What other conclusion could she draw but that neither of them wanted her?
Chapter Five
Connor approached Edenthe moment Lord Lothmere’s son left her side. “I wondered where you had gone.”
“Just walking in the garden with Viscount Aubrey,” she replied, wondering why he was frowning. “Is something wrong? Are the children all right?”
“They’re fine, I’m sure. The maids assigned to them have not run downstairs screaming. At least, not yet. Of course, this assumes the children have not already bound and gagged them.”
Eden laughed. “The children are not nearly as bad as you make them out to be.”
Amusement shone in Connor’s exquisite blue eyes. “Oh, they are. Never trust their sweet smiles. It means they are plotting something dastardly. However, they always seem to be on their best behavior around you. What is your secret to making them behave?”
She shook her head. “I have no idea.”
“Too bad. I was hoping you had it all figured out. They certainly do not like me.”
“Nonsense, they adore and worship you. This is why they miss you so much whenever you are away. But you mustn’t worry about them. I’ll take good care of them tomorrow. They’ll be in good hands with me.”
“I know, Eden. There is no one I trust more than you. But I did not approach you to discuss my children.”
“Oh, is there something else you have in mind?”
He raked a hand through his hair. “No, I just wanted to make certain you were having a nice time. I’m sorry I have not been as attentive as I should have been.”
“I’ve had a most enjoyable time without you,” she assured Connor, tossing him an impudent smile.
They were still on the terrace and had walked closer to the balustrade for a little separation from the other guests. Connor now leaned his elbows atop the stone balustrade and peered out across his garden as he spoke. “Well then,” he said with a light chuckle, “I’m glad one of us has survived this excruciating nonsense. I really am too old for this.”
Eden regarded him sternly. “You are not a decrepit old goat, so stop griping. Do you realize how many young men would leap at the opportunity to be in your position? How awful for you, to be accosted by England’s most beautiful and accomplished young ladies.”
“That is exactly the problem.Youngladies. I feel as though I am robbing a nursery. Many of them even talk like little girls, with their high-pitched squeals and irritating titters. Gad, it was all I could do not to cringe.”
“My goodness, perhaps you really are an old goat. These young ladies are all above eighteen years of age and fully out in Society. You are not robbing any cradles. Lothmere’s daughter was particularly attentive to you. She’s a beautiful girl.”
“Persephone? Lord, save me.” He cast her a wincing grin. “She is the worst of the lot. A complete and utter peahen. I don’t care if she is above eighteen. She has the mind of a twelve-year-old and did not stop fluttering her eyelashes or cooing at me like a demented bird. She made my eye twitch. See? It is still twitching.”
“It is not.” Eden laughed. “You are hopeless.”
“And what about you? I noticed you spent quite a while with Lothmere’s son.”
She shrugged. “I may be hopeless, too. Perhaps a little afraid to open myself up to someone I hardly know. What have you heard about him?”
Connor’s brow furrowed as he gave her question some thought. “I’ve heard only good things about him around my clubs. He is a cautious man and rarely gambles. When he does, he usually wins. But he also honors his debts when he loses. He’s discreet when it comes to the ladies. I haven’t heard him mentioned in any scandals.”
“Hmm.”
“I cannot say whether he would keep to his marriage vows. But his father is not a hound. It appears he has kept faithful to his vows. Perhaps Lothmere and his wife were a love match. It has been known to happen. It could be that the apple does not fall far from the tree.”
“So you think the son will follow his father’s ways and not run around or take on a mistress?”
Connor’s eyebrows shot up in obvious surprise. “Is it that serious already, Eden? You’ve only known him for an hour.”
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Dear me, no. But this house party is all about forming serious connections, is it not? All I am wondering is whether I should dismiss Lord Aubrey out of hand or not.”
“I’ll try to find out more about him for you—just do not let down your guard around him.”
Eden emitted a shaky breath. “This is me you are talking to, Connor. When have you ever known me to be unguarded? I have spent my entire life constructing those high walls around my heart. But even a seasoned spinster like myself cannot mind dusting herself off and stepping down from her shelf to enjoy a mild flirtation.”
