Page 36 of Pride of Lyons

“What is going on, Thomas?” Honoria smiled up at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Are you suddenly no longer capable of pleasing your wife?”

He stared down at her, unable to make a sound. Why had Geoffrey not told him Danford would be here? And why was he present at this family gathering?

“What is wrong, my love? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.” Lines of concern marred Honoria’s lovely face.

How was he to tell her?

“Thomas.” Geoffrey appeared, granting him a reprieve from having to distress his wife. “What did you say to Rochdale? He dragged me out of a perfectly amiable conversation about cattle, insisting I must attend you this instant.”

“That is the matter, Geoffrey.” Thomas nodded toward Danford and his wife, who had stopped to speak with Lady Longford, Geoffrey’s mother. “You might have warned us. We would have sent our regrets.”

“Warned us about what, Thomas?” Honoria’s frown had turned into a dark scowl.

“That is exactly why I didn’t inform you.” Geoffrey met his gaze coolly. “You have been part of my family all my life. You deserved to be here to celebrate with Alyse.” He shrugged. “Just because Lady Danford is the aunt of Alyse’s betrothed is no reason for you to absent yourselves from the festivities.”

“Lord Danford is here?” Honoria’s voice rose to a squeak.

“He is, and we are therefore leaving.” Glaring at his friend, Thomas curled his hands into fists, wishing he was at Jackson’s, where there would be someone to pummel. “Please give our regards to your mother and Alyse, Geoffrey. I fear we will be attending few of your family’s gatherings from now on.” None if Lord and Lady Danford would be in attendance.

“No, Thomas.”

Thomas’s head snapped over to his wife, whose face showed not fear but resolve. “What do you mean, my dear? Of course, we must leave. I will not subject you to so much as that blackguard’s gaze.”

“His gaze cannot harm me, Thomas. And we cannot hide from him for the rest of our lives. He was at fault, not us. If anyone should be ashamed, it is he.” The firm tone of his wife’s voice told Thomas she would not be gainsaid in this.

“But Honoria—”

“I think we should speak to them, my dear.” The innocent gaze she turned on Thomas made him shiver. “It is the polite thing to do, do you not think, Lord Longford?”

Geoffrey grinned from ear to ear. “I do indeed, Lady Braeton.”

His wife cocked her head. “After all we have borne together, you really must call me Honoria.”

Thomas thought he’d go mad looking at his friend’s gleeful countenance.

“It will be my honor, Honoria. If you will also call me Geoffrey.”

“With pleasure. Come, Thomas.” She hooked her arm through his elbow. “We must give the ton something to talk about, an on-dit at the end of the Season to last at least until the Little Season begins.”

Astounded, Thomas allowed Honoria to start them in the direction of their hostess, throwing one wild look at Geoffrey, who shrugged and said, “You said you could deny her nothing.”

The idea that he might live to regret that statement shot through Thomas’s mind, but they were almost upon Lord and Lady Danford. He must take care not to provoke the man—or be provoked by him.

“Lady Longford,” Honoria spoke to their hostess even as she locked eyes with Lady Danford. “Thank you so much for this lovely entertainment. I know you are very pleased with Lady Alyse’s match.”

“Thank you, my dear.” Lady Longford beamed at them. “Yes, Lord Prestbury is very welcome to the family. Do you know his aunt, Lady Danford?”

A sweet smile touched Honoria’s lips. “Yes, of course I do. I am so glad to see you again, my lady.”

Lady Danford’s eyes had widened when they approached, her mouth pursed, though she’d said nothing until now. Shooting a glance at their hostess, the lady smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. “Honoria, I had quite given up hope of you. My mother was heartbroken when you disappeared.” She turned to Lady Longford. “Did you know, Lady Longford, that Honoria had been my mother’s companion until her very recent marriage?”

Lady Longford smiled and nodded, though there was a tightness about her lips. “My son told me the whole tale, Lady Danford. An arranged marriage turned into a very happy love match. I could ask for nothing more for any of my children.” The lady turned to Honoria and Thomas. “You must come to dine with us soon, Thomas. I want to hear all about your wedding.” She tapped him on the arm. “I will enlist your aid in securing as excellent a bride for Geoffrey. Alyse. Alyse, just a moment.” Her gaze swept the little group. “I must speak to her. If you will pardon me?”

“Of course, my lady.”

“Certainly, Lady Longford.”

They all murmured pleasantries to their hostess until she had gone from sight. Then Thomas turned back to Lord and Lady Danford, ready to do battle if necessary. But his wife was there first.