Why indeed?
Robertson digested the news and could think of only one reason why a father would approve of such a match. It had to have been aboutmoney. The young woman certainly wouldn’t have chosen such an old man to wed on her own, he was sure of that.
“You must introduce me,” Robertson said to Noah.
“Really? I thought you’d sworn off women for the time being?”
“Perhaps I was a bit hasty.”
Noah chuckled. “Well, that’s an improvement over the grumpy man I rode in the carriage with this morning. It’ll be my pleasure to make the introduction. Walker, do you wish to join the conversation?” Noah asked their other friend.
“No, I’m fine here for the moment, enjoying my brandy. There will be plenty of time to converse with everyone during the house party,” Miles said.
Robertson and Noah leisurely strolled around the room until they reached the far end, where Lady Armstrong was seated with another young woman.
“Good evening, ladies,” Noah said with his winning smile. Not too many women could resist his charm, and Robertson hoped these two wouldn’t be immune.
Both young women stood and curtseyed. “Good evening,” they said.
Noah indicated Robertson. “Ladies, may I present the Earl of Robertson? Lord Robertson, these lovely ladies are Lady Armstrong and Lady Williams.”
Robertson bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“The pleasure is ours,” Lady Williams said.
“Lady Williams, would you care to see the garden?” Noah asked. “I hear it’s quite spectacular.”
“I would, indeed. Thank you, Mr. Hughes,” Lady Williams said. She turned to her friend. “I’ll return shortly.”
Noah held out his arm, and he and Lady Williams strolled off toward the French doors and the garden beyond.
Robertson took the seat Lady Williams had vacated, wanting to prolong his visit with the dark-haired beauty. “Lady Armstrong, did you have a pleasant journey here?” He inwardly cringed. He’d wanted to say something witty but had frozen when she turned her unusual green-gold eyes to him. She had the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen, and he couldn’t stop staring at her. Her sweet orange blossom scent invaded his senses, and he wanted to breathe it in.
“I did, thank you,” she said. “And you, my lord? How was your journey?”
“Long,” he said with a chuckle. “Three men couped up in a carriage for hours on end isn’t my idea of a good time.”
“I see.”
“I did take a short stroll around the grounds earlier—they’re quite lovely.”
“I hope to take in the views myself in the coming week.”
“May I have the honor of escorting you into dinner this evening?” Robertson saw the lady momentarily frown before she smoothed her face into a neutral mask.
“I was planning on taking a tray in my room this evening,” Lady Armstrong said. “It’s been a long day, and I’d like to retire early.”
Robertson was surprised at how disappointed he was by her answer. He wanted to spend more time with her this evening and had hoped to sit next to her at dinner. It was unusual that he should be so interested in her, especially since the debacle with Miss Grandier was still fresh in his mind, but there was something special about Lady Armstrong that drew him to her.
What was it? He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
She was certainly beautiful, but it was more than that. Though she put on a brave face, there was a sadness about her—a sadness that he wanted to banish. No one so young should be so sad. He longed to see her smile.
“I see. Perhaps we’ll meet again at breakfast and can take a stroll together then.”
“Yes, perhaps,” she said.
There wasn’t much else to say, as the lady was clearly not showing any interest in him. “Well, I wish you a pleasant evening then, Lady Armstrong,” he said, standing and making his way toward the refreshment table. He wasn’t in the mood to eat, but he didn’twant anyone to think that he’d been rebuffed by Lady Armstrong.
