Page 13 of Sin and Serendipity

The broad, high-ceilinged exhibition hall was full to bursting with patrons of all ages, slowly circling the room, peering at the paintings covering nearly every inch of the room’s dark red walls.

“Goodness me, it is a crush in here, isn’t it?” Lady Darrington murmured, her gaze flitting over the crowd as if searching for someone.

Robert grunted in agreement, and it was on the tip of his tongue to suggest they leave, but he squelched the words. His mother had wanted to come, and they were already here, so he might as well make the best of it. She made so few demands of him, after all. He could stand to spend an hour or two in an art gallery if it made her happy.

Besides, it was better than sitting at his desk, trying to work and thinking about Ellie instead, which was precisely what he’d done all day yesterday.

His lips thinned into a frustrated line. It was ridiculous, this infatuation he had with her. He’d only known the girl a few days, for God’s sake, and she fancied someone else—his bloody brother, of all people—and still, even knowing all this, he couldn’t get her out of his head.

It was madness.

“Come, let’s circle the room with the rest of the sharks,” Lady Darrington said, taking Robert by the arm and steering him into the throng.

He swept his gaze over the paintings they passed, hoping for a distraction, but it was no good. His mind was too full of Ellie. It was that damned look they’d shared on Lady Severton’s terrace and hearing her talk about kisses. For a moment, he’d almost believed she’d wanted him to kiss her, until she’d bolted like a startled rabbit.

He shook his head. She might have wanted his kiss, at least briefly, but she hadn’t wanted to want his kiss. Because he wasn’t Freddy.

Well, he’d had enough of this wallowing like a lovesick fool. It was pointless, an exercise in futility, and if he had any pride left, he would avoid her like the plague on his mind that she was, and then banish her from his thoughts for good.

Starting today, that was precisely what he would do.

“Mrs. Wrencroft! What a lovely surprise!”

Robert stiffened at his mother’s words, dread blanketing his chest like a thick fog. He turned as Mrs. Wrencroft approached, wearing a smile nearly as wide as the feathered hat perched on her head.

Trailing behind her was Ellie.

Robert’s hands clenched at his sides. So much for avoiding her.

She was lovely today in a pale green satin gown that hugged her curves and complemented her eyes. Her gaze flicked to his before darting away, and her cheeks flushed a gorgeous shade of pink that called to mind images of naked skin and plump thighs and dark, tousled curls draped across his pillow.

He looked to the floor, smothering a frustrated groan.

Bloody hell, get it together, man.

“Lady Darrington, how fortuitous we ran into each other like this,” Mrs. Wrencroft said, clasping her hands together in delight. “I should like to ask your advice on something, if I may. Will you take a turn about the room with me?”

“I would be delighted, Mrs. Wrencroft,” his mother replied. “Robert, dear, will you stay with Miss Wrencroft for a few moments whilst I speak with her mother?”

Robert fixed her with a knowing look, making it clear he saw right through her machinations, but all he said was, “I’d be happy to, Mother.”

“Excellent, excellent.” She patted his arm, her eyes gleaming with mercenary intent, and then she turned to Ellie’s mother. “Come along, Mrs. Wrencroft, and tell me your troubles.”

He watched as the two women walked away, their heads bent together in animated conversation, and although his mother was tall and slender where Mrs. Wrencroft was short and round, he’d never seen a better example of two peas in a pod.

The women were clearly matchmaking, despite Robert’s insistence that his mother stay out of it.

With a resigned sigh, he turned back, intending to speak to Ellie, but she was gone. He glanced around, finally spotting her a few feet away, her back to him as she gazed up at a painting.

He watched her for a moment, debating whether or not to join her. His mother had asked him to stay with her, but surely he needn’t hover over the girl like an overprotective maiden aunt. He could ensure her safety just as easily from here, couldn’t he?

There is no need to go to her.

But his feet, it seemed, were of a different mind, and before he knew what was happening, he was trailing after her like a moth to a flame.

Or a ship to a rocky reef.

Robert came to a stand beside her, and she stiffened slightly, though she did not look at him, nor did she speak. He wondered what thoughts were running through her mind, and very nearly asked, but it seemed an odd opening gambit.