Page 40 of Affair

“You did mention that you try to avoid the Polite World.”

“No logical reason to order a great many evening coats when one has a limited social life.”

“Very practical of you to stick with black.”

“Haven’t paid much attention to the latest fancy cravat knots.”

“I see.”

“Damned silly for a man to tie his neckcloth in such a tricky way that he can’t even turn his head.”

“There is a lot to be said for simplicity,” Charlotte agreed politely.

He was sinking deeper by the second. Baxter glanced around, searching for inspiration, and was, for once, inordinately relieved to see his aunt on the horizon. Rosalind had Lord Lennox in tow.

“Time to go to work,” Baxter said softly. “That man coming toward us with Rosalind was Drusilla Heskett’s last suitor.”

“That gentleman with the bald head and the bushy whiskers is Lennox?”

“Yes. Would have thought you’d recognize him on sight.”

She frowned. “I never actually saw him, you know. It’s not generally necessary to know what a gentleman looks like in the flesh in order to discover whether or not he is a rakehell or a gamester.”

“No, I suppose not.”

Charlotte pursed her lips. “Nevertheless, I had imagined him to be a younger man.”

“Whatever gave you that notion?”

“Mrs. Heskett’s description of him, I imagine.”

“What did she say about him?” Baxter asked.

“Something to the effect that Lennox resembled a stallion in the bedchamber. She said he had stamina.”

Baxter coughed on his last swallow of champagne. “I see. Why did she reject him?”

“She felt he was too old for her. She was uncertain how long his stamina would last.”

“He’s no youngster. Lennox has got two married daughters. His heir, who is the youngest of the brood, is twenty-one or so. I saw him a short while ago at the buffet table.”

“Lennox’s heir?”

“Yes. Norris is his name, I believe. He was talking to Hamilton. They’re close friends.”

“Who is Hamilton?”

“I beg your pardon.” Baxter deliberately set his empty glass down on a passing tray. “I should have said the fifth Earl of Esherton.”

“Oh, yes. Your brother.”

“Myhalfbrother.”

“Whatever.” Charlotte turned to greet Rosalind with a warm smile. “Good evening, Lady Trengloss.”

Rosalind beamed as she came to a halt. She caught Baxter’s eye and winked. He stifled a groan. As he had anticipated, his aunt was thoroughly enjoying herself.

Rosalind dangled Lennox triumphantly in front of Charlotte as though awarding her a prize.

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