Page 4 of A Rogue for Christmas
Lady Thornton nodded in reply, but he could tell she was doubtful about his presence. Her mother-in-law, however, was beaming.
The dowager offered her hand, and he bowed over it as well. “Thank you for interceding on my behalf.”
She gave him an arch look that spoke volumes. She’d issued the invitation, yes, but she was curious about his presence. It appeared his excuse hadn’t fooled anyone. “If you’d like to get settled, I can have a footman show you to your room.”
And that’s when the two men stepped forward and Thornton spoke. “If you don’t mind, we’d like to speak with you privately first.”
Thornton shared a significant look with his wife, and Wentworth knew what was coming. The viscount was going to warn him about proper behavior.
He shot an amused glance at Seaford. Before last year, when the man had courted Miss Lily Rowland, Seaford’s reputation had been as wild as his own. It seemed a little hypocritical for Seaford to be a part of this conversation.
But Wentworth refused to let their presence deter him. After all, he would only be here for one day at most.
* * *
Wentworth wasn’tsurprised when the two men led him to Thornton’s study and closed the door.
“I must say, I’m honored to be singled out for such an auspicious welcome. Or is this your customary greeting?”
Seaford’s lips twitched, but then he gained control of his features. Thornton’s expression of course turned even grimmer. It appeared that marriage had cost the man his sense of humor.
Thornton folded his arms across his chest. “Why are you here?”
Wentworth raised a brow. “I received a gracious invitation from your mother, the dowager viscountess.”
Thornton made a scoffing sound. “You went out of your way to obtain that invitation. For the life of me, I don’t know why she agreed to have you here.”
He shrugged. There was no point denying it. He’d had to call in several favors.
“Who are you pursuing?” Seaford was leaning against the desk, his body more at ease. He wasn’t scowling like Thornton, but Wentworth suspected that would change once he learned the truth.
“Come on, man,” Thornton said. “We all know you didn’t accept an invitation to a country house party because you were feeling lonely and wanted to celebrate the festive season with us.”
It seemed Thornton was going to be a thorn in his side. His lips quirked at the pun, but he thought it best not to laugh aloud.
He glanced at Seaford again. The earl had once been considered a rake, so he knew he didn’t have any prudish sensibilities. But after marrying Iris’s sister last Christmas, he seemed to have settled down.
He realized that the same could be said of him after he’d met Iris. He hadn’t had one lover in that time, which was an intolerable situation. His mind shied away from thoughts that he might be ready to settle down himself.
But there was something about Iris that had intrigued him.
“I find it interesting that you had no problem welcoming Seaford into your extended family and into your home. Did he get the same inquisition about his intentions?”
Seaford barked out a laugh. “The ass actually warned Lily’s family about me. Told them I couldn’t be trusted.”
Thornton shrugged. “It was the truth.”
“And yet here you are, joining Thornton in questioning me about my motives.”
Seaford aimed a scowl at the viscount. “Yes. Despite Thornton’s sabotage, I managed to prevail.”
Thornton merely shrugged. “He was sniffing around after my wife’s cousin.”
“I can understand your caution, but it’s unwarranted. Have you ever heard anyone accuse me of taking advantage of a woman?”
Seaford shook his head. “If you have nothing to hide, then you can tell us why you’re here.”
Wentworth let out a loud breath as he gave up all pretense. Everyone was going to realize why he was here the moment he spoke to Iris. He met Seaford’s gaze and braced for whatever might come. “Your wife’s middle sister.”
