Page 5 of Redemption of a Marquess

“When a lady has a gentleman to look after her, she has someone to care for her should something go wrong,” he said.

She frowned. “I have known too many ladies whose husbands do not take care of them.”

“She has you there, Northington,” Stirling said.

“That she does,” Valan said. “On that note, I shall say goodnight.”

“Leaving so early?” Stirling asked.

“Aye. The hunt is finished for tonight.” He looked at the young lady. “Good evening, Miss Matheson.”

She took a step toward him. “Must you go?”

He flashed a bland smile. “Old gentlemen need their rest.”

She grimaced. “You are not old.”

“Old enough.”

“The choice of gentlemen to dance with has dwindled,” she said. “I hoped perhaps…”

“Perhaps his lordship will dance with you.” He nodded at Stirling.

She frowned at Stirling. “Lordship? You introduced yourself as Sir Stirling James.”

“He is both,” Valan said. “The marquess suffers an unnatural modesty. He seldom admits his title.”

“The title is a courtesy, and hardly signifies,” Stirling said.

Valan glimpsed Hesston talking with Lady Peddington near the far right wall, not far from a cluster of ladies. Valan returned his attention to Miss Matheson. “The marquess is probably the only gentleman present. If, that is, he’s still a gentleman.”

Stirling chuckled. “You would have to ask Chastity.”

“Chastity?” she asked.

“His wife,” Valan said.

“You’re married?” The young lady wrinkled her nose. “Then it will not do for me to dance with you.”

“You are refreshingly forthright,” Stirling said.

“She is naïve,” Valan said. “A married man has his uses.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you married?”

“Nae, and I have no wish to be. Goodnight, Miss Matheson. Sir Stirling.” He bowed and left.