Page 31 of Beyond Scandal and Desire
“I’ve always believed dreams should be larger than ourselves. May I show you around?”
“We couldn’t impose,” Aslyn said. “You have so many guests.”
“It would be no imposition, and I’m certain they won’t mind.”
Before she could accept his offer, she heard, “Lady Aslyn. Lord Kipwick. What a lovely surprise! Mick didn’t tell me he’d invited you.”
Kip bowed slightly, took Miss Trewlove’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you, my lord. And lady.” She smiled softly at Aslyn. “Isn’t it luxurious? My brother comes across so rough sometimes that you wouldn’t think he could create something of such beauty.”
“The hotel is quite elegant,” Aslyn told Miss Trewlove, although the comment was really made for Mick Trewlove. She wanted him to know how impressed she was with his efforts, but a lady in her position didn’t fawn over a gentleman or his achievements.
“You should see what Tittlefitz has done with the grand salon,” Miss Trewlove added.
“Tittlefitz?” Aslyn asked.
“Mick’s secretary. He’s decorated it with so many flowers and garlands I doubt there is a single blossom left in any flower shop. I daresay there’s not a ballroom in all of London that can compare. I’ve been striving to talk my brothers into joining me there for a dance. But they act as though they’ll turn into toads if they escort a girl onto the dance floor.”
“They’ve not had the lessons you’ve had,” Mick Trewlove said.
“I suspect you dance like a dream, my lord,” she said, fairly ignoring her brother’s remark and giving Kip all of her attention.
He grinned. “I would not be so crass as to boast about my skills. What do you think, Aslyn?”
“I agree. You would not be so crass.” Mr. Trewlove grinned, and a strange fluttering took up residence in her stomach. She really should do nothing to encourage his smiles. They were devastating to a woman’s equilibrium.
Miss Trewlove’s tinkling laughter circled them. “Perhaps you’ll demonstrate your talents for me later, my lord.”
“I would be delighted.”
“And perhaps that will force my brothers into proving themselves.” Glancing over her shoulder, she motioned toward someone orsomeones.
Three gentlemen quickly joined their group. Two men were slightly similar in appearance. The third was a great hulk with black hair that hung down over one side of his face in a manner that seemed deliberate as though he sought to shield it.
“Lady Aslyn, Lord Kipwick, allow me the honor of introducing Aiden”—she touched the arm of a brown-haired man—“Finn”—who was blond—“and Ben.”
“Beast,” the dark-haired man said in curt deep voice. “People call me Beast.”
Yes, she could well imagine they did. None of them looked anything like Mick Trewlove. To be honest, she thought his appearance was nearer to Kip’s, but perhaps it was merely because his evening attire more closely resembled the earl’s than the plain jackets his brothers wore. Because they looked so disparate, she couldn’t help but wonder if they were all born on the wrong side of the blanket, if their mother was of such low moral character that she had consorted with an assortment of men. She was horrified by the thought, even more so by the realization it could very well be true. Little wonder the duchess had objections to her being in the company of those with no pedigree to their name.
“I say, Your Lordship,” Aiden began, “we’ve set up some card games in a small salon. My brothers and I were about to head in and test our luck. Care to join us?”
For some reason, his brow furrowed, a question in his eyes, Kip turned to Mick Trewlove as though seeking permission. “A few hands couldn’t hurt.”
“They might even help. Several investors have already made their way to the tables. Aiden can introduce you.”
“Jolly good.” Finally he looked at her. She didn’t miss the guilt wreathing his face. “You wouldn’t mind, would you, darling, if I left you in the company of the lovely Miss Trewlove?” She was surprised by the endearment. He didn’t usually use them. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t recall a single time when he had, yet this one had a possessive edge to it.
He leaned in, whispered, “I’m seeking to secure our future.”
She supposed he was referring to the opportunity to become acquainted with men of business. Although she did mind a tad that he was planning to go off without her, she wanted to do some exploring and doubted he’d be interested in looking at furnishings and wallpaper. “I’m sure I can entertain myself.” After all, he never stayed with her for any length of time at balls, although at those affairs she knew a good many of the people in attendance, could always find a lady or two with whom to gossip. Here, as she looked around, she realized her acquaintances were few. Two to be exact, not bothering to count the brothers to whom she’d just been introduced.
“I won’t be long, and when I’m done, I promise you each a dance.”
She watched as he walked off, chatting and laughing with the Trewlove brothers—except for Mick. She wasn’t surprised he remained behind since he was the host and had responsibilities that required his attention. Apparently he took them very seriously, but then a man with his success would not have achieved it if he were a slacker in any regard.
“Men and their wagering,” Miss Trewlove said, clearly irritated by the sudden abandonment. “My brothers will never get married if they are so quick to leave the company of women.” Her eyes widened. “And speaking of marriage, I understand congratulations are in order, Lady Aslyn. How lucky you are to have made such a fine catch.”
