Her Rebel Lord

Seller lifted one black brow. ‘I see. What brings you to the wilds of Cumbria? I had thought you never likely to leave London.’

Lord Byrne yawned behind his fan. ‘We are rusticating. Mother had a penchant for the country, so I bought a hunting lodge. Nothing major.’

‘Captain Seller,’ Mrs McNabb intervened, ‘how nice to see you again. It has been a long time.’

The Captain turned to her. ‘Madam.’ He bowed. ‘The pleasure is mine.’

The butler re-entered with a tea tray and cakes. There was stronger drink for the men. This far north, they observed the niceties when it pleased them and ignored them when it did not.

Mrs McNabb and Lord Byrne sat in chairs opposite Jenna and her father. Burke built up the fire.

‘Viscount Ayre and Miss de Warre,’ Mrs McNabb said, ‘we would like to invite you to a dinner in a fortnight.’ She pulled a gilt-edged envelope from her muff and handed it to Jenna’s father. ‘A house warming.’ With a gracious smile, she turned to Seller. ‘Captain Seller, you are also invited, although, since I did not know you were here, I don’t have an invitation. If you give me your direction, I will send one.’

There was silence for long minutes while Seller watched Viscount Ayre. Something was about. Jenna’s stomach started to twist.

Finally, when Jenna thought she would tear her shawl with her nervous twisting, her father said, ‘Captain Seller will be staying here.’

Jenna was thankful she already sat, otherwise she might have made a spectacle of herself. As it was, shock gave her fingers added impetus and the sound of her nails ripping through the fabric of her shawl seemed very loud to her ears in the silence following his announcement.

Her father turned an apologetic smile to her. ‘I meant to tell you later, my dear.’

She nodded. ‘I will notify Mrs Joiner, Papa.’

She hoped the unease she felt about the English soldier being billeted with them did not show in her voice. This would make it doubly hard to care for Gavin. It was now too dangerous for her cousin to stay here. She would find Seller a room as far from the priest hole as possible, but something must be done.

‘That is easily settled, then,’ Mrs McNabb said. ‘I will have an invitation brought round for Captain Seller.’

Jenna forced a smile, thankful everyone was done with their tea, drink and cakes. Manners bade them leave shortly, even Seller, who was not yet billeted with them.

Something made her glance at Lord Byrne. He watched her with an intentness that belied the casual negligence of his pose. There was a coiled energy about him even though he seemed to lounge against his chair. When he realised she returned his attention, his mouth curled up faintly.

She blinked, taken aback by his attraction. Did he know how devastating he was? The knowing look in his eyes said he did. She flushed and looked away, feeling like a schoolroom miss caught in the grownups’ circle and ignorant of how to go on.

It was a disconcerting feeling for a woman of five and twenty.

Thankfully, Mrs McNabb chose that moment to stand. ‘We must be going, Lord Ayre.’

She held her hand out to the viscount, who took the delicate white fingers and raised them to his lips. A large blood-red ruby graced the third finger of her left hand.

‘My pleasure,’ he said, genuine pleasure in his tone. ‘I look forward to dinner.’

Jenna gave him a piercing look. Her father was always polite. He was rarely as delighted as the smile on his face implied.

They were no sooner quit of the room than Seller rose. ‘I too must take my leave.’ He made a bow to Jenna. ‘Miss de Warre, I am delighted to meet you again. I hope to further our acquaintance.’ He turned to her father. ‘My lord, thank you for your hospitality.’

Viscount Ayre stood easily. ‘I am glad to be of service to the Crown.’

‘Yes, sir. I will return later in the day with my belongings.’ Captain Seller made a quick exit.

It took all Jenna’s self-control not to rush from the room. She had to select a bedchamber for Seller, and she needed to check on Gavin. Even though it was day time and she had not planned to visit Gavin until night, her nerves were strung tight with knowing the soldier would soon live here.