Page 13 of Earl of St. Seville

Simple.

He could handle his business in London and keep news of his estate’s empty coffers quiet until the funds were replaced. His mother had warned him of society’s love of gossip, and the imposing sight of him, a stranger, on the arm of Lady Patience Lane would certainly raise some eyebrows and many questions.

Unfortunately, at over six feet tall with shoulders as broad as most doors, Sin was noticed wherever he went. Add to that his busted lip, swollen nose, and long hair, and he was surprised the ton hadn’t gasped in terror at the sight of him.

What wasn’t simple—or foreseen—was coming across Holstrom verbally attacking a woman in the hallway of his home. Sin had immediately acquired a distaste for the lord, and that was before he’d discovered that Lady Patience was the object of the man’s scorn. If anyone spoke to his mother or sister in such a disgraceful manner, Sin would be hard-pressed to see the perpetrator properly admonished.

And Sin planned to do just that…but he must remember that Holstrom was vital to Sin’s plans in London.

“My lord.” Lady Patience spoke quietly to keep anyone from overhearing them. “Thank you for your gallant assistance with Lord Holstrom. I am in your debt.”

Her words were lost to him as he took in the peculiar color of her eyes. The night before, he would have told anyone they were gray, but in the glow from the wall sconces, they appeared blue. A lovely, pale shade that contrasted starkly with her rich, dark hair. And her deep blue gown with its high waist, pearl-beaded bodice, and puffed sleeves—this he knew from countless hours listening to his younger sister drone on and on about London fashion—complemented her dark looks superbly.

How in the bloody hell was anyone looking at him with Lady Patience at his side?

“I suppose, as was true of our first meeting, our acquaintance is fairly odd in nature.”

Sin focused on her lips, hoping to better understand what came out of her mouth, but his error in judgment was immediate as the urge to draw her close filled him.

“My apologies for my odd behavior last night, Lady Patience. I fear you took me by surprise when you appeared in my room.” Why was he offering her an explanation? He wasn’t certain, but he kept speaking. “Although we did not have a proper introduction, I feel it only appropriate to have one now. I am the Earl of St. Seville, Sinclair.”

“My brother’s room.”

“Pardon?”

“I happened upon you in my brother’s room…in my home.” Her eyes widened in mock alarm. “It should have been I who was startled, my lord. As an unarmed lady, that is.”

“And yet, despite your lack of weapon, you were not.” That had been far more surprising than turning from the open window to find a woman—clad in only a long, white nightgown—standing behind him.

He was making an arse of himself, and all of the ton was bearing witness. Sin kept his gaze trained on Lady Patience, fearing if he looked up, he’d find Coventry or, worse yet, Desmond watching them.

“I fretted all night that something dire had happened to you,” she sighed. “You could have been injured during your climb down the wall.”

“I can care for myself, my lady.”

“The night was dark and frigid,” she continued. “And there are thieves who set upon unwitting men and women.”

Sin wanted to chuckle, but the concern that laced her voice, and the disquieting fact that Sin had, indeed, been accosted before meeting Lady Patience, stilled him.

“I arrived at my accommodations safely enough.” The room buzzed around them as the guests returned to their dancing, talking, and drinking, Sin and Lady Patience forgotten for the moment. “And as of this moment, fears of falling ill due to the cold are unfounded.”

Silence stretched between them.

Lady Patience wrung her hands where she clasped them before her and averted her stare.

“How much did you hear?” she whispered in a rush. “It was meant to be a private conversation between Lord Holstrom and myself.”

“Only Holstrom’s ungentlemanly retort,” Sin lied. There was something in the way she wouldn’t meet his stare when she asked how long he’d been listening that stopped him from confessing the truth. Hearing her speak of her mother’s illness had been a violation of her privacy, and in a way, Sin could understand. “However, I could not remain unannounced after hearing his vile words.”

His answer seemed to satisfy her because she nodded slightly, and her hands dropped to her sides.

There was no doubt that Sin would feel the same if someone overheard his private conversation with Coventry or learned of his estate’s peril.

“I must go.” Sin heard the regret in his tone and hoped that Lady Patience didn’t recognize it, too. “I do not wish to anger Holstrom further by my tardiness; however, I intend to chastise him once more for his deplorable manners.”

“That is not necessary, my lord.” She finally brought her stare back to his, and Sin wanted nothing more than to forget about Holstrom, Coventry, and the looming ruination of his estate. “I am quite used to such behavior where Holstrom and his kind are concerned.”

Was this what Lord Coventry had been speaking of earlier that day? His words sprang to mind: “bluestocking of a daughter.” If Sin were asked, he’d describe Lady Patience as enchanting, passionate, and precocious.