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Chapter Three
December 18, 1818
D
amnation.
“A pox on Papa and Mama for throwing this rout,” Stephen grumbled as he tugged once more on the too-tight knot of his cravat. “Did we truly need another rout when we just had one last week?”
His twin, Griffin, snorted beside him. “Our parents adore entertaining. Besides, their wedding anniversary is drawing near, and they want as many well-wishers as possible around them.” He shrugged. “Where is the harm if you must dance attendance upon them for a handful of days?”
“I suppose I must since Papa still maintains he’s in ill health.”
A shadow of guilt scudded across Griffin’s face, but before Stephen could ask about it, the emotion was gone. “Yes, we should keep him in good spirits.”
“How is Nora?” He tugged again on the deuced tight knot, but his valet had done his work too well. It didn’t budge.
“Quite frankly, she’s amazing. Mother has taken it upon herself to introduce Nora to some of the more prominent gentry this evening.” His brother offered such a goofy grin that Stephen couldn’t help rolling his eyes to the ceiling of the well-appointed drawing room. “I never thought finding myself in love would be so...”
“Amazing?” he put forth with a heavy amount of sarcasm hanging from the word.
“Well, yes.” A flush rose up his brother’s neck. “My apologies if I sound trite.”
“Pay no attention to me. I’m merely out of sorts this evening.” Stephen waved a hand. “I’m happy for you, but I only hope this affection lasts longer than Twelfth Night and the alleged magic of the holiday season.” That was a bloody rotten thing for him to say, but he couldn’t recall the words now.
Griffin narrowed his eyes. “If you think to imply that my engagement is naught but a sham—”
“Hold, brother.” He dropped a hand on his twin’s shoulder. “I meant no offense. As I said, I’m out of sorts and saying things I don’t mean.” He shook his head. “I don’t wish to be in attendance.”
“What would you do instead? You aren’t the bookish type to go hide in the library.”
“Perhaps ride. The night is fine enough for it.”
“Though cold.”
“True.” Stephen heaved a sigh. “Rotten, bloody winter.” Though there was a certain attraction in riding a horse over the fields graced with the scant few inches of snow they’d received over the last week. And with a greatcoat and muffler, he should be warm enough. Then his gaze happened to land upon the form of a woman clad in a blue gown that was a few years out of style but still brilliant in hue. His stomach dropped into his shoes. “What sort of sorcery is this then?” He tightened his fingers on his brother’s shoulder. “Isn’t that Lynette?” The last thing he needed was an old romance in residence.
And even more bitter memories.
Griffin followed his line of sight. “By Jove, I think it rather is,” he said in a low voice. “Did you know she was in the country?”
“I had no idea. We haven’t talked since the... incident.” He couldn’t bring himself to utter the words “broken engagement” even if it were with his brother. An avalanche of memories—both good and bad—started to fall through his mind, but he refused to let himself acknowledge them. Stuffing them back into the box they’d come from, he shook his head. “Why the devil is she here? And with her mother, to boot?”
His brother shrugged. “Perhaps Mother invited them.”
Damn, it had been ten years since he’d seen her. They would have been married almost that long if fate hadn’t taken a hand. What might have his life been like if she hadn’t fled and he hadn’t made a point of living life in Town playing the rogue where gambling, fast women, and scandal had filled his time?
Then an idea occurred, and one he hadn’t had since he and Griffin were reckless youths. “Trade places with me this evening.” He pulled his twin farther off to the side of the room. “She hasn’t yet seen us, so you can go in my stead and greet her.”
“What the deuce for? You have a history together. That’s to be expected when she jilted you.” Then he shivered. “You know how I loathe being the center of attention, and if I switch places with you, that’s bound to happen.”
“It’s only for a moment. Go over to her.”
“Why?” Griffin narrowed his eyes. “To what end? Besides, Nora won’t be best pleased I’ve made it a point to speak to another woman.”
Stephen huffed with frustration. “Rely on the security of your betrothal and do this one little favor for me.”
“Again, I ask why? You haven’t cared a jot for Lynette since she ran.”
