Page 26 of Redemption of a Marquess

“There will be many young bucks anxious to dance with you and Miss Stone.”

She shook her head. “Miss Stone may dance with them, of course. But you know I am not interested in a young buck.”

His mouth twitched. “You would rob them of the pleasure of your company?”

She snorted. “They do not care about my company.”

“Mr. Westland seemed to enjoy your company at the luncheon. Did you not find him charming?”

“He is charming.” She cast a sideways glance at Miss Stone. “He would enjoy Miss Stone’s company much more, however.”

“I could never replace you,” Miss Stone said.

“Of course, you could,” Jeanine said. “Did you notice Miss Stone’s hair, Grey? It is my creation. She is lovely, isn’t she?”

He started. “What did you call me?”

She smiled. “Grey.”

“I believe I said that you were to address me as ‘sir’ or ‘my lord.’”

“You did, but when we are alone, that is too formal for a family.”

He lifted a brow. “Family?”

She nodded enthusiastically.

“We are not alone,” he pointed out. “Miss Stone is present.”

“Isn’t Miss Stone a part of our family?” Jeanine asked.

“I suppose she is.” Valan lifted his glass to Miss Stone. “My condolences, Miss Stone.” He finished the sherry and started to rise, then paused when Baldwin entered.

“Pardon the interruption, my lord, but there is a problem with a delivery.”

Valan frowned. “What can that possibly have to do with me?”

“Mrs. McPhee is arguing with the deliveryman and I fear they will come to blows.”

“If that happens, then we must pity the deliveryman. What is the argument?”

“Mrs. McPhee insists the delivery is too much. The deliveryman swears that this is the amount ordered for the party.”

“You are the steward,” Valan said. “Deal with the matter.”

Mrs. MacPhee’s voice rose in the hallway. A man’s muffled reply followed.

Valan pinned Baldwin with a horrified stare. “Is a deliveryman actually headed for my study?”

“He is quite determined, my lord,” Baldwin said.

The voices neared, and Mrs. McPhee burst into the room with a short, stalky man close on her heels. He appeared small beside her stout frame.

“There ye are, my lord.” Mrs. McPhee hurried to his desk and halted near Miss Stone’s chair.

The deliveryman stopped beside her.

“I have had enough of this miscreant,” the housekeeper said.