Page 36 of Snapdragons
“I am discovering that.”
“We aren’t hoping you will fail,” Nicolette said. “We want Niles to have a fair chance of determining what he actually wants, with all the information he needs to determine that. Helping you navigate that will help him.”
She had two supporters. They were helping her only because they cared about Niles, but they were still helping. Penelope was grateful for that. She hadn’t managed to make much headway. With Violet and Nicolette even a little bit on her side, she had a far better chance of succeeding.
Chapter Thirteen
By the time the houseguestshad gathered in the drawing room after the night’s meal, Niles was feeling a little more on firm ground. Wilson had done a fine job fixing his hair after the soaking he had received, so he looked like less of a mess. His own valet had chosen a comfortable but fashionable ensemble for him to wear. And the Gents were all unified in their determination to be obnoxious countercourters, or whatever it was Aldric had called them. Regardless of the title, Niles was grateful for their assistance.
Within moments of being in Nicolette Fortier’s company once more, Niles was reminded of why they’d all come to like her so much so quickly. She was intelligent and clever, personable and thoughtful. And she had brought inarguable happiness to Henri, who had known more unhappiness than he deserved.
Niles kept that in mind as he watched Nicolette and Violet interact with Miss Seymour. There was a friendliness between the ladies that Julia would almost certainly have embraced as well if she were there. It complicated his need to keep the lady at bay, but he couldn’t fault them for being welcoming and kind.
He could, however, find great hilarity in Mr. Seymour’s overly pointed efforts to win over Digby, who was doing an admirable job of not making his annoyance obvious, as well as in the interest with which he watched Aldric. This was a brother on the hunt.
“Shall we undertake a parlor game?” Nicolette suggested, shooting the Gents a look that warned of dire consequences should any of them not agree.
“Impromptu performances would be enjoyable,” Violet said.
“’Tisn’t one I’m familiar with,” Mr. Seymour said, a rare moment of unmistakable Irish flavor in his voice that had beentrained to sound as English as any of the Gents during his British education, no doubt.
“This game is a great deal of fun,” Violet said. “All participants’ names are written on slips of paper and placed in a hat or bowl. Two are drawn at a time, and they form a team. Once everyone is paired up, all the teams are given a set amount of time in which to decide upon a performance—a musical talent, a reading, things of that nature. Everyone gathers once more and enjoys the impromptu performances. If there is time and desire, the entire thing can be repeated with new pairings.”
“That seems enjoyable,” Mr. Seymour said.
Parchment was quickly acquired, cut into slips, and names scrawled on them. Violet drew the first two names.
“Nicolette,” she read, “and—me.”
“Magnifique,” Nicolette declared.
The two ladies looked delighted. Digby didn’t look reassured.
“Our next team—” Violet pulled out another slip of paper. “Kes.” She smiled at her husband, then selected another slip. “And Digby.”
“Magnifique.” Digby repeated Nicolette’s declaration but with decidedly more flare.
Violet read the next paper. “Niles.” She pulled out another. “And Penelope.”
Oh, lud. He’d not given any thought to thepossibility of being teamed with Miss Seymour. Violet and Nicolette looked intrigued.
“I had hoped the Seymours would be teamed together,” Kes quickly said. “We might have been treated to something very Irish, which I think we would all enjoy.”
The other Gents quickly adopted the line, attempting to undo the predicament Niles found himself in.
Miss Seymour’s eyes had narrowed the tiniest bit as Kes had finished his declaration. That narrowing eased into a look ofrealization as the Gents’ continued their championing of the change in partners. Niles was certain he saw embarrassment touch Miss Seymour’s expression. She had, it seemed, recognized the ruse for what it was, and she was hurt by it.
Confound it.He’d not intended for her to be wounded.
“Perhaps we’ll have an Irish performance in the next round,” Niles said, making certain his smile was easy and pleased, with no hint of the panic he was feeling. He met Aldric’s eyes for the briefest of moments, but he felt certain the General understood what he hoped to communicate. Countercourting was well and good, but hurting Miss Seymour was not part of the strategy.
“Draw the next team, Violet,” Aldric suggested. “Perhaps Mr. Seymour will find himself partnered with someone who has a deep appreciation for Irish performances.” The redirection was well managed; the focus was offMissSeymour, and the tone was kept light.
The next name Violet drew was Mr. Seymour’s, leading to enough light titters to further ease the tension in Miss Seymour’s expression. Then she drew Aldric’s, which sent the group into full, deep laughter.
“I hope you have a deep appreciation for Irish performances,” Miss Seymour said.
“I suspect I soon will,” Aldric answered seamlessly.
