“Arundel,” Sir Duncan teased, “do you think you might spare some of the ladies for the rest of us? They’re all vying for your attention, old fellow. We’re getting positively overlooked.”
Henry mustered a dry smile. “You are welcome to them, I assure you.”
Another man, Lord Robins, raised an eyebrow. “Certainly does not seem so, Arundel, when they flutter about you like butterflies. Tell me, are we mere ornaments at your house party?”
Henry tensed, mindful that William stood close by with his arms folded, ready to jump to his friend’s defense. “Hardly. Ihave never encouraged such fuss. In truth, I wish you all the best in your attempts.”
Lord Robins chuckled, shaking his head. “We know your mother is keen, though. She is determined you must choose someone at this party, is she not?”
Henry forced a casual shrug. “She has her aspirations, but that doesn’t mean I share them. I am not yet finished with my lighthearted days of bachelorhood.”
“So you say,” Sir Duncan quipped. “But sooner or later, you shall have to wed. Best to resign yourself, unless you wish to be hounded by all the young women of thetonforever.”
A third gentleman, a Mr. Redford, offered a sly grin. “There are any number of candidates to amuse yourself with. Why not give more attention to the polished ladies rather than that little wallflower?”
Henry’s annoyance flared at this reference to Charlotte. He sensed William stiffen as well, though his friend held his tongue.
Henry drew a short breath. “I will assist whomever I choose, and I see no reason to dismiss Lady Charlotte so rudely.”
Sir Duncan raised both hands, feigning innocence. “Peace, Arundel. No offense intended. Merely an observation.”
Henry realized his temper was too near the surface. He had no wish for these men’s jibes to worsen. He set his shoulders back, summoning a semblance of composure. “If you will excuse me, I have an errand to run.”
He offered a curt nod and turned away, ignoring the curious stares that followed him across the lawn. William kept step with him for a moment, concern evident in his glance.
“Are you all right?” he murmured quietly.
Henry set his jaw. “As well as can be expected.”
William sighed. “I know you don’t like this attention, but I thank you for your defense of Charlotte.”
Henry simply nodded in response, ignoring the question at the end of his friend’s words. He quickened his pace toward the house, seeking refuge.
Indeed, inside the cool corridors, his tension eased a little. He needed a quieter retreat, somewhere no one would search him out with insistent demands for a stroll or conversation. The library came to mind; few guests ventured there unless they wished to appear studious, and he had discovered that many were more interested in talking of fashion, politics, or gossip than books.
Sure enough, the library was peaceful when he slipped in. Henry let out a soft sigh of relief, stepped deeper into the room, and began scanning the shelves. He was about to take down a volume on British antiquities when he heard the light rustle of skirts.
He turned to see Charlotte and Miranda examining the shelves on the opposite side of the room.
Miranda spotted him first, dipping into a stiff curtsey. “Your Grace,” she said loudly, alerting Charlotte.
“Oh, Your Grace!” Charlotte looked flustered as she closed a book she had been flipping through. “We did not think anyone else would be in here at present.”
He offered them a polite half smile. “Nor did I. What were you reading?”
Charlotte tapped a slim volume she held. “A bit of fiction. Something restful for the afternoon. I confess I needed a reprieve after the excitement on the lawn.”
He chuckled. “I hope you didn’t find the morning’s entertainment too tedious.”
“At least I wasn’t hurt,” she said tactfully. “How is your foot?”
“Better.”
Miranda made a sympathetic noise. “Felicity isn’t a fan of sports. I must say I do find bowls rather dull, although therewere plenty of young ladies who were suddenlyveryenthusiastic about playing.”
He tried not to grimace remembering that swirl of eager faces. “They were enthusiastic, certainly. I didn’t mean to neglect you, Charlotte.” He hesitated, uncertain whether to confess his frustration. Instead, he cleared his throat and offered a faint bow. “I shall let you two continue your search for reading material.”
Charlotte hesitated as though thinking of a response. Then she simply smiled. “Thank you, Your Grace. Enjoy your book.”
