When was the last time his mother had been left speechless?
Eden rose and stepped away from him. “Your son was kind enough to dance with me out here, Evelyn. It was a lovely, romantic gesture.”
“Dancing with you? Is that all he was doing?”
Connor growled. “What the hell else would I be doing?”
He sensed Eden’s hurt as she said, “Evelyn, this is me out here with him. He was only being nice. You know he has no interest in me.”
His mother put an arm around Eden. “Come inside with me, my dear. Lord Aubrey is looking for you.”
“Aubrey?” Connor growled again. “Don’t you think he is a bit too ardent?”
“No, I don’t,” his mother shot back. “Some men believe in the institution of marriage. Why should he not reach for a good thing when he sees it? He is only here a week. Why not spend his every waking moment getting to know Eden better? Eden, did you know he is an avid bird watcher?”
“Yes, he told me.”
“Ah, good. Then you won’t mind that I suggested he join you and the children tomorrow on your outing.”
Connor wanted to wring his mother’s neck. “You invited him to go with Eden? They are my children. Should you not have asked me first?”
“Why are you in a dither about a harmless outing?” the wily dowager replied as though she did not know full well why he was irritated, though she must have seen him about to kiss Eden.
It was a stupid idea for so many reasons.
First, Eden had her eyes closed and had no idea he was about to kiss her. At the very least, he ought to have made her aware of his intentions and given her the chance to decline.
But this was his Silver Duke arrogance. The possibility that she would not want to kiss him had never entered his mind.
The second reason kissing her was idiotic was that Eden was looking after his children for the week. Well, it was not exactly her job to do so, but she had volunteered. He did not want her distracted or made to feel uncomfortable because of a kiss.
Would she not be just as distracted by Aubrey romancing her in front of his children? It was completely inappropriate.
Eden must have heard his low growl, and spoke up before he had the chance to erupt. “Evelyn, I will explain to Lord Aubrey that he cannot join me and the children. I shall invite him to join me another day. You see, I promised the children this outing would be special and just for them. I think they will be hurt if others come along and steal my attention. I’ll propose something for the day after tomorrow. Something that others might enjoy and wish to come along.”
“Very well, my dear.” Connor’s mother patted Eden’s hand and then led her back inside.
Connor remained standing on his own in the dark. He quickly followed them back inside because he did not want to be caught out here by one of those peahens who thought to lure him into compromising her.
Eden was different. He trusted her wholeheartedly never to scheme or manipulate. Nor would he hesitate to do the honorable thing if he somehow compromised her reputation.
He walked back into the ballroom in time to see Aubrey take Eden’s hand to lead her in another dance.
His mother returned to his side as he watched. “What now, Evelyn? Have you not meddled enough?” he asked.
“Oh, I don’t think so. Lots more meddling in me still.”
“Oh, joy,” he muttered sarcastically.
“Connor, we need to speak seriously.”
“About what?”
“Do not play innocent with me. I know you were about to kiss Eden. And you have not taken your eyes off her since returning to the ballroom.”
“Only because I am worried about her. She cannot hike with my children all day long and then dance the night away, too.”
“Yes, I see your point. She will exhaust herself. Might I make a suggestion?”
