Chapter Four

E den stared up at Connor, her nose still twitching because he had just given it a playful tweak. He cast her a smile that melted her heart, leaned temptingly close, and asked whether she thought the London diamonds would flutter over him.

What conceit! He knew they all would.

Even she could not stop gawking at him while his shirt was pasted to his broad chest and she could make out every muscle and sinew of his magnificent body. His shirt, that gloriously wet shirt, had become practically transparent, and she saw every ripple along the flat planes of his stomach and noted every flex of his powerful arms.

Oh, my.

His trousers were made of sturdier material, so there was no transparency there—and thank goodness, for that would have been quite the scandal. But the dark fabric clung to his long, well-shaped legs. The legs of a warrior, hard and muscled.

Good grief.

He was called a Silver Duke for a reason. These men were unattainable gods.

“Yes, Connor. Those peahens will flutter around you, as you well know. Now go on before I toss a hunk of moldy cheese at you.”

He laughed, gave her a light kiss on the cheek, and then took himself off.

Her own heart did not merely flutter but took flying leaps the moment his warm lips pressed softly against her cheek.

This was not good.

She did not want to have feelings for Connor beyond the longstanding friendship between them. They had developed a pleasant and easy rapport over the years. She adored his mother and his children.

Having feelings for him would complicate everything.

And now her parents had arrived to add to the complications.

She would have found an excuse to leave the party and return home had they not shown up, but their presence had chased her out of her own house. This was a nightmare for her. She could not abide their constant battles. All their refined airs and social graces were forgotten whenever they faced each other. Why did they always have to fight in front of her?

Rather than endure them, she had chosen to spend the week at Connor’s home. But how would this be any easier for her? She could not deny that her feelings toward him had changed recently. Their friendship was evolving in a new and dangerous direction, as far as she was concerned.

Could she stop herself from falling in love with him?

Sighing, she watched him disappear up the row of stairs and follow Brewster back to the house. Once he was out of sight, she returned her attention to his children. For now, they were playing nicely together while building their sandcastle.

Eden stowed their food in the pouch—not that anything remained other than a morsel barely enough to feed a mouse—and then joined them in their project.

“What did you do with your spectacles?” young Connor asked when he realized she had taken them off.

“I tucked them away to keep them safe. The metal frame heated under the sun and became too uncomfortable on my nose.”

He cast her an approving stare that was far too grown-up for his young years. “You look nice without them.”

Alex and Priscilla agreed.

“Well, I need them to see in the distance or else everything looks a blur,” Eden said, trying to sound sensible when she was still reeling from the casual kiss their father had planted on her cheek. Had he thought twice about the gesture? She doubted he was even aware he had done it.

The remainder of the hour passed enjoyably as they built their castle quite high until it was as tall as Priscilla. When the tide began to roll in and wash away their castle, they decided to go in search of seashells. They found several beautiful ones that Eden rinsed clean of sand and bugs, and then placed in her pouch.

They had enjoyed a good dose of the outdoors by the time they returned to Lynton Grange. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon and Priscilla was noticeably tired. The boys were still full of vigor, but Eden thought they had run around enough to keep them suitably subdued for the rest of the day. She hoped they would behave like polite boys instead of zoo animals when introduced to Connor’s guests.

“We had better go in through the back way,” Eden said, for none of them were presentable. Their clothes had dried out but were full of sand that they could not completely shake off, no matter how hard they tried. The children all had dark hair like their father, but their glorious curls were wild and unbrushed.

His had looked magnificent even after that wave knocked him over. He did no more than rake his fingers through it to look like a dark-haired Adonis once again.

She did not want to think about her own hair, that unkempt red mass atop her head she could hardly keep in order on the best of days. “Yes, we must go in through the back,” she insisted. “We don’t want to scare off your father’s guests.”

“Yes, we do,” the three of them blurted at once.

Eden sighed.

Mrs. Ward and her scullery girls were hard at work preparing for afternoon tea and the supper feast that was to take place tonight. “Do not let us disturb you,” Eden said as they made their way through the bustle of activity.

“Ye’re never a bother, Lady Eden,” the kindly cook replied, her cheeks pink and perspiring from the heat of the hearth fire. “Look at all of ye. Ye’re nothing but a bunch of heathens,” she teased. “I’ll have milk and cakes brought up to the classroom for ye, children.”

At Eden’s urging, they politely thanked her.

Priscilla gave Mrs. Ward a wide-eyed stare. “My papa is going to choose a new mama for us. That’s what Grandmama says.”

The woman wiped a beefy hand across her forehead and nodded. “I’m sure he’ll make his own decision, and when he does, it will be a good one. No one’s going to push yer father into doing something he is not ready to do. Run upstairs, love. Put on a pretty frock because he might call ye down to meet his guests. Ye want to make a good impression, don’t ye?”

“No,” Priscilla said with brutal honesty. “We want them all to go away. We like things just as they are.”

The boys agreed.

Mrs. Ward cast Eden a helpless look.

Eden merely shrugged in response, and then turned to address the children. “You mustn’t rush to judgment. Your father would be most disappointed if you did not give any of his guests a chance. You might surprise yourselves and find a lovely lady among his company. Keep an open mind. You want to see your father happy, don’t you?”

The three of them reluctantly nodded.

“But he already is happy,” Alex insisted. “He has us.”

“And you,” Priscilla added. “He always smiles when he sees you.”

Eden bustled them upstairs, since this was no conversation to be having in front of the duke’s household staff.

Two of the younger maids, Sarah and Millie, joined her as she marched them up to their rooms. “His Grace said we were to take care of his children for the rest of the day,” Sarah, the senior of the two, said. “Lady Eden, he would like you to join him in his study once you have changed out of your hiking clothes.”

“All right.” Eden made certain the boys were going to wash the salt water off themselves, then headed to her guest chamber.

Connor had given her the most beautiful guest room of all, and refused to listen to her protests when she suggested it was too fine for her. He had insisted on his housekeeper settling her in there last night. “Pay no attention to Lady Eden,” he had told the ever-efficient Mrs. Dayton. “She is to have the best of everything, whether she wants it or not.”

“Beast,” she had laughingly retorted.

But his humor had won the day, and she stopped griping. After all, it was a charming room decorated in light floral colors and had a view of the garden and the ocean beyond with its constant roil of blue, green, and gray waters. The varying shades depended on the weather. It was a mix of deepest azure and moss green today, and streaks of white foam caps sat atop the waves. She also had a private balcony.

What was not to like?

He ought to have given the room to one of his grander guests, perhaps the Earl and Countess of Lothmere, who had been invited along with their daughter of marriageable age. They also had a son expected to be in attendance, a man of almost thirty years who was not yet married.

Eden had seen Duchess Evelyn’s guest list before the invitations had gone out and knew there were several eligible bachelors among them.

To her surprise, another of the household maids was waiting for her when she walked into her room. She recognized Delia, who was Duchess Evelyn’s own lady’s maid. “I ordered a bath for you,” the sweet-looking girl said, pointing to the tub positioned by the hearth. Light wisps of steam curled up from the water. “I was afraid it would grow cold by the time you returned. But the timing is perfect. It was just brought up.”

Eden closed the door and then turned to smile at the girl. “Thank you, Delia.” She knew just about everyone who worked at Lynton Grange because many of them were related to her own staff at Chestnut Hill. She had even grown up with many of them, and they all attended church regularly at St. Matthew’s in Lynton. “I had better decide on what to wear.”

Delia cleared her throat. “Lady Eden, I took the liberty of sending down your green silk tea gown to freshen. The one with the under-layer of cream silk overlaid in dark green tulle, and a band of gold silk that belts just under the bodice. Duchess Evelyn suggested it. She thought it would be perfect for the occasion.”

Eden grinned as she removed her garments and slid into the warm water. She watched as Delia poured scented oils into the bath. “Duchess Evelyn’s idea too?”

Delia smiled as she nodded. “Her Grace was quite specific in her instructions to me.”

Well, why not allow herself to be pampered? Eden washed her hair, since it had gotten quite windblown and knotted down by the beach, not to mention the grains of sand that had settled in it and now had her scratching her scalp. She washed it twice and rinsed it three times just to be thorough. The curls would dry quickly in this heat. At least, she hoped they would, because she had very little time before the tea bell chimed to summon them all downstairs.

Connor had requested that she meet him in his study as soon as she was ready. She did not know what he meant to say to her. Perhaps he wanted to hear more about his children, or ask for her advice on the young ladies present at the house party.

No, why would he need her opinion on that? He was a grown man and experienced enough to fend for himself.

As for her, she did not know how this week would turn out. She dreaded most of it, but did look forward to seeing more of him throughout the house party. Hopefully, they would have many opportunities to talk to each other. His children would certainly give them lots to discuss.

She stepped out of the tub, dried herself off, and donned her robe. She then sat on her small, private balcony to soak in the warmth of the sun and allow the light breeze to dry her hair while she brushed it.

She was lost in her reverie, and only came out of it when a pebble suddenly dropped at her feet. A moment later, another pebble landed in front of her. “What the…?”

She peered over the balcony railing to see where they had come from, squinting because she had not bothered to don her spectacles.

Someone waved to her. She recognized the blurred outline of Connor standing with his hands on his hips and his legs astride. “Why did you toss those stones at me?” she called down to him. Even blurry, this man was handsome.

“It was just a few small pebbles, and you would not look over when I tried to gain your attention. You appeared lost in dreams. Where are your spectacles? Well, leave them off. You look great. I did not realize your hair was so golden red. It’s nice, Eden. What’s taking you so long to get ready?”

She pointed to the fiery tumble he had just commented on. “I had to wash the sand and grit out of my hair.”

He grinned. “Looks spectacular. Too bad it isn’t fashionable to leave it down.”

“I wish I could, but it would be considered quite brazen and scandalous. I’ll simply braid it tomorrow when I take the children on their next nature walk. One long braid down my back,” she said, not that it mattered or that he really cared.

He moved closer to stand immediately under her window. There was a rose trestle leading up to her small balcony. For a moment, she thought he might climb up it. No, that would be too much like a scene out of Romeo and Juliet . Perhaps romantic. Certainly too scandalous and brazen. Besides, she had no desire to end up like that love-crossed pair. “Where do you think to take them tomorrow?” he asked.

“The nesting grounds. I think the children will enjoy learning about all the birds in our area. We’ll probably run across a few wild ponies, too.”

“Sounds great. Mind if I come along?”

She pursed her lips. “No, but your mother is going to be livid if you shirk your duty to your guests.”

He shrugged. “All right. We’ll figure it out later. Maybe I’ll organize a hike for all of us. Those guests who do not wish to walk can ride in a wagon.”

“I don’t think that is a very good idea.”

“Why not?”

She sighed. “We’ll discuss it when I come downstairs.”

“Then hurry up. I’ll be in my study waiting for you.”

It did not take her long to dress. Delia styled her damp hair so that it would softly frame her face as the curls dried.

Connor was pacing in front of his desk when she hurried in.

“I peeked in the parlor and was surprised to find it empty,” she remarked, wondering where all his guests had gone. She had expected many of them to be seated in the parlor or in here having drinks with Connor. But it seemed everyone was still upstairs preparing for the tea that would be served in about half an hour.

He strode forward to greet her. “Gad, you smell nice.”

“That is your mother’s doing,” she said with a soft laugh. “I was given fragrant oils for my bath.”

He laughed too. “I’ll have to thank her for it. What is that scent? Apple? Vanilla? A hint of jasmine? No matter—it smells great on your skin. Your hair looks nice, too.”

She put a hand to it and gently patted it. “Also your mother’s doing.”

“I heartily approve.”

“What? You don’t like the pencils usually poking out from my curls?”

His affectionate grin had the butterflies in her stomach aflutter. “Those pencils are a hazard. One is likely to get stabbed in the eye if one gets too close to you. Who did your hair?”

“Your mother’s maid, Delia. She is a wonder at styling hair.”

He had not stopped grinning with approval. “Where are your spectacles?”

She sighed. “Delia suggested I leave them atop my bureau.”

He nodded. “Smart girl. I ought to give her a raise in wages.”

“Honestly, Connor,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Do I always look so awful that you should make such a fuss over me now?”

He reached out and tucked a curl behind her ear. “No, you always look lovely. In a cute, owlish way. But you look particularly breathtaking just now. A true ton diamond. In truth, better than any ton diamond I’ve ever met, and I’ve met more than my share. You are going to make all the young ladies jealous when they meet you. You really look stunning, Eden. I mean it.”

She blushed. “Why did you order me down here so urgently?”

“Just wanted a moment to catch up about my children and tomorrow’s plans. They had so much fun with you today. Would it be so awful if I arranged for all of us to join you on your morning hike tomorrow?”

“Yes, it would,” she said with a light frown. “The entire point of having me here is so that I can keep the children out of your way while you charm the young ladies. Your children are little saboteurs and will not give you the chance to flirt with anyone. So, let us stick to the original plan.”

He did not appear happy with her suggestion. “All right. I’ll take the men out for a morning ride, but I’ll stay behind and walk with you and the children if we happen to cross paths.”

She folded her arms over her chest to indicate her exasperation with him. She did not mind that he was stubbornly objecting to marriage because… Well, it did not bear consideration. But she had no desire to be surrounded by baby faces and made to feel like an old lady. “No. Do you or do you not wish to meet these young ladies?”

“I do not . Have I not been clear about this all along?” He mimicked her stance, crossing his arms over his massive chest. “This is my mother’s foolish idea, not mine.”

Eden sighed again. “You are the duke. You are their host. Just be cordial. You do not have to court any of them. But do not insult them after they have traveled all the way here. Attend to your duties and leave the children to me.”

“Maybe,” he grumbled. “I’m not sure I am happy with this arrangement.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Are you or are you not the one who dreamed up this plan in the first place?”

“If I recall, you did not much like it. You knocked me out of my chair and called me an idiot.”

“I do not recall accusing you of being an idiot.”

“You were thinking it, not that I blame you. But my point is, this is an opportunity for you to meet someone special. Seriously, Eden. You look beautiful. Do not pass up the chance to meet a young man who could be a potential husband for you. Lothmere’s heir is here. So is the Marquess of Rathburne and his eldest son, Damien. Rathburne has given him the courtesy title of Earl of Hawley.”

“And you think the sons of Lothmere and Rathburne are interested in a spinster of seven and twenty years?”

“Is this how old you are?”

“Yes. Do you not recall pulling my powdered bottom out of your fishpond when I was a plump two-year-old and you were a ruggedly handsome lad of fifteen?”

“I’ll never forget it,” he said with a soft laugh, arching an eyebrow as he subtly inspected her. “In fact, you still have a lovely, plump bottom. No wonder Sir Nero is always trying to pinch it.”

“Connor!”

“Truce!” He laughed and spread his arms in a sign of surrender. “My point is that you don’t look above twenty.”

“Thank you, but why are we speaking of me? Lothmere and Rathburne’s daughters are here, too.”

“I’ve met them,” he muttered, not sounding excited at the prospect of spending time with either of them. “As for their brothers, they are both men of good family and of an age to marry.”

She pursed her lips, something she did out of habit when she was not happy or wanted to be stubborn about a thing. “You complain of your mother being meddlesome, but how are you any better? I have no intention of getting married, so put aside whatever plots you are concocting in your head.”

“Now you are just being difficult, Eden. Did we not speak of this very thing only yesterday? Your regret in rejecting all suitors. Well, here’s your chance to try again. Do not retreat into your protective shell.”

“And what about you? Aren’t you doing the same thing?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. Our circumstances are quite different. I have been married already…unhappily, as you now know. But I have my children, who are the light of my life. I am not going to be forced into an unwanted arrangement with a peahen half my age because everyone else believes I am pathetic and lonely.”

Eden felt those words like a physical blow. “Is that what you think of me? Pathetic and lonely?”

He seemed surprised by the notion. “Not at all. Weren’t those the very words you used when we spoke yesterday? You are beautiful, Eden. No one will ever mistake you for pathetic. I was using it to describe me. Is this not how those young peahens will view me?”

“You are daft, Connor. You have the Silver Duke aura. It is quite annoying how the air around you seems to shimmer silver in your presence. Those peahens will fall at your feet in raptures.”

He shrugged. “I hope not. I’ll be spending the week avoiding those sweet young things as much as possible and steering them toward the other bachelors in attendance. I’ll do it subtly, of course.”

“Your mother will box your ears when she realizes what you are doing.”

“Only if she finds out. You’re not going to tell her, are you?”

“Not going to tell me what?” his mother asked, blowing into the room at that untimely moment in a swirl of magenta silk and a hideous lace cap perched stylishly atop her white-haired head. “Why should I box your ears?”

Eden smiled and kissed her cheek because his mother was daring and slightly outrageous, and Eden adored her. “Your timing is perfect, Evelyn.”

His mother kissed her back. “It always is. I’m so glad you’ve changed your mind and decided to join us for the week, my dear. Not that you really had a choice. I hear your parents are at Chestnut Hill and have forced you to flee your own home. Well, it is a happy circumstance that you are with us now, whatever the reason. And don’t you look lovely?”

Eden laughed. “Are you surprised about my appearance? You brought this about. Choosing my gown. Sending Delia in to style my hair.”

“Adding fragrant oils to Eden’s bath,” Connor chimed in. “The men are going to be sniffing her all night long.”

“Ugh!” Eden said. “I don’t want their noses anywhere near me.”

But his mother’s eyes brightened. “Ah, you noticed her transformation?”

He grinned. “Hard to overlook.”

Duchess Evelyn’s eyes were now trained intently on her son. “So, what is it you plan to do that will have me boxing your ears?”

He glanced at Eden as he raked a hand through his gorgeous mane of hair, and then turned back to face the daunting dowager. “You are my mother and I love you dearly and sincerely, but this does not give you dominion over me. I am not in agreement with your scheme to marry me off. It is a futile endeavor. But now that you have brought these peahens and their families here this week, I am going to make the best of it.”

“What do you mean?” his mother asked.

“We are not going on the marriage hunt for me, but for Eden. There are eligible bachelors in attendance. Present them to her. Encourage them to get to know her.”

Eden frowned at him. “Traitor.”

His mother smiled. “I heartily approve! It is time Eden chose a husband for herself.”

“I think it is a terrible idea. Evelyn, you needn’t be deliriously pleased about this disaster of a suggestion.” Eden continued to frown at Connor.

The dowager duchess cast her an affectionate smile. “Nonsense—it is a grand idea. You are such a lovely thing, Eden. We all want to see you find the happiness you deserve. Isn’t it true, Connor? Don’t you wish her every happiness possible?”

“Yes, I do. With all my heart. I am glad we are allied in this.” Connor tossed Eden a triumphant smirk.

“It is a cheap trick to deflect attention from himself and dump all attention on me, Evelyn. Do not allow him to do this. We must not lose sight of the reason these peahens are here.”

“We mustn’t refer to them as peahens, Eden. Though I will admit some of these girls are lacking in maturity.”

“And brains,” Connor commented wryly.

His mother scowled at him again. “Ignore my loutish son, Eden. Do not judge these young ladies too harshly or be swayed by his rude comments. I’m sure several of them are quite accomplished.”

Connor groaned. “I hate that word. Accomplished —defined as something none of these young ladies are, having done nothing during their short, overly protected and pampered lives.”

“There may be a bluestocking or two among them,” Duchess Evelyn insisted, ignoring her son’s comment. “Although I doubt any are as smart as you are, Eden. But I have the perfect resolution to this dilemma. Connor insists that I put my efforts into matching you. And you insist that I keep my efforts on matching him.”

“And?” Connor prompted her.

“I shall make it my goal to see both of you happily matched.”

“What?” Eden said in dismay.

“No,” Connor said between clenched teeth.

“Oh, yes. The game is on. I shall see the two of you wed before the end of the summer. Is it not fortuitous that both your parents are here to partake of the happy event? Well, they are a bit of a nuisance, aren’t they? Still, they are your parents, and you should want them at your wedding.” Having issued the challenge, Evelyn walked out of Connor’s study and shouted insistently for Brewster. “Ah, yes. Good man. Fetch me my betting book. My friends and I shall be placing wagers.”

“On what shall you be wagering, Your Grace? If I may be so bold as to ask?”

“Indeed, you may. It is to be an entire list of bets. First and foremost, whether my son shall marry. Second, whom he shall choose to marry. Third, whether Lady Eden shall marry. Fourth, whom she shall marry. Fifth…”

She peered into the study to check whether either of them were listening to this conversation. Both were.

“Come along, Brewster. The fifth bet is not for their delicate ears.” She then muttered something about setting up the tea service outdoors, since there was a lovely breeze off the water and the terrace was in shade.

This left Eden facing Connor. “This is your fault.”

He had his arms crossed over his chest again. “Don’t you want to be married?”

“Not to some bachelor Evelyn coerces into courting me. Oh, I’m certain several of them will find my wealth irresistibly attractive.”

“Well, we are both stuck now. Won’t be too bad if we put our heads together and come up with a plan to counter her schemes,” he assured her.

She regarded him thoughtfully. “What kind of plan do you have in mind?”

“The simplest one is to set my children loose on our guests if things become too oppressive. Mayhem is quite their specialty.”

Eden laughed. “Oh, dear heaven. You are wicked, and your children are already plotting this very thing. Don’t you dare encourage them.”

“All right, but don’t you dare hide behind them.”

“I am taking them to view birds and perhaps ponies, that is all,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand, and strode out to join the other guests now gathered in the parlor. The windows had been opened wide to allow in a summer breeze, and many had already drifted over to the terrace where the teapots and cakes were being laid out.

Connor followed close behind her, taking a moment to lean forward and whisper in her ear, “Don’t hide your loveliness, Eden. Promise me.”

She frowned at him and stepped away as several young ladies charged toward him, Lothmere’s daughter in the lead. The girl was quite pretty and did not waste a moment before flirting with Connor. Eden expected he would quickly be won over by her, since she was all smiles and giggles, and quite sparkly.

Her brother was handsome, Eden had to admit. Connor’s mother led him straight to her. They reached her side before she was able to make her escape.

Eden knew Lothmere’s daughter was called Persephone, but she had yet to learn anything about the brother. “Trajan,” he said, introducing himself as the dowager duchess proudly looked on, “better known as Viscount Aubrey.”

“That is a most interesting name,” Eden said, curious to learn how both Lothmere children got their names.

He cast her a warm smile. “Awful, isn’t it? Persephone is not thrilled with hers, either. My parents are enamored of ancient history and mythology. Persephone was the love of the underworld god, Hades. Trajan was one of the most successful Roman emperors, known for his long reign, most of which was peaceful. It was between that or Zeus for me. Fortunately, my father happened to have a horse named Zeus at the time and decided it would be too confusing to have both son and horse given the same name.”

Eden could not help but laugh heartily. “Do forgive me. I like your name very much. I have no idea how mine came up with Eden. It is also a little bit out of the ordinary.”

“As are you.” The viscount eyed her with unmasked interest.

Oh, good grief.

Were the oozing compliments to start already? Was he eyeing her for marriage or merely speculating on his chances of a dalliance? Well, Evelyn would not have brought him forward unless she thought he was honorable.

He certainly was handsome. Tall and blond. Green eyes that regarded her warmly, but she sensed they would turn quite frosty if he were ever crossed. Probably about the same age as herself.

She was determined to remain polite but maintain a cool distance until she got to know him better. He seemed nice enough, but weren’t all these bachelors on the hunt for a fortune polite and charming at first glance?

“It seems I have not impressed you,” he said, remaining by her side as more guests arrived. Most huddled around Connor, but Viscount Aubrey seemed to have placed a claim on her, his mere presence keeping other gentlemen from approaching—including the Marquess of Rathburne’s son, Damien, who was circling her like a buzzard.

The viscount, who apparently had no intention of ceding her to his rival, prepared a plate of sweets for her, and then took the seat beside hers. “Do you mind terribly that I am dominating your attention?” The footmen began to come around to pour tea into their cups. “Tell me truly, Lady Eden.”

She was about to take a sip of her freshly poured tea, but set it aside. “No—whether it is you or Lord Rathburne’s son flirting with me, it is all the same to me.”

“Ouch. I do believe I was just handed a scathing set-down.”

“Forgive me if I come across too harshly. It is just that I like to get to know people better before I allow them close.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Am I getting too close?”

“You know I don’t mean physical proximity, although there is a little of that, too.”

She thought he would now make some inanely flirtatious remark, but he surprised her by suddenly turning thoughtful. “I was not eager to come here,” he admitted. “My parents are determined to see me and my sister married off. I suppose it is obvious.”

“I think Duchess Evelyn is just as obvious in hoping to match her son to one of the debutantes here. Your sister seems lovely.”

“Actually, she is not all that lovely a person at present,” he said. “My parents did her no favors by spoiling her shamelessly. She has been impossible now that she is out in Society. An absolute terror in her first year. But she will come around in time and mature into the elegant woman I know she can be. Still, I think Lynton will always be too old for her.”

Eden took a sip of her tea, one of Evelyn’s treasured specialty blends that slid soothingly down her throat like warm honey. Well, there was a hint of honey in this particular blend. It was delicious and did not require sugar or cream to make it palatable, although cream tea was all the rage. “I hear she is only eighteen.”

“Yes, and Lynton is above forty. Knowing my sister as I do, I think that is a bit too much of a gap in their ages. But she is keen on becoming a duchess, and Lynton is well preserved for a man of his years. So it might work out.”

“That is a rousing recommendation,” Eden said dryly. Was this not precisely what she hated about these house parties and other events designed to throw couples together? They were all about securing titles and wealth, and not about finding love.

Well, she knew her ideas on this were unpopular.

“Are your parents here, Lady Eden? Would you introduce me to them?” the viscount asked, drawing her out of her musings.

“They… Um.” She could not blurt that they were next door at her beloved Chestnut Hill trying to kill each other. Nor did she have the slightest interest in introducing this charming viscount to them. She sighed. “They are not here. Nor would you enjoy meeting them, to be frank.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because they are horrible people.”

He laughed in surprise. “You do not mince your words.”

“I am merely stating facts. Surely you must have heard gossip surrounding the Earl of Darrow and his wife? I will not be offended if you now politely excuse yourself and run for the hills.”

He laughed again. “On the contrary—I think I will enjoy learning more about you.”

“Oh, I doubt it.”

He held out his arm to her once they had finished their tea. “Care for a walk in the garden, Lady Eden?”

Was he serious? Perhaps another hour in her company would scare him off. “Why not? I would be delighted.”

Damien, Earl of Hawley, a courtesy title granted to him by his father, the Marquess of Rathburne, had by now stopped circling her and settled beside a young lady dressed all in pink that he was pretending to worship and adore, if her giggles and fan fluttering were any indication.

Gad, could he be more obvious? At least Viscount Aubrey was subtler while laying on the charm.

They strolled down the terrace steps at their leisure, keeping to the shaded paths since the afternoon sun was quite strong at this time of day. It did not take the viscount long to start asking questions about her and her family. “I have not seen you in London. I’m sure I would have noticed you. Do you not enjoy the balls, soirees, and theaters?”

“In truth, I do not. I am much happier here in the countryside.”

He frowned. “But your father is an earl. Is there a reason why he did not sponsor your come-out?”

“Oh, but he did. I endured three Seasons before he and my mother gave up on me.”

“Gave up on you?” Now he looked confused. “How can that be? Someone with your pleasant appearance and secure fortune ought to have been snapped up in her first Season. Yes, I am aware you are an heiress. I’m certain you received countless offers because of it.”

“I did,” she admitted as they continued to walk along the garden path. The roses were in bloom and on colorful display, as were many other flowers featured in their natural splendor. Sweet Williams provided a striking crimson border while tall hollyhocks and delphinium anchored the back rows.

Eden loved the soft pinks, vibrant blues, and sunshine yellows that abounded in Connor’s magnificent garden. She had always thought this was Mary’s pet project and had admired her for her vision. Mary had never denied it, but Eden later learned it had been Connor and his mother who designed the flowerbeds and worked with their gardeners to turn it into the magnificence now on display. Mary had not so much as trimmed a rose or planted a cutting.

Lord Aubrey cleared his throat. “I have been back from the Continent for several years now that Napoleon’s threat is vanquished. I returned in late summer of 1815, a full two years ago. When were you out?”

“My first Season was about nine years ago and my last about six years ago.”

He pursed his lips. “How can this be? You do not look above twenty.”

“Is that your roundabout way of asking my age?” Eden was not particularly shy about it. Why not be honest and put an end to his interest before things went further? “I am seven and twenty. Quite the spinster.”

“Securely ensconced on the shelf?” He grinned. “I would never have guessed it, and I doubt anyone would consider you on the shelf no matter your age. I think the country air must be good for one’s complexion. Yours is flawless.”

She laughed. “I think you are in need of spectacles if you believe that.”

“No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I see you quite clearly. I am nearing thirty, by the way. Do you usually wear spectacles?”

She nodded. “You’ve noticed me squinting. Duchess Evelyn is determined to have me walk around in a blur. I am told they make me look quite owlish.”

He smiled. “I love owls. They are such fascinating birds of prey. Do not let on to others, but I am an avid bird watcher. In fact, I was going to ask Lynton about the more popular walks around here where I might spot plovers, grebes, merlins, and—”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes,” he said with a nod. “I’ve even brought along my binoculars.”

She considered inviting him on tomorrow’s walk with Connor’s children to the cliffs, where they intended to study the nesting birds. But she had only just met him and did not think it prudent to invite him along upon so short an acquaintance.

Besides, they planned on leaving early. He looked the sort who preferred early morning rides to walking, and had probably planned to ride out tomorrow morning with Connor and other early risers.

She would extend the invitation another day, once she learned more about him. He seemed almost too good to be true. In her experience, such men were always too good to be true. Something would eventually come up to reveal his true motives.

But Eden had to admit she enjoyed their conversation. Lord Aubrey proved to be intelligent and well versed on many subjects. They spoke for quite a while before turning back to join the others. To his credit, he made certain always to remain in full view of those on the terrace.

Once they were back among the other guests, Eden assumed they would part ways. Although he had told her the family emphasis was on advancing his sister’s marriage prospects, his were also in consideration. She expected he would now mingle with the other young ladies present in order to check out all the available options. Several of them were heiresses, so she did not think he would need to waste more time with her.

But he held her back before she had the chance to excuse herself and move on. “Is the supper seating to be formally arranged, Lady Eden? Do you know whether we will be given the chance to sit wherever we like?”

“Knowing Duchess Evelyn as I do, I doubt she will leave anything to chance. I am fairly certain our seats have been selected for us.”

“Then I hope she has placed me next to you. In any event, may I escort you in to supper?”

“Yes, that would be delightful.” She cast him a friendly smile, although she was not certain she liked the idea. The viscount was a pleasant man, but it had been so long since anyone courted her. She had grown quite comfortable in her daily routine. Yes, she had become restless lately and was giving serious thought to marrying and raising a family.

However, now that the opportunity was suddenly being thrust at her, she was not ready for it.

But, ready or not, should she not grasp the chance for happiness? Or at least explore the possibility?

Whatever the possibility, it would not ever be with Connor. Neither he nor Duchess Evelyn had remarked on the most obvious possibility of all—that she and Connor be matched.

He hadn’t said it. His mother hadn’t said it.

What other conclusion could she draw but that neither of them wanted her?