Page 18 of An Earl Like You
“Thank you, my lord.” She could feel herself blushing hotter under his approval, and took a quick sip of tea to hide it. “Are your sisters both out?”
“No. Henrietta won’t be out until next Season, but our mother has allowed her to attend some events. She said it’s unfair for one sister to go to balls and soirees and expect the other sister to sit quietly at home.” He gave a rueful grin. “But I must say, Henrietta isavidlyanticipating her own debut.”
Eliza smiled wistfully. “Your mother sounds very wise. Your sisters are fortunate to have her.”
He regarded her with compassion. “We all are. She’s a loving mother.”
She swallowed a burst of envy. “I never had a sister, either, though I often wished for one.”
Lord Hastings’s mouth quirked. “I cannot say I am sorry I have sisters, though they can be vexing at times. They may not be as pleased to have a brother.”
“Oh no, I’m sure they are!”
He laughed and she blushed.
Eliza had dreaded her Season, and only had one because Papa insisted. He took a house in the middle of London, hired a very proper companion, and wrangled a list of invitations. Eliza soon realized that the companion had only accepted the post because Papa offered her an indecent amount of money, and the invitations were to second tier events or hosted by people who owed Papa a favor. Despite her father’s best efforts, nothing could pry her way into the most elite parties, and Eliza was vastly relieved when it ended.
Lady Henrietta, of course, would face no such barrier, which was probably why she was eager for her debut. Perhaps having a sister would have made her Season more enjoyable, Eliza thought. “I hope Lady Henrietta has a wonderful time next year,” she told the earl.
“I’m sure she shall. Do you enjoy the Season’s events, as well?”
Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Oh dear. How to answer without looking like a recluse or a hopeless wallflower? “I enjoy the theater,” she said carefully. “Not so much balls.” She waved one hand with a wry smile. “I found balls and parties very overwhelming when I came out into society, and now I prefer more intimate gatherings of friends.”
“Those are always the best society,” he agreed with a smile.
“I also like a quiet evening at home,” she added. “Reading or playing the pianoforte. Especially if Papa is home. He’s often out late, and it’s a special evening when he is home.”
“Er—yes. I’m sure.” He inclined his head.
Eliza fiddled with her cup; they were running out of polite topics of conversation. What should she say?
“Have you decided to go into business with my father?” she blurted out.
His brows rose, and he paused, holding his teacup in midair. “I beg your pardon?”
Mortified, Eliza tried to smile. “He said you had not decided, when you came to dinner. Forgive me for prying—”
“No,” he said, staring at her. “Of course you must wonder.”
Her hands were shaking. She set down her cup and twisted her fingers together. “If you have decided, I only wanted to assure you that Papa’s not nearly as harsh as he sometimes seems. He’s very... very competitive, I suppose, and he likes to win. But that serves him well in his investments, and his investors are usually quite pleased.”
A thin line appeared between his brows. He also set down his cup and pushed the plate of sandwiches aside. “Does he speak to you of all his business affairs?”
Too late Eliza remembered what Mrs. Burney, her one-time companion, had tried to drill into her head. The aristocracy thought it was vulgar to discuss money, and as she was a female, no one cared about her opinions of it anyway. Her face felt like it was on fire. “No,” she murmured. “I—I only wondered...”
“Did you?” He sat back, studying her with an odd expression. “I confess, it’s been a difficult decision to reach. Your father is a demanding man.”
“Oh no—well, yes,” she amended. “When it comes to business he is. To me he is the kindest, most loving parent I could imagine.”
One corner of his mouth lifted, but it looked more bitter than amused. “I have not seen that side of him.”
“It’s true!” Anxious to make up for introducing this disastrous topic, Eliza moved to the front of her chair. “He’s very generous to anyone in need. My friends from school were always welcome here, and he’s almost as fond of them as if they were his own daughters, which is lovely because Sophie is an orphan, and Georgiana nearly is. He would do anything to keep them from harm.”
“And he would do anything for you.”
“Well, yes. He’s a very affectionate father...” She trailed off hesitantly. The earl’s eyes were dark and opaque, his face set in hard lines. She hazarded a weak smile. “To me he is wonderful, but I suppose most daughters think so of their fathers.”
Some of the tension faded from Lord Hastings. “Every lady deserves a father who would do anything for her.”
