Page 47 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

“Rumor? Oh, you mean with regards to that lady, oh, grand-niece to one of my friends. Yes. There is a story there, I believe. Though I cannot recall all the details, it was so long ago.”

Felicity found herself both hoping the dowager would fall silent and curious as to what the woman might be speaking of—but before she could secure one of the other, the doors to the parlor opened, and the air itself seemed to shift as the footman announced to the room, “Colonel Halstead, my lady.”

Edward had not, evidently, returned to his estate to await their return.

The room quieted as he entered, his dark green coat crisp, his cravat tied with military precision. When his gaze finally settled on Felicity, something flickered behind his expression.

Not anger. Not quite. Something closer to frustration mixed with reluctant amusement.

Lady Denton approached him at once, and the Colonel bowed perfectly to her. “My lady, forgive my intrusion on your meeting. I have merely come to look after my ward. I am afraid, as I am newly made a guardian to a young lady, that I am somewhat overzealous in my duties.”

The Countess fairly beamed up at him, and Felicity did not blame her in the slightest. Edward towered over all the women in the room, and it would be a difficult thing to find many men able to match him in height—or in looks. His attractiveness likely granted him all sorts of favors.

“You are welcome, of course, Colonel Halstead. The important part of our meeting is concluded, and if you do not mind the company of mere ladies, I happily welcome you to join us. Please, help yourself to some refreshment. If you spend all day at a club, as my own dear husband does, heaven only knows that you are unlikely to be sustained by the dishes they serve there.”

“You are most kind, my lady.” Edward bowed again, then turned his gaze pointedly to his ward’s companion.

Felicity set her teacup down delicately, then stood and moved to one of the tables bearing refreshment, arranging little delicacies onto a small plate. Her stomach was so completely in knots she would not be capable of eating any of it.

Edward approached, picking up his own plate. “I was not aware,” he said, his voice measured, “that my ward’s afternoon itinerary included a visit to Lady Denton’s home.”

“It was a spontaneous invitation, one I had not anticipated. I sent word to you.” Felicity kept her voice low and soft. Please, don’t make a scene…

Edward took a measured breath and turned to look at Daphne, his expression softening as he watched her. “Is she enjoying herself?”

“I believe so. But you really should ask her,” Felicity said.

Daphne, having caught his gaze, rose and approached at the quickest possible speed while still being polite before she curtsied to him. “Good afternoon, Colonel.”

“Good afternoon, Daphne. I was just asking your aunt how you are enjoying your afternoon.”

After darting a quick glance at Felicity, Daphne answered, “It has been rather wonderful, though I do find myself growing fatigued. Might we return to Briarwood soon?”

“Of course. Perhaps you ought to say your farewells?” Edward gave an approving nod before glancing back at Felicity. “As for you, Miss Price,” he said quietly, “a word?”

Felicity arched a brow but did not object. Setting her plate down, she followed him to stand near the windows with effortless grace.

He tucked his hand behind his back and pretended to look out the window. “You are playing a dangerous game, Miss Price.”

Felicity lifted her chin, schooling her expression into perfect indifference. “I am not playing any games, Colonel.” She turned to face the room as she spoke. “Would you have me decline a kind invitation from a Countess, made in public and to the betterment of your ward, merely because it was given at the last moment without advance notice? Lady Louisa likes Daphne, and her mother indulges her daughter’s whims. An earl’s daughter is a suitable friend for⁠—”

“I am not certain I like Lady Louisa,” he muttered.

Felicity’s lips curled upward. He sounded like a petulant little boy. “Your likes and dislikes are not as important as what is best.”

Edward grumbled, a low hum of irritation, eyes flicking toward her in clear disapproval.

But she refused to apologize, even when he scowled like that. “I am ensuring Daphne makes the right connections. You cannot fault me for that.”

“Are you always right, then?”

“I am about this.”

Felicity expected more argument, but instead something else flickered in his gaze. Not anger. Not frustration. Something that looked suspiciously like admiration.

Edward made another sound of annoyance. “You are far too stubborn indeed.” But to her great surprise, the corner of his mouth quirked up ever so slightly before he turned around again, leaving her to take leave for them with Lady Denton.

Chapter Fifteen