Mr. Avington's Game of Hearts: A Regency Romance (Beniton Hall Series Book 4) by Iris Lim

Author:Iris Lim [Lim, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

The dinner party at the de Bois residence was not usually the sort of gathering Alfred looked forward to. The family, while genteel, did not quite mingle with the highest echelons of society. The townhouse, while at a fashionable enough address, was leased for the Season, a reminder that the family had means enough to afford such a luxury and yet not means enough to maintain one.

Given the facts, it was strange that Alfred felt an odd sense of anticipation as he strode up the front door with James, Edgar, and Heather by his side. The Avington family might come across as an impressive little entourage wherever they went, but Alfred was surprisingly more eager tonight to meet the people inside the door rather than to have them meet him.

Humility was a rather odd sensation.

"Mr. Alfred Avington, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Avington, and Mr. James Avington," the butler dutifully announced them without a hitch, showing that the de Bois family, while modest, had good taste in servants.

"Ah, welcome." Mrs. de Bois glided towards them with her usual bright smile. Her dress unfolded generously around her wide girth as she extended open arms towards their little party. "How splendid to have you join us tonight."

The customary bows and curtsies followed. Given how often Alfred called upon everyone new to London each Season, it was almost strange to be visiting this particular family at this particular house for the first time. But the tasteful décor and generous candles hinted at good sense without overt extravagance, just as he might expect of the family, and Alfred found himself instantly comfortable in his new surroundings.

"Is this Miss Fletcher's house?" James whispered once their hostess had walked away to greet her next group of guests.

"Yes—uhm, who now?" Alfred turned to his youngest sibling.

James chuckled. "You do not need to hide your interest, brother. We all knew the temperance couldn't last."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'd say you must beg Miss Fletcher's pardon instead. Did you not single her out the last two balls? Such marked attention could only mean trouble with you."

“I never even danced with her.”

“No, but you conversed with her—which is, quite frankly, a far rarer feat.”

“I have no idea what you are implying.”

James cleared his throat. "I imply nothing. If, however, you do intend to start lavishing attentions on women again, I would feel duty-bound to remind you that some circumspection is always nice."

Alfred scowled at his brother, who only grinned back at him.

"I am not courting anyone at the moment," said Alfred.

"One might wonder if what you used to do could even be called courting in the first place."

Alfred groaned, stopping only to proffer a polite smile when a pair of acquaintances passed by. "I am not courting Miss Fletcher."

"I had feared that."

"Why would you?" A particular thought sent a shot of alarm through Alfred's chest. "Don't tell me you wish to court her."

James’s look of surprise gave way to laughter. "No, I do not. I am here on break, not to stir the pot of trouble that is women.

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