Eve smiled ruefully. “I am so sorry, sir. I know you were hoping for my brother to channel the spirits, but I’m afraid he only managed to resurrect a naughty little boy.”
Lord Thorne’s grin widened. “It was your dance, Eve.” Then he turned his charming smile on the other ladies. “Forgive me, Lady Norwick. I couldn’t resist teasing my little sister. When we were young, we saw gypsies at a carnival and Eve decided she wanted to join a band when she grew up. She forced me to watch her dance for weeks until our mother informed her ladies do not become gypsies.”
“And what a pity.” Lady Norwick joined Eve at Sir Jonathan’s side and patted her hand fondly. “I should think gypsy dancing more stimulating than watercolors any day. Bravo, Lord Thorne! This is the most entertaining salon we’ve had yet.”
Amelia Hillary, Lady Norwick’s close friend, gave him a standing ovation and the other ladies joined in. When the baron bowed theatrically, Sir Jonathan’s scowl deepened.
Lady Norwick was quick to notice and hurried to smooth his ruffled feathers. “And Sir Jonathan, upon my word, there cannot exist another drummer as exquisite as you. I was completely mesmerized. Another round of applause, ladies?”
Her guests complied, clapping with no less enthusiasm for the poor man.
He flushed a deep red and his scowl disappeared. “You flatter me, Lady Norwick.”
“Not at all, sir.” While Lady Norwick flattered him more, Lord Thorne approached Helena and Eve.
When Eve looked up at her brother with devotion, she reminded Helena of a puppy wagging its tail. “You are too silly sometimes, Bastian.”
He shrugged. “It’s worth acting like a fool to see you smile. Are you having a good time?”
“The very best. Thank you.” She pressed his hand between hers. “But I think Sir Jonathan’s feelings were hurt. I should go speak with him.” She wandered over to speak with the man and their hostess, leaving Helena alone with Lord Thorne.
“You love her very much,” she said.
“I would do anything for her.” The muscles in his jaw shifted, a sign of strong emotions he held in check. “She was all I had some days.”
Helena didn’t have a chance to ask his meaning before Lady Lovelace sidled up to him.
“Sebastian, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. Are you following me?” She threaded her arm with his in a too-familiar gesture that made Helena’s stomach dive. Turning, Lady Lovelace gasped softly and covered her heart with her hand. “Oh dear! Lady Prestwick, I didn’t see you there.”
The widow boldly met Helena’s gaze with a defiant lift to her chin that said she had been perfectly aware of Helena’s presence and didn’t like her near her lover.
Lady Lovelace batted her lashes as if embarrassed, but no blush colored her cheeks. “I’m afraid you caught Lord Thorne and me at an awkward moment. I hope you don’t think me forward. It is just Lord Thorne and I are old friends.”
A bitter taste coated Helena’s tongue. “You should catch up then.” She spun on her heel and stalked toward the terrace door before she said something she would regret, such as telling the woman to take her hands off her man.
Thirteen
“Now, now. That wasn’t nice misleading Lady Prestwick,” Sebastian said to the young widow attached to his side like a leech. The other ladies had adjourned to the far end of the drawing room where refreshments were being served, giving him leave to speak plainly.
“How did I mislead her?” Celeste asked. “I simply informed her that we are old friends.”
“Old as in the past. I believe you were implying otherwise.”
Celeste was a pretty one with auburn hair and peaches-and-cream skin, but she was lacking in too many ways to maintain his interest. She wasn’t especially kind and her dotty act was getting under his skin.
She tipped her head at a flirtatious angle. “It mustn’t remain in the past,” she murmured. “Meet me at my town house in an hour? The dowager Lady Lovelace is taking tea with her sister and will be out all afternoon.”
Celeste had refused to see him after Lady Gabrielle tossed him over. Even though she seemed to have forgotten about turning her back on him, his memory was intact. “I am afraid I must decline your generous offer, madam.”