Page 60 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
Chapter 14
“My lady.”
His smile was knowing and his eyes scanned her from head to toe, sending a cascade of cold dread down her spine.
She stood taller.“I do beg your pardon.”
He cocked an eyebrow.“Do you?”
Up close, he was probably of an age with her.Perhaps he thought he was being engaging.
She stepped to the side and he matched her movement.
“This is not a country dance.Do move your insolent self out of my way so I may pass.”
Eyes sparkling, he moved aside, and as she passed, he whispered, “When you tire of the puppy, I should be happy to linger in an alcove with you.”
Hot wrath rose in her, but she moved one foot in front of the other and made herself walk calmly on.
From his spotby a potted urn, Shaldon saw Jane turn away from Penderbrook.Minutes later, Major Payne-Elsdon entered, wearing a satisfied smile.Penderbrook had found his way back to their seats and was chatting affably with an acquaintance.For Penderbrook, the meeting had gone well, but Jane had pivoted away from the boy stiffly.
And then there was the appearance of the Major.
Shaldon caught Payne-Elsdon’s eye and walked over.He’d prefer not having to get near this slithering bit of pond slime, but there was nothing for it.
“You’re in good spirits, Major.Payne-Elsdon, isn’t it?”Shaldon said.
The man bowed.“Lord Shaldon.Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Is it?”
“Met your son, Charles Everly, at White’s.”
“I see.”
“I suppose he spoke of me and that’s how you know who I am.”His gaze narrowed.“Or, I suppose you make it your business to know many people.”
“I thought we might have met,” Shaldon flicked a spot of dust from his coat, “in Spain.”
Payne-Elsdon blinked.It was just a beat, but one that a careful observer like himself would not miss.
“Oh?Were you there?”He laughed.“Nothing like it, is there?Warm weather, warm women, eh?”
Penderbrook had been in debt to this distasteful man?How careless of the boy.
“You’re quite the swordsman, I hear.”
The man smirked.“In both senses of the word.Haven’t lost a duel yet.”His gaze roamed the room and settled on a group of white-gowned girls.“Or disappointed a lady.”
“No pistols at dawn for you, eh?”Shaldon asked.
He understood now the man’s game with Penderbrook.Payne-Elsdon would insist on all the ancient protocols.He hadn’t called Penderbrook out because under those rules the challenger didn’t get to choose the weapon, and he wanted to fight with the sword.
Had Penderbrook spent time at Angelo’s learning that skill?
Lady Jane appeared in the doorway, her face a set mask.Payne-Elsdon spotted her too and a feral light flashed in his eyes.
“You’re a lucky man, my lord, escorting such a lovely lady tonight.Or is she under Penderbrook’s protection?”
