist. As servants set up tables, partners paired off.

Mr. Rowley bowed to Miss Wynn. “Will you do me the honors, Miss Wynn?”

She inclined her head, all signs of her goose adventure erased from her expression. “Of course.”

Tristan and a handsome, dark-haired gentleman strode to Leticia. She cocked her head. Why did he seem familiar?

“Leticia, do you remember Rhys Kensington?” Tristan said.

She smiled. “Of course. Richard and Tristan often speak of you.”

“It has been a long time, Miss Wentworth. I am delighted to see you again.” He made a polite bow, his smoky gray eyes sweeping over her as if trying to make up his mind about her.

She curtsied. “A pleasure, Captain Kensington.”

A third voice joined in. “A sea captain?” Mrs. Hunter sidled up to them.

Captain Kensington’s eyes danced in amusement. “No, Mrs. Hunter. Captain was my rank in the cavalry. No ships or pirates or anything exciting.”

“Just war,” Leticia added wryly.

He made a brief gesture of acquiescence. “There was that. Exciting isn’t the word I would have chosen, however.”

Tristan glanced at a group of ladies clustered nearby. After excusing himself, he moved to the shy Miss Seton, and extended a hand, executing a half bow. “Would you do me the honors of partnering with me for Whist, Miss Seton?”

Miss Seton turned the color of a ripe tomato and let out a choking sound, looking two parts terrified and one part smitten. She managed a nod, took his hand, and let him bring her to her feet. A surprising turn of events. Leticia had been certain he’d choose Mrs. Hunter for a partner. His choice in the wallflower, Miss Seton, left Leticia reeling. What drove him to it? Pity? Kindness? Some game he played with Mrs. Hunter? Or worse, did he view her as a challenge, the way he’d viewed—and hurt—Elizabeth last year at the house party? A surge of protectiveness toward the shy young girl arose in Leticia. He’d better not break her heart the way he’d broken Elizabeth’s!

Captain Kensington offered Leticia an apologetic, if somewhat uncomfortable smile. “I believe that leaves me in need of a partner as well. Would you be so kind?”

Leticia faltered. “Of course.” Leticia caught Tristan’s eye and shot a knowing glare that all but screamed, ‘I know you arranged this.’

Tristan, curse him, looked the picture of innocence except for a smirk playing around his mouth. He returned his focus to his partner and shuffled the cards.

“Shall we join them?” Captain Kensington gestured to Tristan and his blushing partner.

Leticia nodded. “As you wish.”

As she sat across from Captain Kensington, she scanned the room for the sultry Mrs. Hunter. Sitting with Mr. Wynn, Mrs. Hunter laughed, her gaze moving to Tristan. Whether she longed for his presence, or reminisced about a tryst they’d already had, Leticia couldn’t be certain. Not that it mattered. Leticia deliberately avoided looking at him. Scoundrel.

She turned her attention to the game. Captain Kensington proved a skilled ally in whist, but Tristan and Miss Seton were downright dangerous. Leticia had to admire Tristan’s skill at drawing Miss Seton out and getting her to talk. The shy young woman even revealed a witty side to her Leticia had never seen before. Engaging in her own quiet way, when Miss Seton smiled she transformed into a pretty girl. Hopefully, others would see that in her as well.

Regardless of his motives, Tristan gave the sweet girl a memorable evening. Perhaps now that such a well-connected and handsome gentleman had paid her special notice, others would take an interest in her and realize what a kind heart and charming wit lay under her shyness.

As the last game ended, Leticia smiled at Captain Kensington. “A worthy showing, sir, but I fear we were outwitted.”

“Luck did not favor us, I fear,” the captain said.