The Incorrigible Mr. Lumley by Aileen Fish

Author:Aileen Fish
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: regency england, regency era, regency historical romance, regency england regency romance mf sweet love story, regency 1800s, regency era romance, regency ebook, traditional regency romance, regency england 1800s

Thursday afternoon, Joanna rose to meet the Lumleys when they entered Aunt Ophelia’s drawing room. “I’m very glad you all could come.”

Mr. Lumley introduced his mother to Joanna and Aunt Ophelia. Lady Bridgethorpe acknowledged them both, then spoke to Joanna. “I’m happy for the chance to get to know you better. My daughter speaks of you so often I feel as though we’re close friends already. You and your aunt must call on us when you’re free.”

“That would be lovely, my lady. As soon as the others have arrived, we’ll pick our partners for cards. Perhaps you’d care to sit while we wait?” Joanna led the woman to an upholstered chair set to one side of the room.

Lady Hannah followed, taking Joanna’s hand and pulling her to one side. “Tell me what gentlemen will be here. Whom shall I have as a partner?”

“There are a few I’ve not met, but they are friends of Aunt Ophelia’s. I’m sure one will suit you, for at least an afternoon.”

“I hope that is true. I grow tired of spending so much time with my brothers. I’m glad we are friends. I miss my sisters terribly.”

“Oh look, Miss Clawson is here. Let’s hear how her night at Vauxhall went.” Joanna led Lady Hannah to join their friend. Mrs. Clawson sat with the other matrons who were already deep in conversation.

After everyone had arrived, Aunt Ophelia walked to the center of the room and clapped her hands. “It’s time to find your partners for whist and take your seats.”

Much scurrying and laughter followed as the younger people paired up. Joanna searched for Mr. Lumley, when Lord Henry Vickers stepped in front of her. “Have you a partner, Lady Joanna?”

“Why, no, I do not.”

“Wonderful! I’m an excellent player, never fear.”

Losing at cards was not a large concern for her. Missing the chance to flirt with Mr. Lumley was. She searched the table to see if he’d found a partner and found him watching her, a bit of disappointment showing on his features. She smiled and motioned to an empty table. He nodded.

Joanna turned back to Lord Henry. “Shall we sit here?”

He followed her to the table and held her chair. Mr. Lumley walked up a moment later with the very plain daughter of Aunt Ophelia’s friend. Joanna realized the girl was his second choice, but it made her heart swell to see him coming to the aid of a girl who was not likely to be anyone’s first choice. Joanna smiled at the girl. “Miss Culpepper, I’m glad we’ll have this time to visit.”

“Thank you,” she said and awkwardly sat to Joanna’s right.

This put Mr. Lumley to Joanna’s left. All too soon, Joanna discovered what a distraction he was. If he’d been her partner, sitting across the table from her, she still might have smelled his cologne, the deeply musky scent, and would have seen every smirk and lift of the brow as he signaled his intent to play a certain card. That would have made concentration difficult enough.

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