The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter Page A

of his influence like this, another annoyance. Everyone knew the role he had played in government during the war. Re minders like this one, of his frequent consultations with the Admiralty back then, were unnecessary.
    “If he requires warning off, I can manage it,” Christian said. “If you want to insert yourself into a friend's affairs, help out Denningham here. Tell him which of these hopeful girls he should marry.”
    “Marry?” Denningham reddened. “I spoke of one dance!”
    “You were born to marry if ever a man was, and it is long past time,” Ashford said. “As for which one, let me see. …” He scrutinized the ballroom, examining girls with seriously critical eyes.
    Denningham obediently suffered it. Christian had to smile to himself. He was being too critical tonight, and too quick to feel jealousy if any man looked at Leona. Ashford deserved his praise. If he actually did choose a girl for Denningham, it would probably be a perfect match.
    Christian turned his attention back to Leona. Beside him, Ashford exuded an exhausting amount of intrusive noise.
    That was the real reason he was not fond of the man. If he welcomed the King of Spades’ frequent absences from the whist tables, it really had to do with his intensity. Within the elegance and grace a tiger waited, tensed as if to pounce.
    The noise remained abstract and did not translate into emotions. It was just there, an unceasing, unchanging hum. This eternal alertness had probably produced the incisive thought and shrewd analysis that made Ashford so useful and successful in government and politics.
    “That one there, Denningham. Near the wall in the white gown, near the woman in cerulean. That is Miss
    Elizabeth Talorsfield, third daughter of a good family in my county. She is known for her virtue, modesty, and good heart. The settlement should be at least respectable. Come with me, and I will introduce you.”
    Like a sheep to the slaughter, Denningham dutifully followed Ashford across the ballroom. Christian assumed his friend would have a fiancée soon.
    His aunt caught his eye, something she had been attempting for some time despite his resolute avoidance. She beckoned him to join her and Caroline, and angled her head toward a nearby young, unmarried peer. Aunt Hen clearly wanted introductions to be made.
    Since Hen stood close enough to Leona to keep an eye on her, Christian strolled over to do his familial duty.
    Easterbrook was never far away. She saw those eyes on her when she looked in his direction. She sensed his attention even when he was out of sight, a presence charging the air like a summer storm.
    His awareness settled around her, evoking a lively patter in her heart. She engaged in her conversations with more spirit in an attempt to thwart his power, but her heart ruefully admitted that his mere proximity excited her.
    People joined her circle and left, but one young man remained by her side. Blond and wiry, he wore a uniform that marked him as a naval officer. He had been introduced as Lieutenant Crawford. Since he had also traveled in the Far East, he joined in her tales to the delight of their audience.
    “Miss Montgomery, allow me to spirit you away to some refreshments,” he whispered during a lull while the guests rearranged themselves. “Some conversation with you privately would be more charming than entertaining a crowd. I daresay we share acquaintances and similar sympathies.”
    She allowed him to extricate her from the circle and guide her to the dining room where a supper could be had.
    “Where did your ship take you?” she asked once they had settled at the long table. “Were you in the East long?”
    “My commission took me to India, and from there to the China Sea.”
    “Did you go to China itself?”
    He nodded. “We anchored at Lintin. We had a passenger of some importance who had business in Canton, and we waited at Lintin while he disembarked and went there.”
    “I assume that he was someone with