Beatrice Brent is a woman with strong opinions and protective instincts.”
“How do you know her so well?”
“I don’t at all, but at dinner she went on and on about Rembrandt’s genius and when not talking about that she was looking down at your end of the table. She went immediately to her sister’s side as they were leaving the dining room.”
“The countess told me their mother died just a year ago; perhaps Miss Beatrice Brent has taken on a more maternal role with her sister. They do seem very close,” Destry said, his eyes on the young ladies.
After a long pause, during which they both watched the three young women, who were also being studied by Crenshaw, Destry asked, “Why did you not challenge him to a duel all those years ago?”
“Because my brother insisted that Crenshaw’s lack of honor would not guarantee a fair fight.”
“So he remains loose to find a woman easily wooed and led to the altar.” Destry’s words were edged with disgust.
“Yes, I know. But I have played the savior before and once was entirely enough for this lifetime.”
“Admit it, Jess, you would never let it happen again.”
“Damn it, Destry, stop playing at being my conscience. You go save someone.”
“I think I just might.”
With that, Lord Destry hopped down from the hearth and sought out the three ladies. Jess watched him do his best to charm them. Miss Wilson’s attention was easily won, but then her cheeks blushed with uncertainty when both Miss Brents were decidedly cool to Destry. Ah well, Jess thought, the man’s love life was not at all his problem. He turned to find Mrs. Kendrick watching him. Her dog slept draped over her arm.
She curtsied to him. “Does the joy of observation in closer quarters not define a house party?”
“Indeed, it must, since you were watching us watch the young women who were wondering whom they should watch. The question is, Mrs. Kendrick,” he bowed to her, “who is watching you?”
She laughed and shrugged. Her dog whined a little at the interruption of his rest. “Ah me, to be young again,” she went on. “Their longing is palpable, is it not? You are close enough in age to them not to feel as I do. To be that age with the wisdom I’ve gained since then would be a great gift.”
“My dear Mrs. Kendrick, you are much too young to speak that way. That said, I fear I have learned much too little and would make the same mistakes all over again.”
“We each harbor those regrets, my lord.” She did not speak for a moment. “Speaking of regrets, I must ask, if only to relieve my own discomfort, how it is that you and Lord Crenshaw can be in the same room?”
At least she did not blush or look away, and she waited for his answer rather than trying to answer for him. “The fact that he still tolerates my presence even after I was named in his divorce is proof of how little the marriage meant to him.” Jess paused to swallow the rage that came with the memory. “You will note that when we are not gaming we each pretend the other does not exist.”
“Then how is it that you are both guests at the same house party? It is too small a group to avoid each other all the time.”
“I am willing to wager that you will never see us any closer than the width of a room, unless we are playing cards at the same table.”
“So it would be accurate to say that you cordially hate each other.”
If Mrs. Kendrick noticed that he did not explain why they both happened to be here, that suited him perfectly. “There is nothing cordial about my hatred, madam. I will shed no tears when his death is announced.”
“Please, do tell me exactly how you feel, my lord.” Mrs. Kendrick’s laugh made him smile. “Now, tell me what you know of Lord Belmont. I do find him a fine figure of a man.”
“Belmont?” Jess drew a breath and considered how to describe the earl. “The Earl of Belmont is unique, perhaps even eccentric.”
“Eccentric? Truly? Do you know, that is my favorite sort of friend.” She smoothed her dog’s coat and added, “You know him from your gaming?”
“No, Belmont enjoys play as long as it is not deep. And I fancy a greater challenge.” What was the point of gambling if you did not risk more than you could afford? “The earl lives