“Easton, I’m so happy you’re here,” Kathryn said, jumping up and going to her brother for a hug.
“My dear Kathryn, you look well,” he said, embracing her.
“I’m very well, thank you. You’re looking quite well yourself.”
Sam walked over and stood next to Kathryn. “Lord Easton, good to see you again,” he said with an outstretched hand.
“Sir Samuel, how are you these days?” Easton asked with a firm handshake.
“Please, call me Sam. I must say I’m still getting used to being addressed as Sir Samuel.”
“Of course. Thank you, Sam, and please, just Easton is fine. We’re family, after all.”
“Come sit with us. The rest of our guests aren’t here yet,” Lady Devon called out to them.
Easton went to his mother and kissed her cheek. “Good evening, Mother. More guests? Who else is coming?”
Before his mother could respond, Jeffers announced their guests. “Lord Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, and Miss Parker.”
Easton’s mouth fell open before he could smooth his expression. This wasn’t what he’d been expecting when he agreed to come for dinner this evening. He’d been hoping for a quiet evening with the family, but with the Fletchers and Miss Parker attending, a quiet evening was out of the question.
Chapter6
Easton was sorry he hadn’tasked his mother whether she’d invited anyone else to the dinner. At least if he’d known Miss Parker would be attending, he could have better concealed his shock at seeing her.
She took his breath away.
She was a vision this evening in a pale lavender gown with a low-cut neckline that highlighted her full bosom to perfection. The dark-purple ribbon beneath her breasts, along with the sheer, puffed sleeves, enhanced her figure. Her blond hair was piled high on her head, with a few wisps framing her oval face. He was convinced she was an angel come down from heaven because no mortal woman had the right to be so beautiful. She looked flawless, and he ached to touch her skin to see if it was as soft as it looked.
He stood beside his mother and father as Lady Devon greeted her guests. His mother bussed the women’s cheeks after greeting Lord Fletcher, and then his father chimed in with his own greeting.
“Fletcher! Good to see you,” Lord Devon said, holding out his hand.
Fletcher grasped it in a firm grip of his own. “Devon, good to see you again.”
Lord Devon turned to greet the ladies. “Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, glad you could attend this evening. You’re both looking exceedingly lovely.”
They curtseyed to the earl. “Thank you, my lord. We’re so very pleased to be here,” Lady Fletcher said.
Finally, there was a lull in the conversation, allowing Easton to greet everyone. “Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, a pleasure to see you all again.”
“Easton, you’re looking well,” Fletcher said. “Been training at Gentlemen Jack’s lately?”
“I try, usually once or twice a week if I can.”
“Perhaps we can spar together. I could use the exercise after too many meetings and lavish dinners here in London,” Fletcher said.
“Of course. If you want some good exercise though, you should spar with either Chandler or Ludlow. They’re much better than I, although I would never admit that to them,” Easton said.
“Oh? I haven’t met them. Friends of yours?”
Easton nodded. “Good friends who are always looking for good sparring partners.”
“Then absolutely, I would love to meet and spar with them.”
“Sounds good. We’re usually there on Tuesday mornings.”
“Excellent. I shall see you then,” Fletcher said.