A Wedding In Springtime(22)

“Well now, I’m not sure I could ever boast of putting a young miss in decline, and as for my mother…” Grant paused and pulled out an elegant snuffbox, rolling it in his fingers a few times before returning it to his pocket. “Come to think of it, I rather think I am the bane of her existence. Or must be, to hear her talk. Mothers do take it as a personal affront if their sons don’t choose to marry.”

“Only son,” corrected Genie.

“Guilty as charged, only I had no choice about the only part. Would that my parents had produced a half dozen strapping lads.”

“So no one would be bothered by your determination not to wed?”

Grant merely smiled. Truth was, if he had been blessed with brothers, he would not have felt such pressure to wed. He might have even been married now had circumstances been different. He liked ladies as a general rule. He particularly liked the one sitting beside him. “I suppose they warned you against me.”

“I am not to be within a stone’s throw, and then only if etiquette does not allow me to run screaming from the room when you enter.”

Grant smiled, a slow, lazy smile that generally had the effect of making women melt. “Then why are you sitting beside me?” He leaned a little closer, waiting for the swooning to commence.

Genie raised one eyebrow. “You, sir, are an incorrigible flirt.”

Not exactly a swoon—he must be having an off day. “True, true. And yet you are still here beside me.”

Genie waved a hand like she was swatting away a fly. “It can make very little difference at this point. I shall be leaving soon to go back home. I was raised in the country and there I shall return.”

“Do not let this minor incident ruin your entire London season. Come now, you must have more spirit than that.”

“It is not just that. You can have no idea, but my aunt is actually thinking of paying a matchmaker to find me a husband. A shocking amount too, I cannot fathom it.”

“So you mean to run away back home.”

“I am not running—oh, you are odious.” Genie shook her head with an imperious frown. “You mean to quarrel with me. Well, I’ll not have it. I am not the least bit quarrelsome.”

Grant laughed out loud. “No indeed, you are not!” He gazed into her deep blue eyes and suddenly felt himself at sea. He should swim for the shore and let her go, but he leaned closer instead. It was of critical importance—he came to the quick realization—that Miss Genie Talbot remain in London. “But do not leave London without enjoying the season. There are many amusements to be had.”

“I confess I have wanted to see the Tower and the cathedrals. Oh, and I hear the British Museum is not to be missed.”

Grant’s idea of London amusements did not include touring the town with a guidebook, but he sagely kept these musings to himself. “Indeed. And of course, you must not consider leaving Town without a visit to the theater or your first ball.”

“I doubt I will have any invitations to balls.” Genie’s shoulders sagged a little.

“But of course you will. Did I not tell you not to worry yourself on that score? I expect when you arrive home today, you will find an invitation to the coming-out ball for Miss Cassandra Devine.”

“Who is she? And why would you think anyone would invite me to a ball?”

“Cassie is my niece and I have spoken to my aunt to ensure your invitation is secure.”

The corners of Genie’s mouth twitched up until she gave Grant a tentative smile. “How did you arrange that?”

“By promising the most gruesome thing in the world.” Grant’s shoulders sagged at the mere thought of his penance. “I must dance with all the debutantes.”

“No!” Genie covered her mouth with her hand in shock.

“I fear it is true. So now that you know the lengths I will go to secure you an invitation, you cannot possibly be so disobliging as to leave London before the ball.”

“No, indeed, of course I shall come.” Her eyes shone for a moment and then a cloud passed over them once more. “But afterward, I must go home. I cannot be responsible for causing my aunt to spend such a vast amount for a matchmaker.”

“But she would only have to pay anything if you entered into the married state. This seems an easy thing to avoid.”

Genie graced him with a brilliant smile. “You would know best.”

Grant returned her smile. “I can tutor you in the ways of avoiding matrimony.”