AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That is peculiar,” Oliver commented. “Why would this lady risk her reputation to visit a coffeehouse?”
“That is what I have been pondering myself, but I am at a loss,” Baldwin answered.
“Women are rather unusual creatures,” his brother mused.
“That they are,” Baldwin agreed. “Perhaps you would care to join me this evening at the coffeehouse?”
Oliver nodded. “I believe a coffeehouse is a splendid way to spend one’s evening.”
“That it is.”
“Besides, it is either the coffeehouse or attending a ball with Mother and Jane.” Oliver shuddered.
Baldwin laughed. “I won’t tell Mother you said that.”
“What won’t you tell me, dear?” his mother inquired as she glided into the room.
With a smile on his face, Baldwin asked, “Would it be all right if Oliver joined me at the coffeehouse tonight instead of escorting you and Jane to the ball?”
A look of displeasure crossed his mother’s expression as she turned her attention towards Oliver. “But what will we say to Lady Haskins when she asks about you?”
“You could always tell her that I am at a coffeehouse,” Oliver attempted. “I doubt that she would take offense.”
His mother pouted. “You promised to escort Jane and me, and I have been looking forward to it all week.”
Oliver huffed. “Fine,” he said. “I will escort you to the ball, and I will accompany Baldwin to the coffeehouse another time.”
His mother’s pout turned into a victorious smile rather quickly. “See there,” she remarked, “I knew you would come to the correct decision on your own.”
Baldwin couldn’t help but be impressed by his mother’s theatrics. The agency could use someone like her.
His mother now focused her attention on Baldwin with a twinkle in her eye. “I think we should have a ball in your honor,” she announced.
“Pardon?” He had not been expecting that.
“A ball,” she repeated, “to celebrate your return to Society.”
Baldwin shook his head. “I do not want a ball.”
“But you must!”
“And why is that?”
His mother looked at him like he was a simpleton. “You have been gone for the past three years, and many members of the ton believe you to be dead.”
“Good,” Baldwin said. “I can’t stand most of those busybodies anyway.”
His mother placed a hand on her hip. “Most of those busybodies are my dear friends, and I will not have you make disparaging comments about them.”
Baldwin leaned forward in his chair and rested his arms on his desk. “Regardless, I do not want a ball.”
“I’m afraid it is too late.”
“Meaning?”
His mother looked at him innocently. “I was so sure that you would want a ball that I already sent out the invitations.”
“How is that possible?” Baldwin asked in disbelief. “I just returned home.”
