Page 27 of Earl for the Summer
A knock sounded at Edgerton Houses’s front door. Daphne shot up from the settee, her nerves jangling.
Lily rose more gracefully. “It seems the guests have begun arriving. If it’s Lord Windham, do show him the garden,” she said to Daphne. “We’ve had lanterns lit, and you can point out the new additions to our tea rose collection that you selected.”
Rose breeding was one of Daphne’s pet interests, and Lily and her brother-in-law, Griffin, had encouraged her to make suggestions about improving Edgerton House’s garden.
“I might do that,” Daphne agreed, if only to stop Lily from looking at her with such a mischievous glint in her eye.
Luckily, the arriving guests soon claimed all of her sister’s attention.
Simons, the Edgerton’s London butler, announced Lady and Lord Cranmore, who Daphne and Ivy had met at previous dinner parties. The viscount and his wife fell into conversation with Lily, and soon Griffin entered the drawing room to help welcome guests.
Ivy approached to stand next to Daphne, just as they’d gotten used to doing at the edges of London ballrooms.
“Not all men are like Moreland,” Ivy said quietly, keeping her gaze fixed on the drawing room threshold.
Daphne side-eyed her sister. “This from the lady who thinks every man should be investigated thoroughly.”
Ivy shrugged. “Seeking knowledge is never a mistake. And it’s better to be forewarned.”
“And have you learned anything about Lord Windham?”
Ivy flashed a smile. “I’m pleased to say I can uncover no devilry where the Earl of Windham is concerned. He seems amiable and well-liked. The family is without scandal too, as far as I’ve been able to determine. One brother was in naval service. No sisters.”
“You’ve been busy.”
Ivy finally turned to look at Daphne. “I had a feeling it might become relevant.”
Daphne couldn’t help smiling.
“The Earl of Windham,” Simons intoned a moment later.
A shiver of anticipation chased down Daphne’s back as she watched the drawing room doorway, and as soon as he stepped into the room, his dark green gaze fixed on her.
She strode forward to greet him, fully aware that Lily and Ivy would watch the whole exchange.
“You came.” Daphne didn’t quite know what to do with her hands or her thoughts, and it seemed she didn’t even recall how to make polite conversation with a gentleman anymore.
“Were you hoping I wouldn’t?” he asked teasingly.
“Of course not.” Daphne closed her eyes and willed her heart to stop beating so fiercely. “Have you met my brother-in-law?”
“I haven’t.” He looked suddenly ill at ease and lifted his gaze to take in the dinner guests gathered in the drawing room.
Daphne turned to seek out Griffin, but he and Lily were already approaching.
“Windham, good of you to come.” Griffin reached out a hand as if he knew the earl well, despite what Windham had just told her. “Your support on the railway bill was much appreciated.”
“Of course,” Windham said a bit woodenly.
It struck Daphne as peculiar—Windham claiming unfamiliarity with Griffin, when it seemed they’d interacted in the House of Lords. The inconsistency pricked at her, quiet but insistent. Had he forgotten?
“Daphne tells me you’re as fond of gardens as she is,” Lily said with a bright smile. “You must see the roses she discovered for the townhouse’s garden.”
“I didn’t discover them,” Daphne felt compelled to add. “French rose breeders are coming up with some exciting new varieties.”
Windham turned a smile Daphne’s way. “I’d love to see them.”
“We’re still awaiting a few guests,” Lily said, “so there’s time now.” She cast a look at Ivy, who immediately stepped forward.
