Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes Read Free Book Online Page A

Louisa volunteered. “Why don’t I see you out, Mr. Trottenham, and you can tell me where you found these bays.”
    She rose and took him by the arm, leaving a small silence after her departure, in which Deene spared a moment to pity poor Trottenham.
    â€œI have an appointment at the modiste,” Lady Jenny said, getting to her feet. “Lucas, I’m sure you’ll excuse me.”
    She swanned off, leaving Eve sitting before the tea tray and Deene wondering what had just happened. “Did you tell them I’ve a preference for leeks?”
    â€œI did not, but I cannot vouch for the queer starts my sisters take. Does this mean we must drive out?”
    He studied her, noting slight shadows under her eyes and a pallor beneath the peaches and cream of her complexion. He hadn’t truly intended the offer, but neither was he exactly unwilling to make good on it.
    â€œNot if you don’t want to. My horse can develop a loose shoe. You can come down with another megrim.”
    She grimaced. “I never pretend I have one if I don’t—it’s tempting fate too badly. Are you going to drink your tea?”
    â€œNo.” He set the cup and saucer down, feeling vaguely irritated to see her looking pale and peaked. “What’s troubling you, Eve Windham?”
    She was silent for a moment, while Deene became aware the library door was closed and there were strawberries on the tray before her. He lifted his gaze from the damned fruit on the tray and clapped his eyes on the lady, which did not do much to stem the useless thoughts proximity to Eve Windham seemed to arouse… provoke, rather.
    â€œI don’t believe in dissembling on general principles.” She glanced out the window to the gardens struggling to advance against a season when the nights were still chilly. “I suppose I can drive out with you.”
    â€œAs flattering as your enthusiasm for my company is, I will still oblige you with a turn in the park. Do you need to change?”
    He certainly had not intended to spend an hour or two tooling around Hyde Park with Eve Windham, except His Grace’s words echoed in Deene’s head: ask the Windham sisters about the social scene. Any former cavalry officer understood the benefit of sound intelligence.
    Eve would know all the debutantes and the climbers, the ambitious mamas and the young girls politely described as high-strung. Abruptly, this little turn in the park loomed like a fine idea, despite any wayward notions Deene’s male parts might be taking.
    â€œI can go as I am, but I must fetch a wrap.” As she rose, she picked up a strawberry and bit into it, leaving Deene to realize that no matter what they discussed, this little trip around The Ring would be a long drive indeed.
    Probably for them both.
    ***
    As her husband settled onto the coach seat beside her, Esther, Duchess of Moreland, tucked her hand into his.
    â€œHusband, I must ask you something.”
    His smile was the embodiment of patience. “If you’re going to quiz me on my habits at the club, I can tell you I’ve been very circumspect in my drinking. There’s nothing more pathetic than some old lord passed out in his chair, droplets of wine staining his linen, yesterday’s copy of the Times crumpled in his lap. You’d think such an example would scare the young fellows into sobriety.”
    â€œIt’s about the young fellows I wanted to ask you.”
    Beside her, Esther could feel her husband waiting. The patience they had with each other was only one of the blessings reaped from thirty-odd years of marriage.
    â€œAre you meddling a bit, Percival, by having Deene over to the house as often as you do?”
    He didn’t immediately break into remonstrations and protests, which suggested the question had been timely.
    â€œHe’d do, Esther. Evie bristles when he’s about, but Jenny might suit him.”
    â€œShe bristles