Page 17 of Scandalous Nights With the Earl

‘Which is probably a good thing,’ he returned. ‘It has been a long while since I have been out in this city.’

‘And so much has changed, I should imagine.’

‘Perhaps,’ he said softly as he gazed around the room. ‘But so much has not.’

‘You did not enjoy London, my lord? Before, I mean.’ She wondered if the question was too personal even as she asked it, but he took no umbrage.

‘Expectations can be wearying and here they arrive in many forms. The ball. The dances. The conversations. But I am beginning to feel more established in Hampshire.’

‘In your role there? In the running of a large estate?’

‘I forgot how many questions you ask.’

Willa hated the blush that came across her cheeks.

‘I did not mean that as a criticism, Mrs St Claire. Sometimes questions are a good thing because they can bring about a change.’

‘You sound like your brother.’

This time he laughed. ‘Esther mentioned that she was acquainted with you when I visited Nettleford on my arrival. Oliver looked happier than I have ever seen him.’

‘Because he has found a nest with Esther and the children.’

‘A nest?’

‘Most men need these to flourish.’

‘Is this a scientific fact?’

‘No. My parents would be horrified by such a deduction. I told you they were scientists, did I not? It’s more of an observation, I think, but the nest has to be a happy one or the whole theory falls apart.’

‘Do you have many of these theories, Mrs St Claire?’

‘I think I do, my lord. I think a lifetime of watching people forms the sort of knowledge in one that is undeniable.’

‘I have heard you enjoy evenings of discussion at your house. Are these the sort of things spoken of?’

‘Oh, there are no rules. You say what you wish to and receive back an opinion. No one is right or wrong unless they are derogatory and mean-minded.’

‘In which case they are thrown out?’

‘No, not even that. We try to reform even the bleakest of bigots.’

‘Who is “we”?’

She smiled. ‘Probably just me. I find if a meeting is run in kindness it is generally successful.’

‘When is the next one?’

Surprise made her frown. ‘You are thinking of coming?’

‘Am I not allowed?’

‘Of course you are; it is just…these discussions are open to everyone and as such they have a certain flavour…’

‘The flavour of democracy?’

His humour was wry. ‘On second thoughts, I think you would do very well as an attendee, my lord, and I will send you an invitation.’