Redford poured coffee."Impossible.I have spent years building a reputation for frivolity.One evening cannot undo such effort."
Magnus took a calm sip."You danced with Lady Esme Jones."
"Many men did.Her mother saw to it.I merely had the misfortune of being interesting."
"You founded a society with her.Genny told me."
Redford winced.“Miss Moreland talks too much."
"Genny observes.She says you looked like you've seen a cliff and can't wait to dive."She paused."Just to see how loud the splash will be."
Magnus glanced at Redford."Accurate."
"Traitors," Redford muttered."Both of you."
"What are your intentions with Lady Esme?"Alexandra asked.
He almost choked on his coffee."Good God, Alexandra, you sound like her brother."
"Excellent.Then I am on the right track."
"My intentions are to keep her from being bored to death by men who think the height of romance is a tidy ledger."
"And?"Magnus asked.
"And to prevent my own death from the same cause," Redford added."Mischief, not matrimony.I have not suddenly developed a passion for managing Woodmere's household."
Alexandra's gaze did not soften."Esme has less room to err than you.If your society becomes fodder for drawing-room whispers, she will pay a higher price."
"Which is why the rules exist.No reputations harmed, no true cruelty, only small...adjustments."
"And your heart?Any rules there?"
"None whatsoever.Fortunately, it is entirely irrelevant."
"Is it?You have meddled in half the ton's affairs for sport.You have never before written a lady a note about it in the morning."
Redford stiffened."How do you know I wrote her one?"
"Ink on your fingers and an expression that suggests you have done something simultaneously clever and unwise.It is your most recognizable look.”Alexandra smiled slowly."What did you write?"
"Nothing of consequence.An invitation to breathe the same air in Hyde Park, a reassurance that our society has not dissolved from neglect, a mention of Genny's promotion to Minister of Chaos."
Alexandra clapped softly."Excellent appointment."
Magnus set his fork down."James, I am fond of your nonsense."
"I had noticed."
"But be clear with yourself.If you are only amusing yourself, leave Esme alone.She is not one of the girls who trail after you for a story.She has too much to lose."
James sighed."Is everyone in London determined to make a moral example of me this week?First Woodmere, now you."
"I have no intention of dragging her into scandal.My talents in that arena I reserve for myself.If she chooses mischief, it will be on her own terms."
"And yours," Alexandra said softly.
He did not answer.
