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Cam would have been amused by her rapid blinking if he hadn’t already noticed his mother’s sharp attention focused in their direction.
“I thought you weren’t expecting her until tomorrow or the next day,” Hilaria said with a return of the crease between her eyebrows. “And I also thought you mentioned she has her own house.” Her gaze, as she searched his face, was full of concern. To Cam it felt like a warm caress. No one except his aunt had ever looked at him quite like that. “Are you going to be all right? Do you want to call off our scheme? I could leave your side instantly if you want.”
“Would you prefer that?” Cam didn’t want to think he was still coercing her.
She shrugged and offered him a shy smile. “I’m starting to find you less and less repulsive, to be perfectly honest with you. In fact, I might actually admit to having friendly feelings toward you. So, no, I wouldn’t necessarily prefer to abandon you in the middle of Lady Helmsworth’s music room. But I know you have a slightly contentious situation with your mother so if you would prefer it, I would completely understand.”
Before Cam could respond, they were interrupted. His mother’s cold voice made his hand tighten where it still had a hold of Hilaria’s elbow.
“Eastwood, I don’t believe I’ve yet been introduced to your friend.”
Hilaria dipped into an elegant curtsy before even Cam could perform the introductions. “Good evening, my lady,” she said and offered her another brief dip once he had introduced them. Lady Eastwood barely acknowledged the introduction.
“Escort me into the refreshments, Eastwood,” she demanded.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eastwood,” Hilaria said with a mischievous smile as she ignored the viscountess’ rudeness, turning away to join another group that was heading in the same direction.
Cam watched her with admiration. He hadn’t thought she was very friendly with others, but it didn’t seem to prevent her from interacting correctly. And, of course, as a Sherton daughter, no one except his strange mother would dare to give her the cut direct.
“I thought you were going to end that dalliance, Eastwood.”
“There is no dalliance, Mother. She is an acquaintance. And she is a lady. You needn’t imply otherwise.”
“Do not give me cause to interfere.”
Cam grinned. “I didn’t think you needed cause.”
His mother sniffed and stepped away from him. “Only get me the good items, Eastwood,” she commanded, her tone carrying amongst the gathered guests, causing heads to turn their way. Cam hoped his embarrassment wasn’t staining his cheeks as he walked to the tables to do his mother’s bidding. He wasn’t completely sure what could possibly be considered a less than good item. Everything there looked tempting to even the pickiest palates. With a shrug he put a few selections on a plate and turned toward where his mother was seated.
