Page 37 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

“Eugenia!” He moved toward her, his hands extended. He kissed her on the cheek and stood back to admire her. “’Tis indeed a pleasure to see you, Sister.” His eyes narrowed as he studied her. “You look different.”

Heat rose from her belly. She feared the flush would spread to her face as thoughts of all that had happened since she had last seen her brother swirled around her. The purchased—nay, theft—of her book, the change in her dress and hairstyles, and lastly the night before. Oh, yes, indeed, the night before.

To keep him from examining her too closely, she tucked her hand in his arm and said, “I am the same as always. Perhaps you need to come visit more often.”

“Touché.” He grinned the charming smile she remembered from their childhood. The one that had gotten him out of trouble many times—both with his tutors and their parents. A charmer, her brother. He’d inherited the title of Earl of Clarendon three years ago when he was five and twenty. Up to this point, he’d managed to escape the clutches of the marriage-minded mamas of the ton, but his appearance here made her wonder if this was the Season he’d decided to take a bride.

“You must come for tea one day, Nash. I know Devon would love to see you, as well.”

“It would be my honor.” He escorted her to a settee where Eugenia gave her regards to her hostess and the others gathered in the Spencer drawing room. It was an eclectic group, hosted by Lady Spencer and her very marriageable daughter, Lady Grace. Eugenia eyed the young girl with speculation.

Nash seemed uncommonly interested in Lady Grace. Is this the girl who would one day be her sister-in-law? Although a little too giggly and fussy for her taste, she was, admittedly, pretty and gracious. If the looks she cast in Nash’s direction were any indication, she had hopes of being Lady Clarendon sometime in the future.

Eugenia turned her attention to Miss Eleanor Cavill, younger daughter of Baron Cavill, who sat next to her. “Are you doing well, Miss Eleanor?”

The girl broke into a smile that changed her plain face into almost a pretty one. “I am quite well, my lady. And yourself?”

“Fine. Are you enjoying the Season?”

“Yes.”

Not particularly known for her social skills, the girl began examining her skirts, her hands twisting.

“I love your gown, who is your modiste?” Eugenia hoped to draw the girl out. She’d heard snickers directed at her at a few balls, and her sympathy had been engaged for someone who suffered so in Society. Eleanor’s mother had passed a few years ago, and her companion was older and not familiar with the ins and outs of Society. How brutal it could be without the correct champion.

A very attractive blush rose to the girl’s cheeks. “Thank you, my lady. Mlle. Sophie sews most of my gowns.”

Mlle. Sophie was a new modiste who was beginning to make a name for herself. Eugenia had considered using her talents herself. “I would love for you to come for tea one day.”

“My lady!” The poor girl looked as if she would swallow her tongue. Yes, she needed some help and guidance.

“Indeed. Please bring your companion. Miss Jenson is her name?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Excellent. I will expect you Tuesday next. My calling hours are between two and four.”

Eugenia then turned her attention to Lord Althrop on her other side.

The visit passed pleasantly enough, and before she realized, it was almost four o’clock. “I believe Devon wished to accompany me to the park this afternoon, so I fear I must take my leave.” Eugenia stood and shook out her skirts, taking Lady Grace’s hand and squeezing it slightly.

“I will see you out.” Nash took her arm, and they gained the stairs to the entrance hall.

“I am surprised to see you lingering so long. I thought afternoon visits were on your list of things to avoid.” Eugenia smirked at her older brother.

They reached the front door, and he bent to kiss her cheek. “Perhaps there is a reason why I prefer afternoon visits now.”

She tapped him on his arm. “I thought as much.”

As she turned to go, he stopped her with a hand on her elbow. “There is something different about you, Eugenia. You no longer seem so much the…” He stopped, his face flushing red.

Eugenia raised her eyebrows. “The Ice Queen?”

He grinned at her sheepishly. “I did not mean to say that.”

Her smile told him she took no offense. “Yes, you did. I have made a few changes. It was time.”

“Well, whatever the reason, it suits you well, Sister.”