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He gave her that boyish smile that got him lemon drops and sweets when he was a boy.

“So”—Euphemia slipped into the role of an interrogator—“how was the Hexters’ event last night?”

Satisfying,James was tempted to admit.Lady Diana asked me to show her pleasure, and I gladly agreed. All in all, it was a great evening.

But he decided to spare his grandmother a possible heartache. And spare himself a long scolding.

“You know the Hexters. They like to show off,” he said offhand.

“They got money and no idea what to do with it. Maybe they lack… refinement, but ever since their unassuming son took over, their estate has expanded. He has a knack for business, and his wife is happy to spend his money.”

“It amazes me, Grandmother, how you are always so well-informed even though you are confined in the house. You should accompany me next time.”

“Then I would have a firsthand account of your conduct.”

“You know me. I conduct myself with dignity, upholding our family name.”

“Ah,dignity. The first word people use when they talk about you, I am sure.”

“That is fairly unkind, dear grandmother.”

“But accurate.”

James cocked an eyebrow. He didn’t have to look far to see who he got his attitude from. He filled his cup with more coffee, since he had to admit that although he was not drunk, he had a hard time sleeping.

“Now, tell me. Did you meet Lady Diana?”

He almost choked on his coffee. His grandmother was for sure a menace. He looked upon her, the frail old woman petting her cats. One could mistake her for a fool, and that would make him the fool in her stead. James was smarter than that.

“Grandmother, if I didn’t know you any better, I would think you are prying.”

“Iamprying.”

“So, all of this is not a thoughtful inquiry about my well-being?” James pretended to be hurt.

Euphemia looked at him over her teacup. “Your being has constantly been well, boy. I am always more worried about the well-being of the people around you.”

James couldn’t help but laugh and put his hand over his heart as if her words truly hurt him.

“I am sure you will survive.” His grandmother waved him off like a spoiled child.

“I do feel the need to warn you, Grandmother.” The look in his eyes was playful but also serious. “Keep prying, and I might indulge your curiosity. It doesn’t mean that you will like what you will hear.”

Euphemia gaped at him and perhaps blushed. “Anyway, Lady Diana…?”

“I did meet her,” James proceeded carefully. “She was accompanied by her brother. We had to discuss some business venture.”

“Did you dance with her?”

“It was only polite to do so.”

“And you are one for propriety, right? Especially when there is something to gain?”

“Grandmother, you wound me.” James smiled. “You have no regard for my virtues.”

“But I can always rely on your vices.”

James chuckled at that.