Page 39 of The Season of Lady Chastity

“…Here’s to the maid with a bosom of snow;

Now to her that’s as brown as a berry;

Here’s to the wife with a face full of woe,

And now to the damsel that’s merry.”

“I’d make her merry, that is for certain,” Comstock declared. His comrade doubled over with laughter. “To the billiards room, my mates, drinks await.”

Ruthven sobered. “Did you rhyme?”

“I suppose I did!” Comstock stomped his boot on the polished floor.

Bastian started up the stairs again as another round of riotous laughter filled the foyer, the front door still open, allowing the winter weather to invade the house.

He could not fathom why the lords had been invited to Montrose’s wedding gathering, besides their brief time together at Eton. The men had been crass, arrogant rakehells in their youth, and they’d proven so far during this event that they hadn’t changed. Montrose, Hawke, and Torrington were nothing like these reprobates.

Comstock’s ilk, unfortunately, was all too common in London.

“Manny Mama’s boy,” Liddell called before Bastian could disappear. “Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

“Did your mama send you down for some warm milk?” Tamblerton taunted.

Female voices sounded as light footsteps approached.

“My lords. His Grace, Lord Hawke, and Lord Torrington have retired to the library.” Chapman gestured down the corridor and away from the approaching women. “If you will allow me to show you—”

Comstock met Bastian’s stare, and surprise had him frowning when Bastian did not immediately look away.

The ladies’ voices grew closer as the men continued to snicker between themselves, their insults no longer mattering to Bastian. He only wanted to stop Montrose’s female guests from bearing witness to the lot of drunken men carousing in the foyer.

“Only if ol’ Manny boy joins us,” Comstock said, his gaze narrowing on Bastian as if daring him to turn down the invitation. “Come now, Mansfield, your mama won’t miss you for another hour or so.”

“Oh, my lords.” Lady Lucianna, Montrose’s betrothed, entered the hall, her arms overflowing with garland while Lady Hawke and Lady Torrington followed closely behind, their hands filled with supplies, as well. Lady Lucianna’s face scrunched as she took in the group’s haphazard dress, tousled hair, and weaving bodies. “My lords, I do believe you have taken ample advantage of my betrothed’s liquor stash.”

“That we have.” Liddell giggled, high and uncontrolled.

“Fancy a nip with us?” Ruthven moved forward, taking a step toward Lady Hawke as he reached out to touch one of her red curls. When she swatted his hand away, he frowned. “Come now, I thought this was a merry festive occasion. If you were going to—”

“My ladies”—Bastian all but vaulted down the stairs, stepping between Lady Hawke and Ruthven—“allow me to assist you with carrying your supplies.”

Ruthven retreated as Bastian set his jacket aside and took the garland from Lady Lucianna in one arm, holding out his other to take the twine Lady Hawke carried.

“Montrose sent me, as it were, to assist you with decorating.” Bastian paused, starting back toward the stairs. “Will the garland adorn the balustrades?”

“A proper maid, Manny?” Liddell chuckled.

To Ruthven’s chagrin, the women trailed behind Bastian, leaving Chapman to tend to the drunken group. The resourceful servant ushered, or rather herded, the men down the corridor and away from Lady Lucianna and her friends.

“Your presence is most welcome, Lord Mansfield,” Lady Hawke said, taking back her spool of twine. “Colin will be forever in your debt when he hears of your gallantry.”

“I merely did what any man worth their status as a gentleman would do, my lady.”

“Not every man would have stepped in as you did.” This time, it was Lady Torrington, Chastity’s sister-in-law who spoke, eyeing him up and down. “Did Chastity find Roderick’s book?”

“Yes,” Lady Hawke cut in. “I would have a look at the volume. See if a new binding is needed after its exposure.”

The three women surrounded him as he stood with his arms full of green, leafy garland. He suspected it wasn’t the location of a book they were after. He was tempted to come right out and tell them what they truly wanted to know.