Would anyone do, or was it only Miss Parker’s hand he wished to win?
He trudged along aimlessly until he found himself on Bond Street. He needed a new pair of boots, and what better way to pass the time than getting measured for one? Unfortunately, it didn’t take as long as he’d hoped for his measurements to be taken, so he finished in plenty of time to return to his rooms at the Albany and change into his evening wear.
As much as he didn’t want to go to the Carter soiree this evening, he couldn’t seem to help himself, especially if it meant he’d have a chance to talk with Miss Parker without other gentlemen hanging on her every word. His earlier resolve to avoid her at all costs had melted like butter on hot bread. He was angry with himself for not staying away, and his poor cravat took the brunt of his frustration. He threw it on the floor.
“Bollocks,” he growled as he reached for a new cravat. This time, he managed to tie it properly before shrugging into his jacket.
By the time he made it to the Carter townhouse for the soiree, the evening was well underway. He was greeted at the door by the butler, who took his hat and walking stick. “The guests are gathered in the drawing room, my lord. Please follow me.”
Easton followed the butler down the hallway until he heard the sound of voices. “I can manage from here,” he said to the butler. “No need to announce me.”
“As you wish, my lord,” the butler said, walking back to once again man the front door.
Easton slipped inside the room without anyone noticing at first. Several guests were in a lively discussion with one of the poets who’d also been invited to speak this evening. He glanced around the room until he found her. She was seated next to a gentleman he didn’t recognize, and Lady Fletcher sat on her other side.
Who was this gentleman? Whoever he was, Miss Parker seemed quite invested in their conversation. She was smiling and chuckling at something he said. So much for having her attention all to himself this evening. Should he just leave? Before he could make a decision, Lady Fletcher saw him and waved him over. “Good evening, Lord Easton. So lovely to see you this evening.”
“Lady Fletcher, the pleasure is mine,” he said with a bow.
Miss Parker looked up and gave him a brilliant smile that made his heart swell. “Lord Easton, you came! I’m so pleased to see you.”
“How could I pass up the evening when the lovely Lady Fletcher is going to entertain us with her singing?”
The gentleman next to Miss Parker stood. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Berkeley.”
Easton tried to think where he’d heard that name, but he couldn’t quite place it.
“Lord Berkeley is our neighbor in Reading. He owns the estate next to Dandridge Manor,” Miss Parker said.
Now he remembered reading about the previous earl’s death more than a year ago. “Berkeley, pleased to meet you. I’ve not seen you around London before.”
“No, I stayed in the country when my father’s health began to decline and have only recently come to London.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At Berkeley House on the outskirts of Mayfair. It’s been years since anyone’s lived there, so it needs a bit of updating. Lady Fletcher and Miss Parker have graciously offered to help me redecorate.”
“Is that so?”
“It’s not nearly as bad as Lord Berkeley says,” Miss Parker said. “With a good cleaning and airing out, it’ll be easier to see what renovations are actually needed.”
Before they had a chance to talk further, the hostess announced that Lady Fletcher would be the next guest to entertain them.
“Here, Lord Easton, take my seat,” Lady Fletcher said.
Easton nodded and sat next to Miss Parker while Berkeley sat down on her other side. He wanted to dislike Berkeley on sight, but he had no cause, except maybe for the fact that the man was too handsome by far, with his thick black hair, broad shoulders, and chiseled jaw. Did women find that appealing? Of course they did, if the looks the other women in the room were giving Lord Berkeley were any indication.
Why couldn’t the man have been a toad?
He’d been to Dandridge Manor a number of times in the past eighteen months to visit the Fletchers, but he hadn’t met Lord Berkeley on any of those visits. Perhaps Berkeley wasn’t much of a threat when it came to Miss Parker’s affections after all. Then he heard her giggle again. When he glanced over, she and Berkeley had their heads together, furiously whispering back and forth.
It was a dagger to his heart.
So much fornotdisliking Berkeley.
Chapter4
Mia was thoroughly enjoying theCarter soiree. There were so many interesting people to talk to, and when she saw Lord Berkeley walk into the drawing room earlier, she’d felt so much better. He was a friendly face she could be herself around. He didn’t seem to care if she talked too much or laughed too loudly. In her mind, he was the pinnacle of fun.