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What on earth was happening?Was Edwina in the habit of conducting illicit affairs with other men?Or was she making an exception for Lowenbrock?She knew her sister didn’t love her husband, but Lord Fairbanks was a good man.He didn’t deserve to be cuckolded by his wife.
“I heard he has friends who are unattached.”
Mary smiled sweetly.“It is kind of you to look out for my future, but I am in London to spend time with Amelia.I am not in search of a husband.”
Edwina’s glare almost had her laughing out loud.Fortunately, there was a group of women standing nearby, and her sister wouldn’t dare display the nastier side of her personality in such a public manner.
“I do believe at least one of his friends will be here tonight.You might remember Anthony Ashford?He’s back in England now.”
Edwina remained silent for several seconds.“He is the viscount now.”
“Yes.”Mary spotted him across the room.Their eyes met, and he bowed in greeting.“He’s standing by the garden doors.”
Edwina’s head whipped in that direction.“How is it possible that he is even more handsome than when he was young?”
“He’s not old, Edwina.He is the same age as you.”
“True.”The corners of her mouth turned down.“I should have waited for him.”
Mary held back her retort.There was no point in bringing up the fact that waiting would have been a waste of time since Ashford had never shown a preference for her company.“I haven’t heard if Baron Cranston will be here tonight.”She looked about the crowded room but was unable to spot him.He was probably dancing.She remembered how much he’d loved to dance last summer during Lowenbrock’s ball.
“He’s coming this way!”
Edwina’s urgent whisper had her turning to face her sister.“Baron Cranston?”
“No, of course not,” Edwina said with a hiss.“Ashford.”Edwina turned away for a moment and tugged the neckline of her bodice down another inch.She was already in danger of falling out of her dress before the action, and Mary couldn’t help but be amazed at just how far her sister was going to gain the viscount’s attention.
Mary would have to be blind to miss the speculative glances that were cast his way as he moved toward them.When he finally reached her and Edwina, he bowed over Edwina’s hand first before doing the same to her.
Mary couldn’t hold back her amusement as she inclined her head in the direction from which he’d come.“I see that you are still breaking hearts everywhere you go.”
“Everyone but yours, Miss Trenton.”The twinkle in his eyes made it clear he was remembering the way she had come to his rescue the previous year.She’d danced with him and then allowed him to pay her a little too much attention, all to thwart the young women who’d hoped to become the next viscountess.
Edwina’s brows drew together for a fraction of a second before her forehead smoothed out again.She placed a hand on Ashford’s arm and leaned in closer.Mary held back her grimace of dismay, wondering if Edwina was going to come right out and proposition the man right in front of her.
“I’m flattered you remembered me, my lord.I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing.And while you were away from the country.”
“Thank you,” Ashford said, taking a step back so Edwina was forced to drop her hand.
It was clear Edwina was waiting for him to say more, but when Ashford didn’t, Mary changed the subject.“So whose attention are you seeking this evening?If I know the young woman in question, I’ll do what I can to help you.”
Her comment was only partially in jest.Mary’s main goal was to make it clear to her sister that she wasn’t seeking the man’s attention for herself.If it wasn’t for her friendship with Amelia, she doubted the viscount would even be speaking to her.
Ashford shook his head, his wince of discomfort exaggerated.“Not you as well.I can assure you that my mother and my sister have that matter well in hand.”
Mary lifted one shoulder in a small shrug.“If you change your mind, you need only ask.Speaking of your mother and sister, we should go find them.I haven’t seen Lady Ashford in years.”
“They’re scheming over by the refreshment tables.No doubt prioritizing the list of women I should be asking to dance.”
“Which is why you were on the other side of the room, standing by the garden doors.”
He smiled.“Just so.But allow me to escort you to them.”
Mary turned toward Edwina, expecting her to join them, but her sister’s attention had been commanded by another acquaintance.An older woman who didn’t seem to realize that she’d taken Edwina away from her intended prey.
“We should wait for my sister,” Mary said.
Ashford lowered his voice and leaned in close.“Do you really want to?I’d rather not be the man standing next to her when her dress fails to hold her in check.”
Mary couldn’t hold back her snort of amusement and covered her mouth with a hand.She really should chastise the man for speaking to her in such an indelicate manner, but he was only saying what everyone else was thinking.
His grin was wicked as he held out his arm.“Shall we?”
“I would be delighted, my lord.”
She didn’t turn back to look at Edwina, but she could feel her sister’s glare as she took his arm and allowed him to lead her away.
