“Don’t be absurd.” I spun on my heel toward the crimson curtain hiding the back of the bookstore, determined to find Edward as soon aspossible. As if hearing my silent plea, he stepped around the shelf with a book in hand and paused at the sight of the two men and the lady accompanying them.
“Edward, as I live and breathe! How good to see you at last! Surely you remember me from a year ago at Cambridge,” the blond man exclaimed.
“Lord Chudley. How could I forget?”
Edward’s smile transformed his normally impassive face. Confusion flashed through me, for I had received the distinct impression that Edward had earlier wanted to hide me. He handed me the Herschel volume I sought, then gestured to the group beside him.
“May I present the Earl of Halewood,” he said with a respectful nod toward Lord Chudley. “And this is his sister, Lady Anne Chudley, and Mr. Richard Statton.”
I dipped into an awkward curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. Lady Anne, Mr. Statton.”
Lord Chudley’s eyes glinted as he offered a bow. “Likewise, Miss Grenville.”
The pug-nosed dandy grinned at me as he doffed his beaver hat. “Charmed to make your acquaintance.”
Lord Chudley clutched his walking stick, which had more the appearance of fashion than need. “You must forgive our manners. We were utterly smitten by the resemblance of this young lady by your side.”
I clutched my book, curious as to my brother’s change of demeanor.
With a plastered smile, Edward put a hand on my arm and hesitated before turning to the dandies. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Katherine Grenville.”
“Shall we see you during the London season?” Mr. Statton interjected, his cheeks flushed rosy.
My heart fluttered at the interest in both men’s eyes—a far cry from the frigid welcome Edward had described receiving at Eton, and later, Cambridge.
“I believe I shall enjoy what I can.”
Edward’s fingers tightened on my arm ever so gently in warning. If only I knew what he was trying to warn me about.
My brother had grown guarded over the years—no doubt shaped by the whispered slights and too-curious stares he’d endured from those who questioned his heritage.
“Are you reading Herschel’s work?” Lord Chudley gestured toward the volume in my hands, offering a lopsided smile. His eyes were startlingly blue. “His treatise on meteors and stellar motion is remarkable. I’ve visited the man’s observatory in Slough. A truly inspiring place.”
“You enjoy astronomy?” I said, intrigued to meet someone else who shared my interests.
“Oh, not in any formal capacity. I’m no mathematician,” he admitted. “But science does hold a certain fascination.”
Lady Anne wrinkled her nose. “Such tedious reading, Miss Grenville. I cannot imagine what I would do with a book that size! I much prefer the pianoforte. Do you play?”
“Tolerably,” I replied, with a polite smile. “But I prefer the sciences to the arts.”
She blinked as though I had spoken in Greek.
Before I could pursue the conversation further, Edward nudged me firmly toward the counter, where the clerk waited with an expectant glance. Loath to follow, I hesitated a moment before obeying, just as Lord Chudley and his companions stepped aside.
“Have you met the Herschel family?” Lord Chudley asked, perhaps sensing my reluctance to leave.
“I had hoped to meet them in person.” My feet seemed firmly pinned to the floor as Edward now reached for my arm.
The earl gave a polite bow. “Then may your wish be fulfilled this season. I hope we meet again, Miss Grenville.”
Edward offered a courteous smile that held no invitation. “We areexpected at another appointment. Good day, my lord, Lady Anne, Mr. Statton.”
I followed Edward to the counter, where he passed a coin to the clerk and collected the book.
Without further delay, he opened the shop door and gestured for me to follow. I hesitated for a heartbeat, aware of the earl’s lingering gaze, then stepped into the bright street.
We had barely crossed the threshold when Mr. Statton’s voice followed. “Oh, Mr. Grenville, one more moment if you will!”
