Page 8 of Once Tempted

Frederick groaned and slouched in his chair. “I’ve heard Hudson’s poetry before, and if I were you, I’d have another cup of tea and avoid going altogether.”

She merely smiled at his suggestion. “The servants will want the room as soon as you’ve finished eating. You’re the last one to come down, sir.”

He leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Did you come back just to talk to me?”

She shook her head. “Oh, I come and go all morning long, but I’m usually the last to leave the breakfast table. I like to read with a few cups of tea in peace.”

“I’ll have to remember to control my tongue around you, then.”

She looked at him, and her attention dropped to his mouth. His breath caught, but then she snorted before quickly standing up. “I’d best attend to my duties.”

He leaned back on the legs of his chair, stretching for her hand to delay her going. He wanted her to stay. Speak to her and make her laugh. Not that gin-induced giggle but the soft, true laugh of hers. The one he longed for now.

Minerva narrowly avoided his hand and put hers behind her back. The action, though, merely highlighted the loveliness of her bust. He nearly groaned but managed to behave himself.

“What are those? Your duties today.”

“Overseeing my brother’s household so guests like yourself can fully enjoy your stay. There are beds to be remade, chamber pots to be emptied, and dusting to be done,” she said, ticking them off her fingers. “The list goes on and on.”

“Surely Chase doesn’t make you do work?” he said, horrified at the thought of her making his bed…but then his mind turned to having her share it with him, and naked. He shook his head quickly to dispel that erotic image.

“Of course I do not work for my brother, but sometimes the women become distracted by the antics of handsome, flirting gentlemen guests.”

Did she think he was handsome? His grin widened as he beheld her blushing gaze. Yes, she did think he was handsome, and he was pleased by the discovery. “Well, this guest is enjoying distracting only one particular woman today,” he assured her.

Minerva shook her head and pointed toward the open doorway. “I think you’d enjoy distracting a certain widow during the recital far more.”

“You might be surprised by how wrong you are about that,” he teased back. Clearly, she had no idea about her brother’s interest in the widow. Nor that Frederick enjoyed flirting with Minerva, either. Despite the risk, despite her brother, he would rather speak with her a little longer.

But she left with another shake of her head and her soft laugh echoing in her wake, before he could confide in her about the devilishly clever scheme he’d decided upon only last night.

If Humphrey Chase wooed and won Mrs. Franks, he’d be far too busy to notice that Minerva had any suitor until it was far too late to drive them away.

Frederick settled the legs of his chair firmly on the ground and laughed as well. Minerva Chase was more fun to banter with than the widow probably would have been. As long as things did not go too far again with Minnie, there was no harm in a little discreet flirtation between them. He could be used as practice for when her next suitor came along.

He glanced around the dining room as a servant rushed into the room. “Coffee, sir?”

“No, tea, I think today.”

“Breakfast?”

“Whatever is easiest but plentiful.”

“Very good, sir. Miss Chase warned the cook you usually want a large breakfast of your favorite foods. I will return with a fresh plate just for you shortly.”

“Thank you,” he said, looking forward to a hearty repast even if he was entirely alone now. A pity Minerva had not stayed to keep him company.

He was astonished, though, that she knew his breakfast habits. But the house party appeared to be running very smoothly so far, and it was the small details—like remembering the preferences of guests—that made it a success or not.

He marveled at Humphrey’s luck at having such a competent sister to run his household. An unattached family member often made the best hostess for a bachelor, and in London, too. They were usually efficient and grateful to be given something to do, and especially for the added company.

But in this case, knowing that Humphrey had chased away Minerva’s former suitors, it seemed rather too convenient…and Frederick was left with a sour taste in his mouth the longer he thought about it.

He would like to believe his friend couldn’t be so selfish, but then, he’d never had a sister like Minnie, or any sister at all. Frederick only had older, dull, already married brothers—men too fond of delivering lectures about his tardiness or his latest scandalous entanglement.

After breakfast, snow began to fall, and Frederick reluctantly headed for the library but found the recital had been a very short one indeed. He was relieved. Everyone had adjourned, headed for the long hall, where they stood milling about, still talking to each other.

His friends were planning a spirited game of indoor croquet, since the weather outside had suddenly turned unsuitable for venturing out. Servants were circulating the room holding little silver trays of cake and champagne. Mrs. Franks was standing beside Mr. Moore, holding a glass to her lips.