A Study In Seduction(25)

He went to refill his glass but stopped, his gaze moving to where a handsome blond man stood speaking with Talia. Stiffness lined Talia’s posture, her entire body drawn back as the man stood too close.

Alexander tensed and started forward, only to be stayed by a hand on his arm. Sebastian shook his head.

The blond man grasped Talia’s arm. When he bent even closer to speak to her, she tried to pull away, her features tightening. Alexander shook off Sebastian’s hand and strode toward their sister.

Before he reached her, a tall man with sun-streaked brown hair stopped beside Talia. With one movement, Lord Castleford gripped the blond man’s arm and twisted him away. He stepped between them, shielding Talia with his body. He muttered a few words that caused the younger man to hunch his shoulders and skulk away.

In almost the same movement, Castleford pressed a hand to Talia’s lower back, guiding her onto the dance floor as the music began.

Alexander glanced around, realizing Castleford had accomplished his mission with such stealth that no one except them had noticed the unpleasant little scene.

“I saw him approaching,” Sebastian explained, “and he’s far more discreet than you would have been. Care to tell me again that I don’t give a whit for society’s opinion?”

He arched an eyebrow and strode away. Alexander waited until the music stopped before approaching his friend and clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Welcome back, you old bohemian. It’s good to see you again.”

“Good to be back, North.”

Alexander looked at his sister. She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, as if to indicate the incident with the other man was of no consequence.

“How long were you gone this time?” Alexander asked Castleford.

“Over a year, but I’m planning another excursion to Malay in the fall. Lady Talia tells me you’ve organized the Society of Arts’ educational exhibition?”

“I have.”

“Alexander, Lord Castleford would be a great help with the display focusing on Chinese education,” Talia said. “He traveled extensively in China, you know. He’s also agreed to help me rework my curriculum proposal for the ragged schools.”

Alexander eyed his friend. “I’d no idea you were so interested in education, considering your penchant for playing cricket over studying.”

Castleford grinned. “We can’t all be as industrious as you, North. You’ve still got your Eton Latin Grammar, haven’t you?”

“And I consult it regularly,” Alexander replied. “I’d wager you couldn’t decline a noun to save your life.”

“Salva animum tuum.”

“Abi.”

“Boys,” Talia said. Although her voice was stern, she looked amused for the first time that evening. “Pay attention. We’ve the children’s festival next weekend, Alexander, the one to benefit the ragged schools. I’ve invited Lord Castleford to attend, and I’d hoped you would as well.”

“It’s on my calendar, yes.”

Talia smiled. The expression almost startled Alexander. His sister hadn’t directed a smile at him in an age. It was as if a light had been lit inside her and shone onto him.

“Lord Northwood?” A young woman in a green silk gown paused at the edge of their circle and looked up at him. Her lips curved with pleasure. “We were hoping you would be here tonight. We’ve heard so much about the exhibition.”

“Miss Cooper. Allow me to introduce—”

“Lord Castleford, yes, we’re acquainted.” Miss Cooper’s cool gaze passed over Castleford and came to rest on Talia. “And good evening to you, Lady Talia.”

Talia gave the other woman a stiff nod. Castleford curled his hand around Talia’s elbow, murmured an excuse, and guided her toward the refreshment table.

Alexander turned to Miss Cooper, who was looking at him with expectation. He swallowed a sigh.

“How are your parents, Miss Cooper?” he asked.

“Very well, thank you. Mother is leaving for a trip to Paris next week. She plans to visit a renowned modiste, having been recommended by her dear friend Lady Dubois. I do so wish I could accompany her, but I’ve already several social engagements here in London. Will you be attending Lady Whitmore’s ball?”

“I’ve not yet decided,” Alexander replied. “Please convey my best regards to your parents.”

He stepped back, intending the remark as a polite closure to the conversation, but Miss Cooper moved forward into the slight distance he’d created.