Free Vexing the Viscount by Christie Kelley

arrived.”
    â€œAnd you have no other leads?” North asked with a frown.
    â€œUnfortunately, no.”
    â€œYou do know about Miss Featherstone—excuse me, Miss Mia Featherstone.”
    Braden nodded. “How is she?”
    â€œRecovering quite well, according to Selina.”
    That bit of good news assuaged his guilt for not telling Tia about her sister the day he’d found her. Perhaps if he had, she would have returned to the estate without issue.
    â€œExcellent,” Braden finally remarked.
    North finished his brandy and placed the glass on the table next to him. “I won’t take up any more of your time. Good luck finding her.”
    â€œHow long are you in town for?”
    â€œWe’re leaving in the morning. Selina felt guilty for leaving Mrs. Featherstone with the work of three estates.”
    â€œI see. Tell Mrs. Featherstone that I haven’t given up just yet. I will find her.”
    â€œThank you.”
    As soon as the duke departed, Braden ordered his carriage to be readied. He left the house soon after, feeling frustrated at his inability to find either his brother or his wise woman. With North’s arrival, he’d lost too much time to search a gaming hell, so instead he proceeded directly to the party. Hopefully, he would get some good news tonight.
    The line to Lady Whitfield’s party was far longer than usual for a late-summer fete. Finally able to disembark the carriage, he walked up the steps and a butler opened the door for him.
    â€œGood evening, my lord,” he said, as if recognizing Braden.
    â€œThank you,” Braden said, removing his hat.
    â€œFitzworth, my lord. If you need anything while you’re here, just let me know.”
    â€œVery well.” How odd. The man was quite odd indeed. Perhaps he treated all the guests in the same manner, but somehow Braden doubted that.
    With a shrug, he walked into the salon and searched the room for the woman who might have sent him the note. He had nothing to go on, not even an initial. As a footman paused by him, Braden snatched a glass of brandy and then sipped it slowly. Down the hall, the sounds of music told him the dancing had begun. But he had no interest in dancing. If Jonathon was in attendance, he would be in the gaming room.
    Fighting the crush of people, he walked down the corridor and glanced into the ballroom. A flash of red hair caught his attention, but he lost it just as fast. Braden almost laughed at the idea of Miss Featherstone being here. It was absurd indeed.
    The gaming room was set up in the library. He entered the room but once more Jonathon was not here. At least, not yet. Braden decided to sit and play a few games. Perhaps in time, Jonathon would arrive.
    â€œMiddleton, I’d heard you were back in London.”
    Braden stifled the urge to roll his eyes as his cousin Alistair sat down next to him. “Tavers,” he said with a nod before turning his gaze back to his cards.
    â€œWhat brings you back to town?”
    â€œJust a little business to clean—I mean, clear up. How are my cousins?”
    â€œConstance has been full of herself since marrying the baron a few weeks ago. Louisa is heading for the shelf. At two and twenty and four seasons out, she seems destined to spinsterhood.”
    â€œWell, that is a shame. Between the both of them Louisa was the kinder of the two.”
    â€œThere is nothing wrong with marrying your cousin, you know. She would make a wonderful viscountess. Unless you have your sights on someone else?”
    â€œPerhaps I do. After all, I must keep the family name intact, do I not?”
    â€œYes,” Alistair said with a cough. “You must at that. If you need an extra footman or maid while in town, please let me know. I’m quite sure we could do without for however long you are in town. How long might that be?”
    â€œI’m quite well suited with the servants, thank you. And I haven’t