Now his friend laughed. “And some things never change. She’s got your cock in a knot but good!” Percy stiffened, but Will waved away his indignation. “If you think she’s a fair match in temperament and will provide you a happy marriage bed and heirs, that’s really all a man can ask.” His smile turned sly. “I take it she’s no shy miss?”
“Miss Lowther’s character is unimpeachable, her reputation pristine, and her morals are as strong as mine are questionable.”
But his cool tone was lost on his friend, whose grin merely broadened. “Thus are you considering the altar—because you can’t have her any other way.”
Percy’s insides squirmed. Sometimes the man was too damned perceptive! “Truth be known, I don’t want her any other way.” He blinked in surprise at himself. “She has earned my respect, and God knows I like her better than any other woman I’ve ever met.” It was true, he realized. His fondness for Sabrina paled in comparison to his liking for Eden.
“A woman who can handle all your secrets and sinful ways, yet still tolerate your company?” said Will, chuckling. “This Miss Lowther must be a formidable creature indeed.”
“Just so,” Percy grunted, downing the rest of his pint. Formidable was a good word to describe Eden. “I trust your discretion, Will. No one can know—about the painting or indeed any of what we’ve discussed.”
“On my honor.” Will again lifted his glass. “Your health and happiness, my friend.”
Percy raised his. “And yours.” He felt good about his plan. Not only would it help Will further build his reputation as an artist, but it wouldn’t hurt to have his wife’s portrait hanging on his wall when he brought her home. And if anyone happened to let slip the surprise before that time arrived, it certainly wouldn’t lose him any favor.
Chapter Seven
Friday
Perched on the edge of a blue-and-gold striped settee in Lady Montgomery’s salon, Eden sipped her tea, admiring the delicate, hand-painted periwinkles on the fine china. Happily, she was here on her own. Catherine had taken ill this morning with a terrific cold that had rendered her indisposed.
She ought to feel guilty for being glad of her stepmother’s illness, but she could only count it as supreme good fortune. It was only a cold, after all. If luck held, she would be laid up with it for at least several more days, providing a golden opportunity to make some forward progress unimpeded. “Make hay while the sun doth shine,” Percy had said. Well, here she was smack in the center of the biggest, ripest field in all of London.
The general pleasantries had already been exchanged, which meant they could now get down to business. What secrets would be disclosed? What useful tidbits of information would she glean from the woman who had once captured Percy’s heart?
Smiling sweetly, she slathered jam on her crumpet and waited.
“How did you and Percy come to be acquainted?” inquired Lady Montgomery as she stirred sugar into her cup.
“We were introduced by a mutual friend at the Wyndham ball,” Eden told her, although “friend” was not a term she would really use to describe Lord Wells. “He was most gallant—practically swept me off my feet the instant we were introduced.” She lifted the crumpet to her lips and took a small bite. Delicious.
“Excellent. And he has requested the honor of courting you?”
Coughing to dislodge an errant morsel from her air passage, Eden put the crumpet back down. How did she know? Percy. He must have told her. “Well, er…yes,” she answered at last. “But—”
“And?” prompted her
hostess eagerly.
Eden suppressed an urge to squirm. This seat wasn’t nearly as comfortable as she’d first imagined. She wondered just how much Percy had told her and how much she ought to reveal. “Indeed he has. But I am uncertain as to whether it’s prudent to enter into such an agreement so early in our acquaintance.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” Her hostess’s lashes fluttered in a show of mild confusion. “Henry told me this morning Percy has declared his affection for you and that you have not discouraged him. Surely courtship must follow?”
“Well…” Eden bit her lip, unable now to resist the impulse to wriggle. This was most awkward. She’d thought to be the one gathering information, not giving it. “The truth of the matter is, I’m afraid my family will oppose the idea rather vehemently. Particularly my stepmother, who has my father’s ear in all matters.”
Lady Montgomery sat back with a slight frown. “I see. His reputation has no doubt hampered her estimation of him. Well, one can certainly understand her position.”
The back of Eden’s neck prickled. “He has been kind and thoughtful, conducting himself in an entirely honorable manner.” For the most part. “I believe rumor has exaggerated his past proclivities. He cannot possibly be as bad as everyone says.”
“Oh, but I assure you he is.” Lady Montgomery’s green eyes twinkled merrily over the gold rim of her cup as she took a sip. “Or was, rather. It’s been noted he’s been somewhat less troublesome since his return from the continent. Some are crediting you with that change.”
Now they were getting to it. “As we’ve only known each other a short time, I’m afraid I cannot claim responsibility. My mother used to say age mellows even the wildest of men. Perhaps it is that which has tempered him.”
“If you think thus, then you’ve obviously not met Lord Abingdon,” laughed the other woman. “Age has done nothing to temper that gentleman.”
The spasm of distaste that curled Eden’s lip was involuntary.
“Ah, but I see you have met his lordship,” teased Lady Montgomery. “I assume he’s made a bit of a nuisance of himself?”