Page 25 of Redemption of a Marquess

Jeanine’s eyes lit on the chairs that surrounded the gaming table.

Valan rose. “Sit, Jeanine. I will fetch the chair.”

She smiled. “You are gallant.”

“Hardly,” he replied. “I fear you will topple and break your neck if you try to carry the chair.” He carried the chair to the desk and set it to her left. “Miss Stone, you may sit.”

She obeyed and he returned to his seat. “Do you need something?” he asked.

“We don’t need anything,” Jeanine said. “Well, unless you count answering a question as needing something.”

“Ask the question and we shall see.” He sipped his brandy.

“Are we allowed to invite guests to the party?”

“Who are the guests?”

“My friends from Lady Peddington’s school.”

“Aye,” he replied. “You may invite them.”

She beamed. “See, that wasn’t so difficult, now, was it?”

“It was not.”

“Have you invited everyone you wanted to invite?” she asked.

“For the most part.”

“Who have you invited?”

“I doubt you know most of them.” He paused in lifting the glass to his lips. “Where are you from?”

She giggled. “How funny that you made me your ward and you never asked where I lived.”

“I believe I did ask you that night at Lady Peddington’s ball, but you wouldn’t tell me.” he said, and drank half the brandy.

“You’re right, of course.” Jeanine regarded him. “Why did you make me your ward?”

“It is polite to answer the question you were asked before you ask one,” he said.

Her eyes twinkled. “I am from Perth. Now, why did you make me your ward?”

“To aid in your quest to find a husband.”

“That is silly.” She looked at Miss Stone. “Isn’t that silly, Miss Stone?”

“You are fortunate that his lordship has taken an interest in your well-being,” she replied.

Jeanine waved a hand. “Oh, I know that. But that doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t have to take an interest. What kind of food will there be at the party? Please don’t say pheasant. Everyone serves pheasant.”

“I have no idea what is on the menu. You may speak with Mrs. McPhee, if you wish.”

“Will there be dancing?”

He nodded. “Aye.”

“I love to dance. You can dance with me—and Miss Stone, as well.”