Such a fierce inquiry. “Friend of the family. What is yours?”
Tresham snatched the garter off Cicero’s head. “Total stranger, and I’d prefer to keep it that way.”
“They are an agreeable group, and the earl is noted for his geniality—also for his size. The other brothers are formidable as well, but gentlemen all.”
Tresham looked as if he’d like to plant Cicero—or somebody—a facer. “Those brothers need to keep a closer eye on Lady Della, or send her back to the family seat on the next mail coach. She is a bold creature.”
Tresham was the bold one, accosting a young lady when she was unchaperoned in a corridor.
“Your observation, sir, is unfair and unwise,” Will said. “Lady Della is not bold. If she has been bold with you, then you did something to either encourage her or provoke her. She’s enduring an awkward first Season due to circumstances beyond her control. She’s been the butt of undeserved censure, rumor, and rude behavior, and I’ll not tolerate you adding to her burdens.”
Cheering thought—Cam, Casriel, and most of all, Ash would have agreed with Will.
“Who are you to be tolerating anything?” Tresham muttered. “She’s a thorn in my side, and the sooner she’s gone from Town, the happier I’ll be.”
“Are you the one circulating the unkind rumors about her?” Will asked, for he’d caught the barest breezes of talk in the club. Cam’s eavesdropping in the men’s retiring room, and Lady Della’s paucity of recent dance partners suggested those breezes were originating right here in Mayfair. “I will put a stop to your misbehavior if you are.”
Tresham might be a handsome fellow if he ever bothered to smile. He looked positively thunderous now.
“Who in their right mind would circulate rumors about an earl’s daughter who has five older brothers, any one of whom might meet a man on the field of honor?”
Will propped an elbow on the top of Cicero’s head. “Interesting question, but the fact remains, rumors have made the rounds about Lady Della’s antecedents. Unkind rumors that mean her ladyship is lucky to fill her dance card, and lately must rely on the good offices of family friends to get through every ball, musicale, and Venetian breakfast. I account myself among those friends, and you slander her at your peril.”
Where was Susannah, and what would she think of this discussion?
“Rumors about her antecedents?” Tresham asked, twirling the green garter on the end of a gloved finger.
Will maintained a politic silence. He’d got Tresham’s attention, and with the stronger light of twin sconces to aid him, Will recalled where he’d last seen Tresham. This was Quimbey’s heir, the younger man who’d shared dinner with the duke at the club.
Lady Della had vexed Tresham sorely. Not well done of her, when her reputation already hung by a thread.
“The rumors are not my doing,” Tresham said, “but I thank you for calling them to my attention. Whatever my private differences with the young lady, she is a lady, and deserving of every public courtesy.”
“Every private courtesy too.”
Tresham stuffed the garter into a pocket. “You won’t say a word about my discussion with Lady Della, sir, or I’ll let the world know Mr. Willow Dorning was sharing very personal liberties with the woman’s sister. I took a wrong turning in my search for Lady Della, and happened upon a couple in a shocking embrace.”
Will straightened and patted Cicero’s head, for nothing and nobody would ruin Will’s good mood tonight.
“Being a gentleman and a duke’s heir,” Will said, “you also took note that the lady was enthusiastically reciprocating the gentleman’s attentions, and thus you did not intervene. Lady Susannah would probably have done you an injury otherwise. The Haddonfield women are nothing if not fierce.”
And passionate, though where was Will’s fierce, passionate lady? The musicians were tuning up after their last break, and Will needed to hold his lady in his arms.
“You’re courting Lady Susannah?” Tresham asked.
“Yes, so don’t come near her unless your manners are in excellent repair.” Interesting—snorting and pawing could be great fun, something Cam was born knowing, and Casriel had yet to discover.
“I will maintain all possible distance from—ah, Lady Della, Lady Susannah.” Tresham’s tone was about as civil as a Highland winter night.
“Mr. Tresham,” Lady Della said, twining her arm with Susannah’s.
Will sensed Susannah was waiting, letting the young dogs sort themselves out, while the elders maintained an air of calm control.
“If you have the next set free, Lady Della,” Tresham said, “I would be honored to partner you.”