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“Wench.”
Her grin grew. “I should be glad to accept your invitation, because unlike some people, I don’t rely upon my first impression to form an opinion. Granted, he didn’t attempt to mince words when we met, but neither did I. Tonight should give us both a clear understanding of one another.” She lifted her chin. “You will find that I’m not easily intimidated.”
His eyes heated. “I knew that from the first time I saw you at the theatre.”
“Because of my red hair?” she returned saucily.
“No.” He lowered his voice to a husky murmur. “Because you completely ignored my attentions. It endeared you to me for all eternity.” He winked with a decided twinkle in his eye, and then he turned away.
Sebastian enjoyed this easy banter between him and Lady Calliope much more than her desperate attempts to flee when he was in the same proximity. He hoped that their truce would stand indefinitely. Granted, it was akin to torture to be this close to the lady and know that he had to keep his hands to himself. But he had to tread lightly if he intended to respect her boundaries. He had just managed to earn her trust. He didn’t wish to end the tenable bond they had recently established.
Later that day, when he returned to the Three Cups, he informed his grandfather that they would be dining downstairs, instead of taking a tray in their rooms as they’d done recently. He also mentioned that they would be entertaining a guest.
The cane smacked the floor, a sign of his grandfather’s irritation. “I didn’t come all this way to watch you flirt with some chit. I can do that in London. I’m here to improve this blasted leg so that I can return to the solitude of the city where I belong.”
As Sebastian straightened his cravat in the mirror, he wished he hadn’t left his valet behind in London. The salt in the air was not complementary to his attire. His grandfather, of course, kept only a light staff on at his townhouse and hadn’t employed a valet in years. The servants that he did retain were nearly as sour and straightlaced as the marquess himself.
Sebastian rolled his eyes. “I would hardly categorize London as “solitude.” As far as Lady Calliope is concerned, I’m sure you can ascertain that she is not just any woman.”
“Hmph.” His grandfather snorted. “She does seem much improved to the gels I’ve read about in those ridiculous scandal rags in connection to you.”
Sebastian glared at him from the mirror. “I’m both appalled and impressed that you actually read those lies.”
“They aren’t lies if you aren’t denying them,” the marquess pointed out with another smack of his cane.
Sebastian decided that he looked the best he could under the circumstances and finally turned around. “I know there’s a gentleman inside there somewhere.” He pointed toward his grandsire’s chest. “So please try to incorporate some of that decorum this evening.”
His wizened eyes narrowed. “I was charming ladies before you were even in the womb, boy. I think I know how to comport myself.”
“Hmm.” Sebastian walked over and started to wheel his grandfather’s chair forward, but his efforts were waved off.
“I shall walk on my own tonight,” the marquess announced. He lifted his chin proudly and limped over to the door. He paused to glance back over his shoulder, “Are you coming or not? It would be in poor form to keep the gel waiting.”
Sebastian’s lips twitched, although he coughed into his fist to keep from showing off his smile. “Indeed.”
He followed his grandfather down the stairs and a quick glance around the tap room showed that Lady Calliope had yet to arrive. This was good, for it gave them a chance to get settled into the private dining area. The serving maid brought them each some wine as they waited.
“Maybe she won’t even come,” his grandfather said with his usual bluster.
Sebastian lifted a brow. “Then I suppose we shall have to entertain ourselves with this nice, romantic dinner.” He flipped open his serviette and pinned him with a humorous expression.
His grandfather waved a dismissive hand at him. “Bah!”
“Am I too late to join you?”
Sebastian forgot everything else at the sound of hervoice. He rose to his feet and offered a brief bow toward Lady Calliope. “You’re right on time,” he returned and pulled out a seat for her, right next to him.
As she walked forward, he drank in the sight of her. She had changed into a dark green dress that perfectly matched her eyes. After she was seated, it took a moment for him to gain full control of his facilities.
However, his grandfather was quick to put him in his place with a noted clearing of his throat. Seb returned to his chair and sat down. “I assume you remember my grandfather, Lord Abersheen?”
“Of course.” She met the marquess’s gaze directly “How could I forget?”
Sebastian wanted to laugh aloud, for it was the perfect mix of wit and insolence. Unfortunately, the subtle gesture didn’t go unnoticed.
Lord Abersheen narrowed his gaze. “I see that you still have that sharp tongue about you this evening.”
“I seldom go anywhere without it,” she returned sweetly. “I daresay it has taken years of practice to perfect. I suppose it comes with living in a household with three other sisters.”
