Page 12 of A Trial of His Affections (Bachelors of Blackstone’s #2)

Chapter Twelve

M iles stepped into the entryway of Eaton House and tugged on his waistcoat. While the place was the London home of his youth, it was not where he felt at home. That distinction fell to his own townhouse in Red Lion Square. But while Eaton House did not feel like home, it felt familiar.

“Miles,” a high-pitched call came from the top of the stairs. “You came at last!”

Miles laughed at his youngest sister, Arabella’s greeting. She always had tended toward the dramatic.

“Good evening, Ari.” He looked up at her as she raced down the staircase. “Perhaps I would have been along sooner if you had notified me of your arrival.” He feigned hurt. “Imagine my surprise—and vexation—at learning you were in Town from Freddie of all people.”

She sidled up next to him and looped her arm through his. “It was a rather sudden decision. When the letter arrived from Cousin Matilde, Aunt was in quite a state. She set out the next morning. At the same time, she sent us off for London.”

Miles frowned. “She did not escort you as far as London?” That did not seem like his aunt.

“No, Mr. and Mrs. Young were coming this way. She asked if we might not make the journey with them.” At this, Ari scrunched up her nose in distaste. “Mrs. Young smells of cooked turnips. It was a most unpleasant journey.”

Miles grinned widely. “How did Father take your arrival? He doesn’t like surprises.”

Ari sighed and shook her head. “Indeed, but what choice did he have? He sat us down this morning and informed us he would not be prevailed upon to escort us around Town, so we might as well find several good books in the library and spend our days in learning.” She released a long-suffering sigh.

“Perhaps you can prevail upon me to escort you to a few places. My schedule is quite full with causes, but I’m certain I can find a few spare moments for you and Evie.”

Ari pulled her hand from his arm and clapped. “Oh, I knew you would not see us bored out of our minds. Between Freddie and you, I believe we will have at least a few adventures.”

Miles’ brows rose as an idea struck him. “I’m to escort Miss Jenkins to the British Museum tomorrow afternoon. What if the two of you came with us?”

“Where are we going tomorrow afternoon?” A voice sounded behind them.

Miles turned and smiled at his sister. She was only fifteen, but he was certain she would turn many heads when their father allowed her to be presented at court in a few years.

“Evie, Miles is to escort Miss Jenkins to the British Museum tomorrow and has invited us along. Is that not the best news you’ve heard since we arrived?”

Evie moved in and captured Miles’ other arm. “Indeed, it is. I worried that if Freddie was our only source of entertainment, it would be a very dull Season.”

Miles winked at Evie. “I will avail myself to you whenever I’m not at the bar.”

“Or with Miss Jenkins?” Evie looked at him with a knowing smile. But what exactly did she know? His sister was often wise beyond her years. But did she have to prove so where Grace was concerned? “Still trying to win her affections, I see.”

Miles shook his head and feigned indignation. “Of course not. But she is our neighbor and dear friend. Should we not help her have an enjoyable Season?”

Evie winked back. “Not to worry, dear brother. We’ll help in any way we can, will we not, Ari?”

“I like Miss Jenkins. She is very nice.” Ari’s brow furrowed. “Especially since Miss Martindale moved away.”

Evie clucked her tongue. “Ari, you are not to say such things.” She leaned in front of Miles and whispered to her sister. “You never know who might be around the corner and listening in London.”

Ari looked pensive. “But we’re in our own home.”

Evie shrugged. “I only know that Eugenia Bateman said that she told no one of kissing Mr. Turner, except her sister while they were in their sitting room. No sooner had she spoken it and the whole of the ton knew of it. It would have ruined her had he not proposed soon after.”

Ari shook her head. “Perhaps London servants aren’t as discreet as country servants?” She whispered.

“Now, Ari, I’m certain it has nothing to do with location.” Miles tried to infuse the proper amount of authority into his voice. “If it were the servants, it was simply that Mrs. Bateman did not hire trustworthy ones. I think it more likely that a window or terrace door was open, and someone overheard while walking past.”

Evie raised a dubious brow. “Hmm. I don’t see how that could be.”

Miles could not help but smile, his countenance lighter already. “But I think your warning is wise. We should all be cautious of what we say about others. You never know who is listening.” He looked pointedly at Ari. “A caution you should not only heed in Town.”

Ari sulked. “If you cannot speak of such things in one’s own house, where can you speak of them?”

They stepped into the parlor, and Miles’ father and Freddie looked up from some papers on the desk.

“Thank you,” Freddie mouthed as he moved quickly out from behind the desk.

“Miles,” his father boomed, “I didn’t realize you were joining us for dinner.”

“I invited him this afternoon, Father. He had not heard about Arabella and Evangeline’s arrival. I thought they would all enjoy seeing each other.” Freddie moved to the other side of Miles, no doubt to put him in closer proximity to their father.

His father opened his mouth to object, but Freddie cut him off. “Do not worry, Father. I informed Mrs. Bixby, and she will set a place for him.”

Miles’ father shrugged. “Then I’m glad to have you.”

“As am I,” Freddie whispered. “He has taken to bringing papers into the parlor so we might discuss them before dinner. Is it not enough that he sequesters me all day? Must he take my evenings as well?” He shook his head. “I’m tempted to take dinner at my club.”

Miles smiled over his shoulder at his brother. “If you wish to, I can entertain Father and the girls. Go have your evening. We’ll not even miss you.”

Freddie’s eyes widened in appreciation. “Thank you, Miles. I’m in your debt.” He headed toward the door. “I think I’ll have dinner at the club tonight. Good evening, Father.” And he slid out the door before anyone could object.

“That boy,” his father sighed. “I do not know when he will take his role seriously. He acts as if he doesn’t care a wit about anything but his club and his friends.” He shook his head. “He cried off from this afternoon’s discussion because he claimed a matter of urgency at Brooks’s. He must think me daft.”

Miles grimaced. “I’m sorry, Father. But I was the urgent matter that called him to Brooks’s.”

“Are you in trouble, son?” His father came closer, his brow furrowed. “Is it with the law or your estate?”

Miles clasped his hands behind his back. “No, sir. It’s nothing so serious. Indeed, upon speaking of it with Fin and Freddie, I realized I overreacted. It’s nothing to worry about.” Lud, why had he felt the need to defend Freddie? His father would surely not let this matter go.

His father eyed him for a moment longer before he shrugged and settled into a chair. Evie and Ari had already settled onto the couch. “Papa, you’ll never guess where Miles has agreed to take us,” Ari bounced in excitement.

“Ari, please contain yourself,” their father said, weariness in his tone.

Miles smiled as his sister stopped bouncing but could not stop her legs from continuing the movement.

“Now, where is Miles taking you?” His father looked at his daughters with full attention. Miles had to give his father his due. Unlike most gentlemen of his father’s age and social status, their father was quite active in his daughters’ lives. He took an active interest in them—noting their likes and dislikes.

“To the British Museum,” Evie said, earning her a scowl from Ari.

“Evangeline Yardley,” Ari said with fists on her hips, even though she was seated. “It was my story to tell.” The girl whined.

Evie tipped her head to the side. “Then why did you not tell it? You were taking forever.”

Their father’s lips twitched ever so slightly. “Arabella is correct, Evangeline. You should not have robbed your sister of her due éclat. Please apologize.”

Evie looked contrite, but Miles had the sneaking suspicion it was only for their father’s benefit. “I beg your pardon, Ari.” Evie rolled her eyes as if apologizing was completely absurd.

Ari sat up straighter and looked rather severe. “Thank you, Papa.” But then her face broke into a grin. “Is it not exciting, though? The British Museum. I’ve heard so much about it.”

“Yes, it will be marvelous.” Evie glanced over at Miles. “Perhaps afterwards you could take us for chocolate at Gunter’s?”

“I think I should prefer an ice,” Ari said.

“It’s too cold for ices,” their father said. He looked at Miles. “I fear they are fiends of your own making, son.” But his smile hinted that he did not think the situation so dire.

“Then can we go for chocolate? Please, Miles?” Evie looked at him with eyes he was sure would melt the heart of nearly every suitor she would surely have.

“If Miss Jenkins has the time, we will stop. But I invited her first, so she will make the decision.”

His father’s brows rose. “Miss Jenkins? Philip Jenkins’ sister?”

Miles nodded. “Yes. I’m certain I told you at Christmastide that she was to have a Season.” He had not, in actuality, told his father. There was no need. While he would not object to a match with Grace, Lord Kentwood felt Miles could set his sights much higher than a stable master’s daughter. Perhaps Miles could. But he had never felt the same way for anyone as he had Grace…no matter her upbringing.

“She’s not being presented at court, surely.” His father leaned back and crossed his arms over his large chest. Some people might find it intimidating, but Miles knew it was his ‘considering’ stance.

“No, she is not. I would not consider it a full Season as she is not likely to be invited to many events. But Miss Jenkins is a very handsome lady. It will not take many events for her to find interested suitors.” Miles choked out the last part. He hated that his throat tightened every time he mentioned the other men.

His father studied him with the penetrating gaze that sent even dukes scurrying for cover. “If she is here to find a match, should you not leave her to her search?”

Miles shrugged. “She doesn’t know many people. I’m just trying to be a friend.”

“Are you certain that’s all you’re trying to be?” Concern etched his father’s face, and Miles understood where Evie got her perceptiveness from. While his father had never mentioned it, Miles had wondered on more than one occasion if he’d learned of the failed proposal.

Miles lifted a shoulder in defeat. What could he say? He could not tell his father everything as he had told Freddie and Fin. But it seemed his father could still read him well enough to know the truth of it. “I have to try to get her to see me.”

Evie moved in on one side and Ari on the other, pressing him between them. They each looped their arms through his. “We’ll help you win her, Miles,” Evie whispered.

“If that is what you want,” Ari added.

He smiled at his sisters. “Did I tell you how glad I am you came to London?”

They beamed up at him.

His father grunt-chuckled. “Yes, I’m certain it will add to the liveliness.”

His sisters hugged each of his arms before they released him. “We’ll have a grand time, won’t we, Miles?”

He laughed. “I don’t know how it could be anything but.”