Page 20 of The Season of Lady Chastity

“Bastian?” she asked when he didn’t respond.

The sincerity in her tone spoke volumes. She was not making light of him or his family situation. Chastity genuinely cared.

“My mother is well, thank you for your concern.”

Silence fell between them as a servant collected Chastity’s empty plate.

Bastian refused to lie about his change in mood and, therefore, could not answer her question. It mattered little because she was certain to depart quickly with her meal completed. Chastity did not appear the type to keep someone waiting when they were expecting her company.

He searched his thoughts, trying to retrieve an excuse or topic of conversation that would keep her next to him for a few more minutes.

Bloody hell.

His many years spent in the company of only his mother and ailing father had never been more apparent than in that moment.

A beautiful, witty, enchanting woman sat at his side, and he was too much of a simpleton to think of a single comment to entice her to stay.

* * *

Chastity lingered in her seat long after the servant had removed her empty plate. She should use her time alone wisely and seek out Lady Camden to ask after her and Prudence’s mother…and her acquaintance with Lord Camden. Remaining for a few minutes in Bastian’s company was enticing.

Was it because Lord Mansfield was not only handsome but also approachable?

Or was it more because Chastity hadn’t any notion of how to broach the subject of Lord Camden with his wife. The pair had already been wed with children by the time Chastity was born, which meant that Camden, as well as Chastity and Prudence’s mother, had both betrayed their spouses if Lord Camden was her mother’s lover. Did Lady Camden know of her husband’s infidelity?

Chastity would never divulge such a thing to Luci’s mother…on the cusp of her daughter’s marriage to Montrose especially.

Though she knew no other way to find out if Lord Camden was her mother’s dearest Cam.

Perhaps she should seek Prudence’s help.

No, her sister would only demand that Chastity forget the letter altogether and never mention it again.

“Now it appears your joviality has soured, my lady.”

Chastity glanced sideways at Bastian. It was the way she’d come to look at him—truly take him in—without garnering undue notice. “May I speak on a delicate matter with you?”

The color drained from his face, leaving his skin ashen with a tinge of green. Did he think she was to ask him about his pensive mood by the moat again? Obviously, confiding in Bastian was not something he wanted, and Chastity changed her mind. They were little more than strangers, after all. A few brief moments together, and a rousing game of charades was not enough to make them anything more than what they were.

Two strangers who happened to be attending the same country wedding party.

As it were, it did not matter because another guest bustled into the breakfast room at that moment, the swooshing of the woman’s skirts breaking whatever spell had kept Chastity and Bastian in their seats and focused on one another.

“Good day,” the newly arrived guest called as she glided toward the long table, selecting a place directly across from Chastity, though she shook her head when a servant stepped forward to pull out the seat. She was oddly familiar with her willowy height, raven hair, and porcelain skin—not to mention her regal air of confidence. Chastity could not place the woman, though, as if her looks should register as someone Chastity was acquainted with, but something was different. “No breakfast, Elliott, but thank you.” She gave the servant a broad smile before addressing Chastity and Bastian. “Lady Camden, Lucianna’s mother. I do apologize for not staying long, I have much to do in the next few days, namely transforming my dear Roderick’s home into a Christmastide wonderland. Are you family or friends of the duke?”

Lady Camden stared between the pair, and Chastity swallowed nervously. It was as if her previous thoughts had conjured the lady from thin air. Though her demeanor was joyful and robust, the creases around the woman’s mouth and the exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable. Chastity had spied Lady Camden—Eloise—across many ballrooms, doing her best to simultaneously ignore her husband and keep watch on Luci.

Bastian stood, bowing deeply to Lady Camden. “I am Lord Mansfield. My mother, Isabella Stanhope, was a close friend of Montrose’s mother. I attended Eton with the duke, but he was older than I, and we were not of the same token as it were. If you are in need of any help, I am ready and able to lend a hand, my lady.”

“That is very kind of you, my lord. However, do you not have other…gentlemanly pursuits to embark upon while in residence?”

“My presence at Oxburgh Hall is to assist my mother,” Bastian said.

It was a harmless question, not meant to wound the earl in any fashion, yet Bastian’s shoulders sagged slightly, and he turned his focus to the empty table. Chastity could not bear his dejected stare.

“Very well, my lord.” Lady Camden seemed contrite for any slight she may have caused. “I am happy to know you are about. It is not often a fine gentleman is willing to take such care of his mother in lieu of his own…proclivities.”

“Lady Camden,” Chastity said, taking the attention off Bastian. “I am Lady Chastity, Edith’s sister-in-law, and Triston’s youngest sister.”