Page 36 of To Woo a Wicked Widow

“Therefore, may I be so bold,” Charlotte leaned toward him, deepening the décolletage of her gown, “as to impose upon you to act as guide to us? You obviously have more experience in the area than I.”

The winsome look of a maiden in distress became her very well.

Nash licked his lips. Damn. How must that look with his eyes fastened on her cleavage?

“And you will, of course, be in attendance at Lyttlefield tonight?” Lady John interrupted the conversation as she poked her head over the table, beaming seductively at Nash.

Another delightfully bold woman.

“You are part of the party, you know.”

“I will be delighted to attend, Lady John.”

“Thank you, my lord. We are devilishly short of men now that Mr. Garrett has been called away.” Lady John turned liquid blue eyes on him, half-closing them like a cat satisfied with the cream it has stolen.

He would have agreed to anything the woman asked. As she had intended. Lady John knew how to get her way, that was for certain. Had she also deliberately dropped the information that Garrett had gone? Lady Cavendish had not disclosed their encounter, then. Did that bode ill or well?

“How wonderful that we may count on you.” Lady John gestured to the party members. “I believe we are to have dancing again and cards. Men are useful in so many delightful ways.”

“Indeed we are, my lady.” A fascinating woman. But too audacious for him by half. He turned to Lady Cavendish, vividly reminded of several ways he longed to be useful to her.

“But we must not trespass too much on Lord Wrotham’s time, cousin.” Lady Cavendish smiled at him, setting off a small riot in his chest. “I have just beseeched him to show us the village. How can we expect him to donate so much of his valuable time when he may have other pressing engagements?”

“But I will be honored to escort your guests around the town. And as I am not engaged this evening, nothing would give me more pleasure than to attend your gathering.” Nash couldn’t resist one more taunt. “Or almost nothing. Pleasure can be had in so many ways, don’t you agree?”

Lady Cavendish’s eyes widened, then narrowed. Her cheeks reddened as if by magic. “Yes, my lord, I do. I will remember that. Thank you.”

If looks could kill he’d be in the Wrotham kirkyard this minute. He chuckled, then glanced around the room, bent on putting his words into deeds immediately. The first thing to strike him as odd was the lack of beverages on the table. “Have you ordered some of The Bull’s famous ale for your guests, Lady Cavendish? It’s quite the local specialty.”

After a fleeting look of annoyance, the lady shook her head and shrugged. “I had no idea of such a thing.” For a moment her face shadowed with embarrassment. “I suppose I should have made better arrangements for the party.”

How had she learned so little of the place in the time she’s been here? Well, he would fill the breach.

“Not a’tall. But you are all in for a treat. And ladies, although I know it is highly unusual for you to drink ale, you really must indulge just this once.” He rose and went in search of the innkeeper. In moments, they were all sampling the light, nutty ale for which The Bull had gained quite a reputation.

Nash sipped his fourth pint, glad he had insisted the ladies try the beverage before moving on to the tea, which he had also ordered. Several of them seemed quite taken with the ale. Lady John and, surprisingly, little Georgina were making headway with their half-pints. Lady Cavendish too seemed to enjoy it. The others were less enthusiastic.

Mrs. Easton took one sip, sputtered, and pushed hers toward Lord Brack.

He laughed and said, “Much obliged,” before downing his own and pulling her glass toward him. He fixed his eyes on the lovely blond woman as he sipped. A conquest in the making?

Nash returned his attention to Lady Georgina, still sipping her ale. “I see you like the Wrotham ale. ’Tis said those ladies who esteem it find a true husband.” Against his will, his gaze strayed to Lady Cavendish to find her staring back at him.

“Indeed, my lord?” Georgie shook with mirth. “I suppose if they both liked the ale sufficiently, the wife wouldn’t care if the husband was true or not.”

“I take your point, my lady.” Nash grinned, pleased at the way she had put herself forward today. Dash it, she was a winning little thing. Not at all like the prickly Lady Cavendish.

Well, not always prickly of course. She had been soft enough last night. He shook his head and finished his ale. Enough of that. He needed to keep his wits about him. Perhaps some fresh air would be agreeable.

With a small inclination of his head to Lady Georgina, he rose and turned to his hostess. Had she been staring at him the whole time? Her dusky green eyes, tip-tilted up at him, said she had indeed noted his conversation with Georgie.

Splendid.

“If you will have the party meet in front of the inn, we can start toward the church.”

Lady Cavendish nodded and rose to stand beside him. A weariness in her face spoke of their late night, the strain of which lay at his door. Had she tossed and turned as he had, consumed with unfulfilled passion? He shook the thought from his mind.

“There are several places of interest in the village in addition to St. George’s. I will be honored to act as guide for the afternoon. I’m certain I can keep the party sufficiently entertained.”