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Marvella Brooks, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of St. Clair, was betrothed to Evan’s older brother, Jacob. She was pretty but also reserved and quiet like her mother. No doubt she would make a good Countess of Brighton, a title currently held by Ally’s own mother.
Jacob looked like an older and slightly smaller version of Evan himself. Though he was fair of face, he did not have Evan’s incredible physique. Ally had only met Jacob and Marvella once, at the wedding, and hadn’t spoken to either of them for any length of time. They were both quiet and reserved, possessing genteel natures.
Also joining them was John Brooks, the earl’s son and heir. Thankfully, he too had inherited his mother’s height. He was dark of hair and eyes, and had the jovial personality of his father.
They were all very friendly and made Ally feel welcome in their home. Oddly, at dinner, Ally was seated next to John Brooks rather than next to Evan. He was very attentive, keeping her wine glass filled and engaging her in conversation.
“I do hope you’ll save me a dance at the ball this evening, Lady Alexandra.”
“Indeed, I would be delighted.”
It wasn’t totally an untruth. Viscount Brooks was handsome—not Evan handsome, but who was?—and she might enjoy a dance with him. But she couldn’t take her eyes off of her goal. Dances with too many others, and she would lose her focus on Mr. Landon. She had to find a way to get him alone so he could compromise her. On top of that, she had to arrange for someone to see them.
“Tell me,” Brooks said, “why have you not been around this whole season?”
“My sister, Sophie, and I decided to skip the season this year. When our mother became betrothed to the Earl of Brighton, we stayed at the estate in Wiltshire to help her plan the small wedding.”
“And your sister? Why did she not accompany you to London this trip?”
“Oh, London is of not much interest to her.”
“Is she as lovely as you are?”
Alexandra caught her breath. Brooks was flirting with her. She had not expected such. But why not? He was unmarried, and so was she. And he did have a title. But Alexandra knew little about the monetary values of titles. Many of England’s aristocrats were actually penniless, as her own father had been. They looked to find wives with healthy dowries for that very reason. Thanks to her new stepfather, Ally now had a dowry.
She looked around the informal dining room. It was elegantly decorated in cherry with gilt-edged wallpaper and dark cherry crown molding. The china from which they took the repast was bone white with silver trim. Their tablecloth was fine tatted lace.
No, the St. Clairs did not appear to be in any type of financial straits. Still, Ally had her sights set on Mr. Landon. Very few peers were as wealthy as he, and she had already put a lot of time into her conquest. Starting over now would be a waste of her valuable time.
Evan, who sat across the table from her, hardly looked her way. He talked estate business with his brother and the earl. Ally found it odd that Brooks did not join in, but he seemed content to engage in small talk with her. However, she was finding it tiring. By the time the cheese tray arrived, she was uncomfortable and really wanted to leave.
When the dreaded meal finally ended, she looked forward to a few moments to chat with the ladies while the men retired for cigars and port. However, Brooks came up behind her and touched her on the elbow.
She turned. “Yes?”
“Lady Alexandra, I would be most pleased if you would accompany me to the back terrace.”
“Don’t you intend to join the gentlemen for a cigar?”
“Honestly, I never did develop the taste for tobacco. And I find port far too sweet. I do enjoy a good cognac, but frankly, I would relish the chance to talk to you a bit more and get to know you better.”
Ally fidgeted. Really, she should not accompany him. They would be unchaperoned, although this was his residence. Of course, when had she let the lack of a chaperone stop her?
“I’m afraid it would not be proper, my lord. Lord Evan would never allow it.” At least that was the truth.
“My lady, it was Lord Evan’s idea.”
“What?” Ally clenched her fists at her side, her breathing coming faster. Evan? Stiff and conventional Evan? And then it hit her like an anvil punching her in the stomach.
He had been serious. He meant to marry her off. So that was why Brooks had been so attentive at dinner.
“Why, yes. He suggested that I show you the terrace. In fact, he insisted upon it.”
“Oh, he did, did he?” Ally smiled sweetly. “Then we mustn’t disappoint him.” She tucked her arm in his. “Please, my lord, I would love to accompany you to the terrace. I’m sure it will be most enchanting.”
* * *
Evan’s insides twisted as, out of the corner of his eye, he saw John Brooks leading Alexandra to the back terrace. Why had he thought for a moment that she would refuse him? Of course she wouldn’t. He was a first son, heir to a title and to the money and estate the title commanded.
