Free A Study In Seduction by Nina Rowan Page B

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 asyou, 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.
    “I do hope you’ll be there,” she continued. “And I believe Mother would like to invite you for tea one afternoon before her departure.”
    She blinked up at him. Alexander gave a half bow.
    “Thank you, Miss Cooper. I shall look forward to receiving the invitation. Do enjoy the remainder of the evening.” He walked away before she could respond and headed for the card room.
    Tension stiffened the back of his neck as he wove through the crowd. He ought to have asked Miss Cooper to dance. He ought to have asked her if he could fetch her a glass of champagne. He ought to have told her she looked beautiful. He ought to have bloody well flirted.
    A week ago, he might have.
    Before he’d met Lydia Kellaway.
    He stopped inside the card room. Crossing his arms, he drummed his fingers against his biceps. An image of Lydia appeared in his mind: flushed cheeks, angry eyes, and hot desperation.
    “She’s far prettier than Fulton’s sister.” Sebastian stopped beside him.
    “Of course she’s prettier than… Oh.” Alexander cleared his throat. “You mean Miss Cooper. Well, yes. She is.”
    Sebastian gave him a shrewd look. “Who else would I have been referring to?”
    “Any number