Nick?”
Nicholas turned at once toward the familiar voice. Alexander Warrene , Earl of Chesterfield was another of England’s most desirable and elusive bachelors and most assuredly Nicholas’ closest friend. Like Nicholas, Alex had inherited his title at an early age, his father having died in a hunting accident when Alex was seventeen. The death of his father had forced Alex to become a man virtually overnight, robbing him of his youthful freedom and bestowing upon him the numerous challenges associated with possessing a great deal of power and wealth at a very young age. Despite the obvious benefits of his station, the ensuing responsibilities were enormous. The two men had a great deal in common. Perhaps that was why they were such good friends.
“Alex, what on earth are you doing here?” Nicholas asked in surprised greeting. “I thought you weren’t coming.”
“Amelia and Lizzie are finally on the mend, so mother ushered me out of the house, insisting that I come tonight and make an appearance on behalf of the family. She sends her regrets of course.”
“Well it’s good to see you, and I am glad to hear that your sisters are recovering. Please give them my best.” He was aware that both of Alex’s younger sisters had been suffering from a recent illness and was pleased to know that their health was improving.
“I will,” he said with an appreciative nod. “So, you haven’t answered my question. What is it that has you tucked away in this shadowy nook my friend? Or do I even need to ask?”
Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Will it never end?”
“Not until you are officially leg-shackled and put hopelessly beyond their reach, I’m afraid.”
Alex’s tone was sympathetic, but Nicholas didn’t miss the amused twinkle in his friend’s eye. “At least when Brendon is about I have some measure of peace,” he lamented with a wry grin. “When he returns from his latest voyage, I fully intend to box his ears for abandoning me during the hunting weekend.”
Alex chuckled. “Yes, if anyone can draw the ladies attention from you it’s definitely your charming rogue of a brother.”
He was about to respond when he noted Ashleigh’s partner spinning her in their direction from the corner of his eye. Unwittingly, he turned to follow her with his gaze as they whirled past. He thought she might have noticed him standing there, but he couldn’t be sure.
“Good lord, who is she?” Alex demanded, following Nick’s steady gaze.
Nicholas, recognizing the look of blatant male admiration in Alex’s expression, stiffened slightly.
“She is Ashleigh St. John, the Earl of Dexter’s granddaughter. She also happens to be our houseguest for the next couple of months. Madeline has offered to take the girl under her wing while Dexter is abroad, and help prepare her for her first Season.
“She’s stunning,” Alex said, his eyes following her until she disappeared once again within the crowd.
“Don’t even think about it,” Nicholas replied, a bit more forcefully than he had intended.
Alex turned back to him, brows raised, a speculative glint in his eye. “Already staked your claim?”
“Hardly,” he snorted. “You know I don’t involve myself with innocents Alex. The girl is under my protection for the time being, that is all.” He hoped he sounded convincing, but one look at Alex's face told him he hadn't succeeded. Alex knew him too well.
“I see.” Alex’s tone was slightly sardonic, his expression bemused. “Well, if you will excuse me for a moment, I haven’t yet said hello to your lovely grandmother. And of course, it would be remiss of me not to at least introduce myself to your lovely houseguest .”
Nicholas watched in mild irritation as Alex abruptly turned and walked away, purposefully weaving his way through the crowded ballroom.
Ashleigh was more than a little relieved when Philip Bancroft,
Nicholas turned at once toward the familiar voice. Alexander Warrene , Earl of Chesterfield was another of England’s most desirable and elusive bachelors and most assuredly Nicholas’ closest friend. Like Nicholas, Alex had inherited his title at an early age, his father having died in a hunting accident when Alex was seventeen. The death of his father had forced Alex to become a man virtually overnight, robbing him of his youthful freedom and bestowing upon him the numerous challenges associated with possessing a great deal of power and wealth at a very young age. Despite the obvious benefits of his station, the ensuing responsibilities were enormous. The two men had a great deal in common. Perhaps that was why they were such good friends.
“Alex, what on earth are you doing here?” Nicholas asked in surprised greeting. “I thought you weren’t coming.”
“Amelia and Lizzie are finally on the mend, so mother ushered me out of the house, insisting that I come tonight and make an appearance on behalf of the family. She sends her regrets of course.”
“Well it’s good to see you, and I am glad to hear that your sisters are recovering. Please give them my best.” He was aware that both of Alex’s younger sisters had been suffering from a recent illness and was pleased to know that their health was improving.
“I will,” he said with an appreciative nod. “So, you haven’t answered my question. What is it that has you tucked away in this shadowy nook my friend? Or do I even need to ask?”
Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Will it never end?”
“Not until you are officially leg-shackled and put hopelessly beyond their reach, I’m afraid.”
Alex’s tone was sympathetic, but Nicholas didn’t miss the amused twinkle in his friend’s eye. “At least when Brendon is about I have some measure of peace,” he lamented with a wry grin. “When he returns from his latest voyage, I fully intend to box his ears for abandoning me during the hunting weekend.”
Alex chuckled. “Yes, if anyone can draw the ladies attention from you it’s definitely your charming rogue of a brother.”
He was about to respond when he noted Ashleigh’s partner spinning her in their direction from the corner of his eye. Unwittingly, he turned to follow her with his gaze as they whirled past. He thought she might have noticed him standing there, but he couldn’t be sure.
“Good lord, who is she?” Alex demanded, following Nick’s steady gaze.
Nicholas, recognizing the look of blatant male admiration in Alex’s expression, stiffened slightly.
“She is Ashleigh St. John, the Earl of Dexter’s granddaughter. She also happens to be our houseguest for the next couple of months. Madeline has offered to take the girl under her wing while Dexter is abroad, and help prepare her for her first Season.
“She’s stunning,” Alex said, his eyes following her until she disappeared once again within the crowd.
“Don’t even think about it,” Nicholas replied, a bit more forcefully than he had intended.
Alex turned back to him, brows raised, a speculative glint in his eye. “Already staked your claim?”
“Hardly,” he snorted. “You know I don’t involve myself with innocents Alex. The girl is under my protection for the time being, that is all.” He hoped he sounded convincing, but one look at Alex's face told him he hadn't succeeded. Alex knew him too well.
“I see.” Alex’s tone was slightly sardonic, his expression bemused. “Well, if you will excuse me for a moment, I haven’t yet said hello to your lovely grandmother. And of course, it would be remiss of me not to at least introduce myself to your lovely houseguest .”
Nicholas watched in mild irritation as Alex abruptly turned and walked away, purposefully weaving his way through the crowded ballroom.
Ashleigh was more than a little relieved when Philip Bancroft,
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