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There was a hint of something in his eyes that she didn’t understand. “I’ve already admitted that I am.”
“Yes, but it might be fun. You can pretend to be the barmaid again, and I’ll pretend to be a customer who wants a different type of service.”
Her mouth dropped open in shock. Good heavens, did people actually engage in such role-play? The thought scandalized her, but if she was being completely honest, it also sent a wave of heat through her. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to pretend.
She leaned close and spoke in her native accent. She might have made it a little thicker on purpose to see how he would react. “Perhaps another time.”
One corner of his mouth kicked up, but before he could reach for her again, she snatched the menus from the desk and danced away from his reach.
His laughter followed her out the door. She had no doubt he’d make good on their little game later, and heaven help her, she was looking forward to it.
Chapter 26
Only three monthshad passed since John left London for his new life. At the time, he’d been certain he would never feel at home at Brock Manor. While he still had to resist the urge to cringe whenever someone called him by his title, he’d settled into his role with relative ease.
It helped that he had an exemplary staff. Jeffers, in particular, was very patient. John’s most difficult lesson had been learning how to let go. He didn’t need to keep every scrap of information in his head as long as he had access to it when required.
His relationship with Amelia had helped him adjust to this new life. While he’d respected her as a friend and enjoyed her company a great deal, their romantic relationship meant everything to him.
Now, as he awaited Ashford and Cranston’s arrival, it felt like a year had passed since he’d last seen his friends.
The sun was beginning to set when their carriage drew to a halt outside the manse. John had left word he was to be summoned as soon as they arrived and so he was waiting outside when his friends stepped down from the carriage.
“Deuced take it, that was a long ride,” Ashford said when he caught sight of John. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this far north. Are you sure we aren’t in Scotland?”
Cranston stepped forward and grasped John’s hand in greeting. “I thought Ashford would stop complaining when we arrived. It appears I underestimated the man.”
John laughed, happiness filling his soul as he turned to shake the hand Ashford extended. “Welcome to Brock Manor.”
Cranston whistled low as his eyes swept over the house. “When you decide to fall into a surprise inheritance, you don’t do things by half measures.”
He’d been the untitled member of their group, and he was a little uncomfortable at the notion that he now outranked his two friends. “I still can’t believe it myself. I wake up far too often thinking I’m still in France and that this new life is a dream.”
Ashford sobered at the reminder. “I’ve had those same dreams.” He shook his head as if to clear the memories from his mind. “We were surprised to get your letter. Thought you’d last a little longer than three months before begging us to visit. But you didn’t need to throw a ball as inducement.”
John led the way into the house, his friends flanking him. “No one is more annoyed by this than me. But it was either host a ball and meet the neighbors in one go or suffer through an unending parade of callers all curious to meet me.”
Cranston winced in sympathy. “Wait until they see you. A young marquess, not too ugly. The mamas will be swarming you all night.”
“I think you meant to say they’ll be swarmingusall evening.” A corner of John’s mouth lifted as the two men frowned in unison. If he had to suffer through the unwanted scrutiny, at least he wouldn’t be alone.
Ashford narrowed his eyes. “Cranston and I managed to avoid all the matchmaking this past season. I never thought you’d betray us in this way.”
“We’ll get through it, chaps,” Cranston said, clapping John on the shoulder. “Even if it threatens to kill us. But just remember, you owe us a favor for inducing suffering above and beyond the call of duty.”
“We suffered through countless battles,” John said. “How difficult can this be?”
“Famous last words, my friend.” Cranston gave his head a small shake. “I was dragged to a few balls before I enlisted. To say they can be tedious is an understatement.”
“Well, at least I’ll be getting the ordeal of meeting the neighbors over with in one evening. A ball is preferable to sitting through countless visits and having to turn down all those dinner invitations.”
Ashford let out a bark of laughter. “You’re mistaken if you think a ball will get you out of the invitations. Especially if they decide one of their daughters should be your marchioness. It’s quiet now because they’ve been in London. Soon enough, the invitations will commence again.”
John let out a soft curse. “Well, thanks for the warning. Clearly I have no idea what I’m in for when it comes to society. At any rate, dinner will be served within the hour. I’ll have someone show you to your rooms and see you then. Oh, and please be on your best behavior. There is a lady in residence.”
Just as he knew it would, that revelation had both men raising their brows. John was saved from their questions about the woman’s identity when a footman arrived to escort them to their rooms. But if either of them remembered Amelia as the barmaid he’d assisted in the tavern, there would be no escaping their curiosity.
He could only shake his head in amusement as the young footman led them from the room with instructions that their valets would be available shortly. A glance out the drawing room window showed him that a second carriage was arriving. He stood and watched as arrangements were made to have trunks brought around to the servants’ entrance. The two older gentlemen, no doubt the valets in question, stood back and allowed Hastings to orchestrate the arrangements.
