Page 48 of A Spinster to Reform the Duke
“Now?” she asked, lowering her glass.
“Yes, I’m determined to make the introduction.”
“Why?”
“I do not know if I want your opinion of him, or his opinion of you more.”
“You are up to mischief, I am sure,” she whispered, just as he drew her toward his uncle.
“Uncle,” Timothy said and stretched out his hand. George immediately took it to shake in friendly greeting. “We have been bemoaning your lateness.”
“Then I am glad I am here at last. With such company around, I can see why the younger men all beat me here.” He made a point of looking at Lady Rebecca as he spoke. At once, her eyebrows shot upwards.
“You see what I mean about charm?” Timothy asked her, earning a laugh.
“Indeed, I do. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Hiddlington.” She curtsied.
“And you, my Lady.”
“This is Lady Rebecca Felton, Uncle,” Timothy said, finishing the introduction.
“Ah, you’re the young lady my nephew talks so much of.”
“I am?” Lady Rebecca seemed most startled by the idea. “Then I apologize for him boring you with the subject of myself.”
George laughed, clearly taken aback by the wit she had used.
“No apology necessary.” He shook his head. “In fact, I have been so eager to make your acquaintance myself, would you join me in a drink and a conversation, my Lady?” He smoothly offered her his arm which Lady Rebecca took.
“Wait…” Timothy murmured, watching as his uncle drew Lady Rebecca across the room, showing her to a chesterfield settee where he sat down beside her. They immediately settled into conversation, with Lady Rebecca laughing heartily at things his uncle said.
“I know that look,” Alexander appeared at Timothy’s side.
“What look?” Timothy pretended innocence.
“He is twice Lady Rebecca’s age. Have no fear.”
“It has never stopped my uncle before,” Timothy muttered, feeling his fingers had tightened around his port glass.
“Is that jealousy, Timothy?” Alexander asked, with such a smirk that Timothy was careful to surreptitiously elbow his friend in the side, trying to stop him sniggering.
“No. Jealousy is not something I feel.”
“Isn’t it?” Alexander asked as he turned to walk away. “Then tell me why else you do not like your uncle talking with Lady Rebecca?”
* * *
Timothy tipped his head back, indulging in the laughter as Lady Rebecca held up her hand of cards for him to see with that mischievous smile in her eyes.
“You were hiding the card, I am sure of it,” Timothy said, attempting to control his mirth as he picked up his hand again. Opposite him across the card table, his uncle was shaking his head back and forth, equally as baffled.
“We always win this game,” George said in bemusement. “My Lady, how did you do that?”
“Perhaps it is time the long reign you two had at this game ended.” Her wit made them each laugh again.
Timothy looked to his uncle, shrugging his shoulders to show his confusion as Lady Rebecca collected their cards from each of them and shuffled them together.
“A marvelous lady you have here for a friend, Timothy,” George declared, leaning on the card table and earning Lady Rebecca’s gaze with a smile.
