Free Vexing the Viscount by Christie Kelley Page A

decided how long I shall be in town. It depends on the business to which I must attend.” Why was Alistair so curious about his affairs all of a sudden? He’d never taken an interest in anything he or Jonathon had done in the past. Most of the time, he’d been more interested in their uncle and his heir Randolph. Perhaps his cousin was just trying to get on his good side now that he was the viscount.
    â€œDid Jonathon join you?” Alistair said, placing his cards down on the table in defeat.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œOh.” Alistair picked up his drink and leaned closer. “I’ve heard those rumors circulating about, but I have supported you completely. I know you had nothing to do with the untimely deaths of our uncle and cousin.”
    â€œI thank you for that, Tavers.” So the rumor mill was still churning out the same rubbish. If he ever found out who started that rumor, he’d kill them.
    Â 
    Tia couldn’t stop her hand from trembling even an hour after they arrived at the party. She had heard stories of how the balls of the upper crust were so stunningly beautiful, but nothing prepared her for this party. Every woman wore a silk gown in amazing colors and the men were terribly handsome in their finery. Glancing about the room, there had to be at least seven footmen serving people drinks and checking on the refreshment table.
    â€œJust remember, you do not introduce yourself to anyone,” Emily whispered as two women approached. “I will introduce you as my cousin from the Midlands.”
    Tia nodded.
    â€œLady Eldridge, how lovely to see you,” the slightly older woman drawled. “And just who is this?” she asked with a direct look to Tia.
    â€œMiss Hestia Featherstone,” Emily replied in a confident tone. “She is my cousin from the Midlands.” Emily turned to Tia. “Tia, this is Lady Bunworth and her sister, Miss Louisa Tavers.”
    Tavers? As in Middleton and Jonathon? Tia’s mind fluttered with questions. She knew Jonathon had no sisters so there was no relationship in that manner, but could they be cousins? Perhaps they had some knowledge of Jonathon’s whereabouts. She longed to ask them, but glancing over at Emily there was a slight shake to her head, as if she knew exactly what Tia was thinking.
    â€œIt is a pleasure to meet you both,” Tia said in a demure tone. There was something about these two, especially Lady Bunworth, that she didn’t like. While her mother had always told her not to make sweeping decisions based on a first impression, something told Tia that Lady Bunworth would never be friends with either her or Emily.
    Lady Bunworth nodded in a condescending manner as if she was better than any of them. As Tia looked at her, she realized Lady Bunworth couldn’t be more than twenty-three at most. And yet, she held herself up as far more superior in every way.
    â€œIt is a pleasure to meet you too,” Miss Tavers murmured.
    â€œI do not remember seeing you at any of the Seasons in the past”—Lady Bunworth paused, looking Tia over from head to toe—“well, shall we say, the last few years.”
    â€œI—”
    â€œUnfortunately, my dear cousin hasn’t had the opportunity,” Emily interrupted quickly. She leaned in closer and whispered, “Poor dear, one death after another in her family. First her father and then her dear mother became sick, so she was caring for her. And then Mrs. Featherstone succumbed.”
    â€œOh, my,” Miss Tavers whispered in return. “I am dreadfully sorry for all the losses, Miss Featherstone.”
    Tia blinked as if holding back tears. “Thank you. It has been a difficult few years.”
    â€œBut now, you’re free to enjoy all that Society can bring,” Miss Tavers said brightly.
    â€œI suppose I am.” Tia sipped her lemonade, wishing it were a glass of wine. Emily had insisted on no spirits to muddle