LITMIR.BIZ

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Evelyn said quickly. “You never know who might show up in a library. But a parlor is an excellent idea.”

      “It’s rather cowardly, though, don’t you think?” Adrian said mildly. “Hiding from Mother, that is.”

      “Yes. And I don’t care.” Portia glared at her cousin. “Thus far this evening I have been presented to one gentleman who was not looking so much for a wife as a mother for his herd of children and another who, well, let us simply say he was not to my liking.”

      “Judging on appearances, Portia?” Adrian shook his head in a disappointed manner. “I never imagined you were that shallow.”

      “Stop teasing her, dear,” Evelyn said under her breath. The banter and teasing—some of which struck her as altogether too pointed—between the Hadley-Attwater siblings never failed to amaze her. It was as if they could say very nearly anything to one another yet it never affected their feelings for each other. She quite envied them. She hoped her children would share that same sort of bond.

      “I simply want someone who stands taller than my chin,” Portia said sharply. “I do not think I am asking for the moon.”

      “Perhaps not.” Amusement gleamed in Adrian’s eyes.

      “As for my shallow nature, I am more than willing to debate that with you at another time.” Portia cast Evelyn a pleading look. “Now, I think we should—”

      “Too late, I fear,” Adrian said, gazing over Portia’s head.

      Portia groaned. Evelyn peered around her. Helena was bearing down on them, accompanied by a fair-haired gentleman. Well, well. Portia certainly couldn’t complain about the appearance of this candidate. He appeared to be an appropriate age and was most dashing as well.

      “Adrian!” Helena beamed at her son. “And Evelyn. So lovely to see you both. I had no idea you would be here tonight.”

      “Nor did we, Mother.” Adrian kissed her cheek.

      “Nonetheless, I am most gratified to see you here.” Helena lowered her voice. “It’s a most influential gathering.”

      “Helena.” Evelyn cast a pointed glance at the gentleman standing patiently a step behind the older woman.

      “Oh dear, where are my manners?” Helena sighed. “The bane of growing older, I suppose.” She turned to the victim. “May I present my son and daughter-in-law, Lord and Lady Waterston. And this”—a flourish sounded in Helena’s voice—“is my niece, Lady Redwell. Portia, this is Mr. Sayers.”

      “Ah, yes.” Mr. Sayers took Portia’s hand and raised it to his lips, his gaze never leaving hers. It was as polished as it was flattering. Amusement quirked his lips. “The widow.”

      Portia smiled weakly. “I see my aunt has been talking to you.”

      “Oh my, yes.” Satisfaction rang in Helena’s voice. “It seems I went to school with Mr. Sayers’s mother. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to remember her, but then it was a very long time ago. Once again, you have my apologies, Mr. Sayers.”

      “None are necessary, Lady Waterston,” he said smoothly. “As you said, it was a very long time ago.”

      “Still, it is impolite and most annoying.” Helena sighed. “My memory is not what it used to be. Yet another distressing result of the passing years.”

      “Better than the alternative,” Adrian murmured.

      Helena cast her son a disparaging look.

      “Lady Redwell.” Mr. Sayers turned to Portia. “I would be most grateful if you would do me the honor of joining me in a dance.”

      “What an excellent idea.” A satisfied twinkle sparked in Helena’s eyes. “You have scarcely danced all evening.”

      Adrian coughed.

      Portia hesitated, then smiled. “I would be delighted.”

      Mr. Sayers nodded to the others and escorted Portia to the floor.

      “You really should stop doing that to her, Mother,” Adrian said mildly, his gaze following his cousin and Mr. Sayers.

      “She’ll thank me for it one day.” Helena studied the couple with satisfaction. “Don’t you agree, Evelyn?”

      Evelyn truly liked her mother-in-law. In many ways, she was the only mother Evelyn had ever really known. While she was confident Helena returned her affection, it did seem wise to agree with her on minor matters. She bit her lip. “One day perhaps.”

      Helena glanced at her. “But not today?”

      Evelyn shook her head. “Definitely not today.”

      “I wouldn’t wager on tomorrow either,” Adrian added. “You really don’t remember his mother?”

      Helena sighed. “Not at all. I was tempted to lie to him and tell him ‘Of course, I remember your mother! Darling girl. And quite clever as well.’ But that would have been dishonest as not even his name sounds familiar.” She paused. “Well, perhaps it does, but it’s not an uncommon name. Besides, her name wouldn’t have been Sayers then anyway.” She sighed again, this time much more dramatically, and directed her gaze toward Evelyn. “I am unfailingly honest, you know.”

      Adrian choked.

      Evelyn had witnessed any number of occasions when her mother-in-law had, at the very least, bent the truth. She raised a brow. “Unfailingly?”

      “Yes.” Helena nodded. “When I am honest, I am unfailingly so.”

      Evelyn exchanged glances with her husband.

      “You are both lucky that you are my favorites.” Helena huffed. “Now, as I was saying, I can’t remember his mother at all and I’m very good at that sort of thing. Admittedly, I can never seem to find where I last put my gloves, but forty years ago is quite clear. Or it always has been.”

      She turned her attention back to the dancers. “I’m not nearly as indiscriminate as Portia might lead you to believe, you know. I have a list of very nearly all the eligible gentlemen in London. It is only coincidence that several of them are here this evening.” She fluttered her fan in front of her face. “Admittedly, I am not one to let a turn of luck go to waste.”

      “How fortunate for Portia.” Adrian smiled.

      “Indeed it is,” Helena said firmly. “Unfortunately, I fear she cannot see past the fact that I am the one bringing them to her attention or her to theirs. Why, the first gentleman I introduced her to was not unattractive and charming as well. And Portia quite likes children. And the second, while admittedly a bit short, is known to be most kind and amusing and has a significant fortune.”

      “I am certain Portia appreciates your efforts,” Evelyn said.

      “You are a dear girl but it’s obvious Portia does nothing of the kind.” She squared her shoulders. “No matter. She will indeed thank me one day.” Helena met Evelyn’s gaze and chuckled. “But not today.”

      Evelyn laughed.

      “Now then.” Helena glanced around the ballroom. “I see that charming Lord Compton is alone over there. I should say good evening to him.”

      “Don’t you think he’s a little too old for Portia?” Adrian asked.

      “My goodness, yes. He is entirely too old. For Portia.” She flashed them her son’s wicked smile. “Adrian. Evelyn.” She nodded and took her leave.

      “You have a unique and interesting family.” Evelyn’s gaze followed Helena making her way across the room.

      “It’s frightening, isn’t it?” he murmured.

      She smiled wryly. “It’s rarely dull.”

      “One never knows what to expect next.”

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