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How long would it be until the ton whispers spread that her own brother was to take her to court? This might be her last social engagement for a while, so she was determined to enjoy it.

*

There were perhaps fifteen people sitting around the large parlor. Lady Franklin’s granddaughter entertained them all on the harp. Now they were setting up for the games. Footmen brought in card tables, and a rumor suggested a lively riddle game and perhaps charades later. Edward could think of nothing worse. He immediately went to a chair in the far corner. That way he could observe the goings on without having to participate.

He felt like a caged lion. Everyone was polite, of course. He only came because his mother had begged him to, and he still felt bad about making her cry a few days ago.

Dunstan was playing the besotted beau. Would he feel the same after he told him about Rose’s court case? He hoped the man had bollocks enough to stay the course with Marianne.

And then there was Rose. Her glorious golden locks were piled high with fetching curls framing her equally fetching face. She was a little quieter than usual, but she kept a smile on her face. He watched her as she interacted with the other guests. Her social skills were to be admired. Then she looked his way, and his heart flip-flopped in his chest. Worse, she was coming his way, her lips curling at the sides of her delightful lips.

“Your Grace,” she said with a small curtsy before taking the chair next to him. “Hiding in the corner is your strategy for the night?”

“All the better to watch you charm everyone.”

“You have charm. When you choose to use it.”

“Do I? I thought I had long shed myself of that particular skill.”

“Granted, you do prefer a more direct approach, but you show yourself in other ways.”

“My mask must be slipping.”

“I see right through your disguises, you know.”

“All of them? I have so many.”

She laughed. “It was good of you to come. Your mother is very happy.”

“I do what I must.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.”

“You sound as if you think I am not telling the truth.”

“Well, we all know you do nothing you do not want to do.”

“Untrue. I am here after all.”

“Oh, I thought you enjoyed the harp?”

“I did. If I could go home now, it would be a perfect evening.”

“You do not care for games?”

“I do not.”

“I would think, with all your disguises, that you would be very good at card games.”

“I know how to play them, Lady Rose, but do not usually have the opportunity to participate as I am usually chaperoning young ladies at balls and such. And hells are not my fare.”

“Would you care to play with me?”

“I would, but I think you mean cards.”

Her shocked face made him laugh.

“Edward Ashton, you know I mean cards,” she said in a whisper behind her fan.