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“It was an excellent opportunity to meet our new neighbors,” Phoebe added. “They were all most welcoming.”

The room fell silent, and Jane’s mother looked to Jane as though waiting for her to add her compliments.

Jane gripped the edge of the chair cushion, furiously searching for something to say. “The pony rides were great entertainment for the children,” she said. “Asher enjoyed his turn very much.”

Her mother frowned at her before pinning a smile on her face for Alexander. “Asher is a young boy we are caring for temporarily, you understand.”

“Indeed,” Alexander said. “I know him well. In fact, he is one of my primary reasons for calling this morning.”

“You wish to discuss the child?” Her mother was flabbergasted.

“Some of my happiest hours have been spent in his company. I am very grateful to you for opening your home to him and to Jane for the care she has given him.”

Jane would not question Alexander’s ability to dumbfound her mother ever again. If he did not stop soon, the poor lady would likely require smelling salts.

“Well . . .” Her mother was struggling to know what to say. “Mr. Hadford and I were a little concerned about the situation at first, I confess, but the child has been very little trouble.”

“He has been a joy,” Jane said.

Alexander smiled at her, and her heart missed a beat. “Of that I am sure.” He hesitated. “I did wonder if it would be possible to see Asher this morning.”

Jane’s mother paled. She had yet to permit the child entry into the drawing room. To allow him in to interact with a visiting earl was virtually inconceivable.

“I will happily take Alexander to the nursery,” Jane said, already reaching for her cane. “He may spend as much time as he would like with Asher there.”

Her mother looked to be completely undone. Not only had Jane offered to entertain Lord Bloxley in the nursery, but she had also called the earl by his Christian name.

Phoebe gave their mother a worried glance before turning to Jane. “I think it best if you take Lord Bloxley there right away. I shall stay with Mother.”

“But what of your tea?” her mother said.

“I shall have Alice bring some to the nursery,” Jane said, coming to her feet. “Alexander, Asher, and I shall take it there.”

Alexander rose. “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Hadford,” he said. “Good day to you. And to you, Miss Hadford.”

Phoebe managed a weak smile, and their mother nodded mutely. Words had finally failed her.

Alexander followed Jane out of the drawing room. They crossed the main hall without speaking, but when they reached the base of the stairs, he could stand the silence no longer. “Forgive me,” he said.

“Forgive you?”

“Yes. For failing to speak with you yesterday after Asher’s pony ride.”

“Oh, that,” Jane said, unwilling to ignore the tangle he had so easily created in the drawing room. “I thought you were referring to shocking my mother into a stupor.”

He gave a wry smile. “I did do that, didn’t I?”

“Indeed. And when she comes to herself again, you will likely be gone, and I shall be left to explain why you called me by my given name.”

He shrugged unrepentantly. “Tell her I’m an eccentric earl and can do what I please.”

“I do not think that will mollify her in the least. Particularly as I also called you by your given name.”

“Ah, but that is your own fault entirely.”

“If I had called you Lord Bloxley, you would have corrected me and drawn all the more attention to it,” Jane huffed.

Alexander grinned. She was coming to know him well. He offered her his arm on the stairs, but she ignored it.