Page 21 of Tempting the Marquess

“Sam! The fur would fly if Mr. Brummell heard you. But George is absolutely right,” agreed Caroline, grinning, “You do look very pretty, glowing almost. Must be the company. What do you think, Lord Standish?”

Before he could answer, Stephen interjected with, “Well of course it’s the company. Documented fact that dining with splendid gentlemen has numerous health benefits.”

“Splendid gentlemen like Lord Standish, yes,” Caroline retorted, shooting her husband a glance that silencedhim.

Abruptly Lady Samantha stood, her expression an odd mix of irritation and desperation. The men dropped their soup spoons and stood also, giving her quizzical looks.

William frowned. “Is something wrong, Lady Samantha?”

“No. Yes. Excuse me,” she said, her cheeks scarlet. “Lord Standish, would you point me in the direction of the powderroom?”

“Of course. Right this way,” he replied, indicating she should followhim.

“You don’t have to show me. I’ll findit.”

He shook his head and took her elbow, leading her away down several long hallways lined with paintings. “It’s a labyrinth, for years I took string and a sack of provisions with me whenever I explored. Far too risky to let a first-time visitor wander unaccompanied. Aunt Jane would have my head if you went missing. The powder room is just up here somewhere. Ah, therewe—”

“Thank you!” she said, yanking open the door and disappearing inside. His frown deepened. What was goingon?

Then again, this just might be the perfect opportunity to ask some questions.

Folding his arms, William rested his hip against a side table and waited. A few minutes later, the door flew open and she bolted out, just about mowing him down. Again.

“Oh God. Of course you stayed,” she mumbled, then coughed in embarrassment.

“Having to send out search parties for guests is bad form,” he replied, trying not to grin. “And I wanted to ask...how is the Season going sofar?”

Lady Samantha tilted her head. “Oh. Well, thanks to you all, instead of being ignored I’m being toasted as a diamond of the first water. Quite amusing.”

“Buttrue.”

“I don’t think so. People will say anything to gain favor with Stephen and Aunt Jane. Yet I can see how ladies get caught up in it all, promenading around ballrooms while gentlemen recite odes to their eyes andlips—”

“Their eyes and lips?” he interrupted without thinking. “Hell.”

“Some ladies like it,” she replied, a little stiffly.

Christ. He was a complete failure as an interrogator, and a romantic swain. “Naturally. But such odes are so common. A real challenge to the aspiring poet would be the honoring of something else like, hmmm, an ear for example. Or bigtoe.”

Samantha’s lips twitched, then she laughed. “How right you are. A verse about my toes would definitely transform a stuffy ballroom, desperate thirst, and aching feet into a wonderful evening. How did no one think of it earlier?”

“If only they’d consulted me. And, er, how are things at homenow?”

“Actually,” she said thoughtfully, “Much improved. Especially between Papa andme.”

“Oh?”

“We’ve started having a meal together. Although sometimes he has meetings, so we drink tea instead.”

“Ugh, meetings. I have far too many of those. Always sit next to Southby because he promises to elbow me if I fall asleep. Does your father enjoy his business dealings?”

“Mostly, I think,” she said, biting her lower lip as she considered. “Except for the time I told you about, with the delivery man. He explained about that, though—it was just a deal not goingwell.”

“I see. That must have been a relief.”

“Yes! But he’s been a lot happier recently, he actually apologized for being ill-tempered and gave me money to go shopping. But gracious, Lord Standish, you sound just likehim.”

William stilled, a warning tingle shooting up his spine. Trying to keep the situation as casual as possible, he attempted a light laugh. “Oh? Your father is also blessed with razor-sharp wit and devastating charm?”