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“As am I.” It’d been nearly two years since he’d lain eyes on the most important person in his life, and he could admit that seeing her again caused a ball of emotion to form in his throat. Why had he waited so long to attempt a visit? Why hadn’t he just gone to their country seat when they hadn’t been in town? That Sophie would always welcome him should have never been in doubt, and James was ashamed at his cowardice preventing their reunion.
“We’ll be back in a blink, darling. We will grovel appropriately,” Amberwood said. He turned to James. “Shall we?”
He glanced around the marquess’s shoulder to see Lady Filburk still fuming near the doors of the terrace, a group of matrons nodding along to whatever she was furiously grumbling at them. Resigned to the unpleasant scene that was likely about to unfold, James nodded grimly. “Yes, let us be off.”
**
“Thank you for interacting publicly with him.”
“I wasn’t going to just leave to poor man alone in the middle of a garden party more hostile to his presence than not.”
“We heard on the grapevine that he would be here today and rushed to support him, but I am happy to see we were not the only ones inclined to be kind.” Lady Amberwood eyed her for a moment. “I’m surprised he even received an invitation in the first place.”
Though Eliza had been debating on just how much to tell Lady Amberwood of her involvement in James’s attendance, it seemed the cat was out of the proverbial bag. “I might have pulled a few strings,” she admitted. “Lord Dalton called on me a few weeks ago, apologizing profusely for his behavior, and I thought to throw him a bone or two for his efforts.” That he’d poured his heart out under a rainy gazebo and nearly kissed her in the middle of her garden would certainly go unsaid. The less anyone knew about their now frequent meetings, the better. The last thing she needed was his sister thinking she held some sort of tendre for him. Because she certainly did not. Not in the least.
“I am happy he is trying to make amends.” Lady Amberwood cast a wry glance over at James and her husband as they conversed with Lady Filburk. Their hostess seemed mollified somewhat, and Eliza could only assume that whatever he had said buttered up the woman enough not to spread a terrible amount of gossip about him. “I just hope my mother hasn’t just ruined his chances at rejoining society. I still cannot believe she’s been cavorting about with Wardely, of all people. I suppose if you’ve been this kind to James, he told you the whole sordid tale.”
Realizing that demurring on the matter was no longer wise, Eliza responded. “Yes. Amberwood’s vicious reaction to him two years ago makes much more sense.” Though she boasted of a friendly acquaintance with Lord and Lady Amberwood, even being invited to the occasional private dinner party, they had never been close enough for her to hear the details of the couple’s rather unconventional start to their marriage, or that Amberwood had allowed James to get away with the elopement relatively scot free.
“I am just glad it is mostly over, though my mother’s recent activities seem to be stirring up trouble again. My dear brother certainly has an uphill battle going forward. If he could gather the courage to speak to Kitty and Francesca, however, I think that will go a long way.”
“I advised him to do so, though he ran into a fair amount of resistance after knocking on Ashford’s door.”
The marchioness laughed. “Yes, that sounds about right. Though, I am sure Kitty would be amenable to an audience if she knew James was serious. I will tell her what you have said about his current efforts. Francesca as well.”
“I’m sure he will be happy to hear that.” Realizing that she was sounding far too familiar, Eliza snatched another glass from a passing footman and took a healthy swallow. “I wish him the best of luck in his endeavors.”
“They won’t take offense if you associate with him, you know.”
The small, knowing smile on Lady Amberwood’s face was discomfiting enough that Eliza took another sip to hide the mortifying flush creeping up her cheeks. “I haven’t the time to aid him at the moment, though I am aware I would make a good social ally.”
Lady Amberwood shrugged. “That’s a shame. You would be a wonderful influence on him, I think. I can tell he respects you from the way he looks at you.”
Instinct told her they were discussing something other than a mere beneficial acquaintance. Eliza smiled serenely, putting on a faintly amused air. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were trying to play matchmaker, Lady Amberwood.”
Rather than the embarrassment she had expected to see, Lady Amberwood merely smile wider. “Was I that obvious?”
Eliza shook her head. “I’m afraid so. Unfortunately, I am uninterested in marriage, so you will have to focus your attention elsewhere.” She hadn’t cared a fig for a second husband from the day they lowered Aircourt into his grave. She wouldn’t trap herself in another loveless union, and neither would she risk losing control of the shocking inheritance the old earl had left her. There was nothing to gain and everything to lose were a woman in her position to undergo such a transaction. As charming as Lord Dalton was, it would take far more for her to put her security in his admittedly questionable hands. So why did the thought of pushing him away sadden her so?
“Well, you cannot blame me for trying. I am his sister, after all. Still, a friendship cannot hurt, perhaps?”
The men made their way back towards them, Dalton looking far more cheerful than when he had left. His gaze fell on her and lightened even more, and that blasted flutter in her chest began anew. Perhaps a friendship wouldn’t hurt, if only to inure herself to his effect.
“I will consider it,” she murmured, wondering at the wisdom of what she was agreeing to.
