She took her husband’s arm, and together they made their way down the hall.“I hope you don’t mind that we’re not being formal tonight.You’re all part of our extended family here.”
Ashford let out a small laugh.“That will be a welcome relief.”
Lady Lowenbrock’s smile dimmed.“John mentioned that your mother is in town.Does Lady Ashford insist on formality for each meal?”
He raised one shoulder in a shrug.“To an extent, she does, yes.But the real issue is the fact that she is on a quest to find me a wife.”
They’d just arrived at the drawing room, and the sound of Miss Trenton’s laughter indicated she’d overheard his statement.
“I can assure you this is no laughing matter,” he said with a small bow.
He met her amusement with all the seriousness he could muster in the face of her amused countenance.Damn but it was good to see her again.Here, finally, was one woman he wasn’t related to, or who wasn’t already wed, who didn’t have marital designs on him.
“I can only imagine how trying it must be, having beautiful young women hanging on your every word and going out of their way to please you.It must be a great hardship.”
Cranston let out a bark of laughter at her jab.“I don’t know why he’s complaining.The attention is quite pleasant.”
Mary didn’t say anything when she met his gaze, but Ashford could see that she wanted to gloat about being correct in her assessment of the situation.
“I can assure you that being under the watchful gaze of my mother and older sister is not at all enjoyable.”
Lady Lowenbrock gave him a sympathetic smile.“Well, you can enjoy yourself here without worrying we’ve placed any expectations on you.”
“I shall savor the experience since I imagine my evenings will soon be occupied with the business of trying to avoid matchmaking mamas—my own included.”
John clapped him on the shoulder with an exaggerated wince.“I don’t envy you.That one ball where everyone’s attention was on me was more than enough to last a lifetime.”
Ashford’s gaze met Miss Trenton’s, and he could see she was remembering that evening as well, along with his desperate plea for her assistance.With any luck, he might be able to call on her again in the future.