Page 5 of Married to the Lord

Walsingham took a long draw of port. “Well, history or not, I would not be letting that woman out of my sight. Some scoundrel will swoop in and take her from your brother.” Walsingham grinned. “If she were not your brother’s, I could not claim that I might not be that scoundrel.”

Miles narrowed his gaze at his friend. As much as they got along, Miles could not always agree with Walsingham’s moral path. Miles might have lived less than salubrious lifestyle in his early twenties but he’d never seduced women at the rate that Walsingham did—if at all. However, his friend was right. He had returned home specifically to find Augusta after hearing some murmurings that she was tiring of waiting for his brother. Regardless of how he felt about anything, he could not see her harm her reputation because his brother was a fool.

He finished the second glass of port and stood. “As much as I hate to admit it, you are right, Walsingham. I shall go have a word with her friends over there. Perhaps they can apprise me as to her current state of mind. And I can find out if there are any other potential suitors waiting in the wings.”

Roberts chuckled and lifted a glass in salute. “Good luck.”

Miles cut a path across the dancefloor toward the two women. Waverley’s fiancé looked extremely bored, while the other seemed uncomfortable. He knew of Mrs. Joanna Lockhart but did not know Miss Larkin all that well. Even as he approached, she did not seem to notice his presence. Mrs. Lockhart straightened her shoulders and offered a polite smile.

“My Lord, we do not see you in Hampshire much. It is a surprise to see you here tonight.”

Miles dipped his head to both women. Miss Larkin peered up at him and brushed a red curl from her face. “You scared away our friend, Sir.”

“Forgive me. It was unintended.” He bowed. “May I offer my congratulations on your engagement, Miss Larkin. I am certain you shall be very happy.”

A genuine smile lit across the woman’s face as both women rose from their seats. “I think we shall.”

“Viscount Ashwick is a friend to Miss Snow, I believe.” Mrs. Lockhart eyed him. “Is that not true?”

“They did not seem much like friends,” muttered Miss Larkin.

“It is true,” Miles agreed. “I had hoped to speak with her.”

“Do you have news of your brother? You know, she is quite fed up with waiting. You really ought to have better control of your sibling.” A slight smile curved the Miss Larkin’s lips as though she had enjoyed scolding him.

“Chloe,” muttered Mrs. Lockhart. “I am certain Lord Ashwick is doing his best to ensure his brother fulfils his duties.” Though Mrs. Lockhart’s tones were dulcet, he suspected there was an edge to her words.

Not that he blamed either woman. It seemed Augusta had been explicit in her annoyance at being made to wait for Henry. It was a fine thing that he had come to Hampshire after all. He really did need to speak to Augusta and persuade her to wait for Henry. For all his brother’s faults, Miles owed it to him to protect his interests.

“I have no news, I’m afraid. But I do wish to speak with Augusta on the matter. Let me assure you that I do not find it any more acceptable than she does.”

“Well, I think you have scared her off for the night. You may have to find her another time.” Miss Larkin waved a dismissive hand.

“I really would like to speak to her,” he implored the two women, feeling as though he was addressing the gatekeepers.

“I’m quite sure you can call upon her.” Mrs. Lockhart frowned.

He could. But then he would have an audience. If these mutterings of her discontent were true, he did not wish to reveal such things in front of her family. It was better that they spoke alone. Although they were in a room with a hundred people, there was enough noise to ensure that they could have a private conversation. Far easier than sitting in her drawing room with the door wide open to her parents.

“I am certain you understand that this is a delicate matter. There are things that Augusta might not wish to be shared. I was hoping I might snatch a little time alone with her. Do you perhaps know when she might be attending another party?”

Miss Larkin and Mrs. Lockhart shared a look. Miss Larkin gave a sigh. “Your best chance is to catch her riding close to home.”

Miles nodded. Of course, it should have been obvious. Augusta had always adored horses. He would have to make a visit to her family’s stables, perhaps even discuss the purchase of an animal with her father to give him a good reason to go there. It would give him a chance to keep an eye on her and have a private word or two.

After all, it was perfectly natural to wish to keep an eye on his brother’s interests. This was nothing at all about wanting to see her. Even if he could not get that first glimpse of her after over two years out of his mind. He simply felt terrible for her. As Viscount Ashwick, he had a duty. A duty to this woman and a duty to his brother.

That was all this was about. Duty. And nothing else at all.

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