Her voice was musical, and he looked forward to a very pleasant evening in Lady Charlotte’s company. Then his cousin Louisa joined them.
She took Lady Charlotte’s arm. “Come along, Charlotte, he’s very handsome, but not worth your time.”
Lady Charlotte grimaced. “Excuse me, my lord. Louisa . . .” She was pulled away before she could finish.
He stood alone for a few moments feeling rather foolish, when the youngest girl, Mary, that was her name, came up to him. “Well, no matter what the others say, I think you’re nice.”
“Thank you.” He smiled. “The others?”
Mary took him by the hand to a sofa. “The other side of the family, Matt’s sisters.”
“Ah. What do they say? Or should I ask?”
“Only that you are puffed in your own con—con—I don’t remember the rest.”
“That’s all right. I think I have it. Lady Mary, may I escort you into dinner?”
Mary’s chin rose higher. “Yes, you may, and you may also ask me about Charlotte if you’d like.”
Merton choked. What did they say about coming from the mouth of babes? “Thank you for your very kind offer.”
* * *
Grace gave Matt her arm. Charlotte’s and Louisa’s behavior had been an embarrassment. “I do not care what you think of him. While he is in my home, he shall be treated kindly. What Louisa did was not only rude, it was meanspirited. Charlotte will hear from me concerning her behavior.” Grace glanced over her shoulder. “I could not be more proud of Mary. She is the only one who has behaved just as she ought, and she’s only five.”
Matt frowned. “If I’d known he was going to cause a problem, I would have suggested he dine at his club.”
“Hewas not the problem.” Grace stopped until Lord Merton reached the dining room door. “My lord, we are diningen familie. However, you may sit next to me. Mary, you may sit next to Lord Merton.”
Mary beamed. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Merton, with Mary on his arm, strolled to where she’d indicated.
Matt turned and whispered in Grace’s ear, “At least his conquest is too young to be thinking of marriage.”
“For your information”—she allowed her irritation to show in her tone—“no female is too young to think of marriage. Do try to behave. Where is Patience?”
Matt glanced around. “There.” He indicated one corner of the dining room.
Patience was speaking in hushed tones to Louisa, and, for her part, Louisa hung her head. Grace nodded approvingly. “Good.”
For the first time, it was clear to her that she could be of value to Matt’s family as well.
* * *
When Charlotte had entered the drawing room, she hadn’t expected to see Lord Merton. He was even better-looking up close. His golden-blond hair was expertly styled in a new windblown fashion, à la Vent. His coat cut to perfection across his broad shoulders. Merton wasn’t as tall as Matt, but he was still much taller than she. He bowed elegantly, and when she gazed into his eyes they changed color, from gray to blue. She would have happily stayed, until Louisa pulled her away. Charlotte was glad her youngest sister had taken him in hand, and she tried not to watch him during dinner. She would apologize as soon as she could. She was sure Grace would expect her to.
Matt declined having port in the dining room, and he and Merton joined the ladies in the drawing room.
She made her way over to where Merton stood. “My lord?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“I—I wanted to say that I should not have allowed Louisa to take me away.”
His eyes widened, and Merton seemed to relax. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and I’m happy that Mary made you feel welcome. She did, didn’t she?”
