The Lady to Match a Rogue: Faith by Thorne Isabella

Author:Thorne, Isabella
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mikita Associates
Published: 2019-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

For a moment Oscar could see the relation between Emerson and his cousin. Miss Baggington had a similar expression and inflection in her voice.

“Yes. I have been known to gad about a bit, but I am truly trying to reform for my grandfather’s sake, and now, with my best friend married, I have no one to gad about with.” He took a second brandy and had a generous swig while Mr. Emerson looked on with censure.

“Come now,” Oscar demanded. “It is a well-known and long-standing tradition that when gentlemen go to fetch drinks for ladies they have a drink themselves, sometimes two before returning. If we return too soon we shall be damaging the reputations of gentlemen everywhere.”

“I thought you were reformed,” Mr. Emerson said.

“And I thought you a man.”

Emerson opened his mouth to say something, but instead finished his glass with a grimace and turned on his heel, apparently to search out the baron himself.

Oscar sighed, downed his drink and followed the man. He did not want to be on the outs with any of the Baggingtons or their relations. He wanted to court Miss Baggington, and if that meant making friends with the strange little man, he would do so.

“Wait, Emerson,” Oscar called as he caught sight of the baron. “Do not be cross with me. I will introduce you to Baron Torsford.”

Faith paused and located the baron, finally free of a large gaggle of guests. Apparently, Titherington saw him too.

“Edgar! I have found him,” Oscar called quickly outpacing Emerson. Faith lengthened her stride to keep pace.

“Oh just the thing!” the baron said. “I do not know how we missed introductions,” he continued, thrusting out his hand to greet Emerson. “Nettlefold is not that big of a town. I thought I knew everyone.”

Faith realized that touching the baron’s hand brought no jolt of excitement to her breast.

“I have only visited my cousins here,” Faith said, explaining that she was not often in Nettlefold.

“Are you staying with the Baggingtons, then?” Oscar inquired.

Faith startled and floundered for a moment. He could not inquire about Emerson at Mortel Manor.

“No. I have let a cottage,” she replied.

“A cottage?” Oscar repeated. “I am staying at Middle-Nett cottage.” He thought the Baggington’s lane had only had the one cottage, the one he was staying in, but perhaps Lord Mortel had another.

“Yes,” Emerson said. “It allows me privacy to write.”

“Ah yes, your writing,” the baron said. “Quite refreshing.”

“Speaking of refreshing,” Titherington said lifting the glasses in his hands. “I shall deliver these to the ladies and see if I can manage the waltz with Miss Hope.”

Emerson made a move to speak, but Titherington interrupted. “And don’t forget, Sir, you promised to put in a good word for me with her brother.”

“I made no such promise,” Emerson called after him, but Titherington had already turned away.

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