Page 20 of Miss Devon’s Choice

The man had a calmer composure today than he had when he arrived the night before. He was dressed in fine clothing, of course, and far less grumpy. She took hold of herself and met his eyes, then abruptly forgot about everything else. He stared at her as intently as before, but there was a subtle change. If Rebecca had to put a name to it, she’d call it curiosity.

That is a step forward from indifference.

“What were you asking her?” Christian said, bringing Rebecca out of her thoughts and back to the present. He reached out, his hand ungloved, and held his long index finger up for the baby’s inspection, his deep brown eyes focused on the child.

Emma ducked her chin shyly, a sweet smile transforming her features from adorable to angelic.

Surprised at the attention he gave a baby, when she was certain gentlemen were mostly bred to ignore any but their own offspring, Rebecca wondered how she ought to answer.

Begin as you mean to go on. If you cannot be honest with the man you’re to marry, you are both doomed from the start.

Had she read that somewhere? It sounded too wise to be from her own mind.

“I was asking if she thought even vultures must practice their scavenging.” She held her breath after she spoke, her own daring causing her cheeks to heat in a mortifying manner. He would think her mad. He wouldn’t have the faintest idea what she meant by her words. Why had she spoken her thought aloud, and without context, and to him of all people?

His eyebrows drew together. “Have you met many vultures in your time, Miss Devon?”

Rebecca held very still, regarding him seriously. “Indeed, I have. I am afraid they are in all corners of society, both here and in the wilds of the world.”

“Hm.” It wasn’t a dismissive hum, but one of interest. Before he could say more, the earl clapped his hands, reminding Rebecca where they were, and that the room was occupied with several sets of eyes that could be watching them. Vultures, indeed.

“Then it is done. The ladies will each select a partner and we will have a treasure hunt,” Lucas said, his usually reserved smile wide in anticipation of fun.

“Yet again, my dear, you have proven that there is something of a pirate in you,” Virginia said, the fondness in her voice undisguised.

Rebecca looked from her cousin to the man at her side, raising her eyebrows in question. He wasn’t paying attention to her, however, and had already begun to move away. Was that an end to their interaction? No more than a few words, words which meant nothing of importance?

Nothing revealing had been said. No shocking declarations made. Indeed, if a heroine in one of her novels had experienced a tête-à-tête with such a dismal outcome, she would’ve snapped the cover shut on that book with nary a second thought.

Lucas bowed to the room, and Christian did the same, a shadow to his host once more.

Why had the man even bothered to accompany the earl if he had nothing of interest to say or do? What had his intention been?

Emma watched her father until he looked back to offer her a wave. When Rebecca looked up to catch that gesture, she saw Christian glance over his shoulder, directly at her, and then he was gone again.

Falling in love is going to be more difficult than I expected. She sighed and walked back to Virginia’s side, sitting down next to her cousin. Aunt Jacqueline raised her eyes from the sewing in her lap to fix Rebecca with a disapproving stare.

“Very well, ladies. The earl and I will hide a treasure for you and present the first clue at dinner tonight. It is up to you to choose your partners for the event. Now, let’s see—”

“I would prefer Lord Easton,” Rebecca said hastily, her thoughts catching up to the present. It was rude, to interrupt Virginia, and to put herself forward when Lady Felicity was higher ranking. Aunt Jacqueline would likely have a lecture for her, given the woman’s sniff of displeasure.

“I think that would be best, actually. I doubt your betrothed wishes to lose any opportunity to spend time with you, dear.” Virginia reached out for Emma and the baby held her arms to her mother, gladly giving up Rebecca’s lap for the more familiar embrace. “And you other ladies? We have three young gentlemen. Will one be left without a partner?”

Miss Dunhill and Lady Felicity debated for a time, but then it was decided that Lady Felicity would rather not be partnered with her twin brother. Miss Dunhill happily agreed to work with the young lord and one of the Mr. Berwyns.

Aunt Jacqueline did not listen to the prattle of the unattached young ladies long. She stood, making certain to gain Rebecca’s attention, and gestured to the door. “I have remembered a piece of music I wanted to show you, Rebecca. Would you attend me to the music room?”

The command could not have been clearer had a general issued it. Her aunt’s posture, stiff as any career soldier’s, also made any argument impossible.

“Of course, Aunt.” Rebecca stood, forcing a smile. “If you will excuse me, Cousin Virginia?”

Virginia shared a commiserating look with her. “Of course. I hope we will hear you play while you are with us, Rebecca.”

Rebecca curtsied silently, then followed her aunt’s ruffled skirts out the door. Rebecca did not consider herself a talented musician. She played well enough to get by in social situations, like a house party, but she took no pleasure in it. Music had never touched her heart the way poetry, or a well-written phrase, had engaged her imagination. She had heard beautiful performances, of course, but nothing that had ever truly inspired her.

Aunt Jacqueline glided down the hall and into the music room.

Once Rebecca entered the room, her aunt closed the door behind her. Rather than stand close to her aunt for the verbal castigation she expected, Rebecca moved with confidence toward the pianoforte, keeping her chin high.