Finch with the tiniest tidbit of meat, after crooning the familiar “Good dog!” and entertaining the other guests with tales of Finch’s extraordinary daring.
“Now find the Earl of Belmont.” Finch looked at the two remaining men and went over to sit at the feet of Belmont, who laughed with the rest of them.
“Finch spent most of the first three years of his life on my husband’s ship. We were both amazed that when the admiral retired Finch was happy ashore.”
“My guess is that he took his cue from your husband,” Belmont suggested.
What a lovely thing to say, Beatrice thought, and watched the earl. He wasn’t smiling but there was a twinkle in his eyes that made Beatrice wonder if he was attracted to the young widow.
Mrs. Kendrick gave the earl an almost melancholy smile. “How kind of you, my lord. No doubt Finch has grown attached to me these past two years. I am wondering how he will like London.”
“Given what the earl surmised,” the countess said, “I imagine he will enjoy London as much as you do.”
“I hope so. I am looking forward to next Easter and the Season, even though it will not be my first. You three will have such an adventure. You must be over the moon with anticipation.” Mrs. Kendrick looked at each of the young ladies in turn as she spoke, and Beatrice did her best not to grin back, though she did smile and nod with perhaps too much enthusiasm. It made up for Cecilia’s half nod and Miss Wilson’s blush. Yes, they had not yet been invited to participate but surely Mrs. Kendrick’s obvious approval was a goodwill gesture no one could ignore.
“Now, Finch,” Nora Kendrick said, returning her attention to her dog. “Find the youngest guest among us.” He went to Miss Wilson unerringly.
“Find the twins. One and two.” She held up her hand, showing one finger and then two, and Finch trotted over and nosed Beatrice’s shoe, and then Cecilia’s. After praise and reward, Mrs. Kendrick gave another command and with that she curtsied to the party.
“I will now give Finch one final command.” She looked at her dog and held out her arms. “Show everyone who you love best.”
With a bark of understanding, Finch jumped into her arms. Everyone laughed and applauded with enthusiasm.
“That was delightful, Nora, and a fine example of what I am hoping each of you can entertain us with over the next week.”
Beatrice went over to congratulate Finch and his owner, hoping it would show that there were no ill feelings left over from their first meeting.
Lord Jess came up beside them and offered his congratulations, too. Beatrice could feel him next to her. Even though they were not touching, his presence heightened all her senses, and made her feel restless. She wondered if he felt the same way. Would their connection grow even stronger if she reached out and touched the back of his hand?
Oh dear, he made her feel reckless, not restless. Beatrice was trying to think of a gracious way to move away when the Earl of Belmont approached. “A fine trick, Mrs. Kendrick.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She gave him a mere sketch of a curtsy.
“Tell me, how is it that you gave such a fine fellow a bird’s name?” Lord Belmont reached out to stroke the dog, a gesture that brought his hand rather too close to Mrs. Kendrick’s breast.
Beatrice noted that Mrs. Kendrick did not seem to mind the close contact. Indeed, she stepped a little closer, just a half step but a step nonetheless. Lord Belmont scratched Finch’s chin and smiled down at the dog.
Beatrice looked at Lord Jess, whose amusement made her feel like a child among adults. To walk away now would be rude. Besides, it would be good for her to watch a flirtation between a sophisticated couple.
When Lord Jess glanced at her, Beatrice gave what she hoped looked like a knowing smile and turned her attention to Mrs. Kendrick, ignoring the fact that his glance made her feel ever more reckless.
“My dog is named Finch because as a puppy he liked to chase birds so much I thought he wanted to be one. Naming him for a bird was as close as I could come to giving him his heart’s wish.”
“I see.” Lord Belmont stood his ground but folded his arms across his chest, which was as good as moving closer. They were barely a hand’s width apart. Beatrice noticed that Lord Jess started to