The Untamed Earl(42)
He turned toward his sister and frowned. “Yes, of course. What else would we be doing?”
Cass snorted. “Do I really have to tell you that?”
Owen glared at his sister. “You’re not implying that I’m doing something illicit with Alex, are you? Her reputation is impeccable, and she has only ever conducted herself as a complete lady in my presence.”
“No. No.” Cass pressed her hand to her coiffure. “I’m implying no such thing. I merely find it interesting, that’s all.”
Owen narrowed his eyes on her. “Interesting how?”
Cass flourished a hand in the air. “Interesting in that I’ve never heard you so vehemently defend a lady’s reputation before, nor have I ever known you to call one by a nickname. Other than me, of course.”
Owen blinked. “Don’t read more into it than is there, sister dear.”
“Don’t be so quick to dismiss my points, Owen, darling.”
The two siblings faced each other, squared off.
“She told me that she has her sights set on someone. Some chap from the ton.”
“That’s interesting.” Cass tapped her finger against her cheek. “And you don’t know who?”
“No. I’m helping her to become popular.”
Cass’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”
“Regardless of your disdain for my reputation, I’m still highly sought after at ton events. I am exceedingly eligible, Cass.”
“Of course you are. I just never thought you’d use your social powers for such … good.”
Owen shrugged. “She has something I want.”
Cass shook her head. “Oh, Owen, don’t be crude.”
“No. Not that.” He rolled his eyes at his sister. “She’s teaching me Lady Lavinia’s likes and dislikes.”
Cass’s tinkling laughter didn’t stop for the next few moments. She finally had to pull out a handkerchief and wipe her eyes.
“I don’t see what’s so humorous,” Owen said grumpily.
“I’ve never known you to need help with a lady before.”
“Have you met Lady Lavinia?”
“You know I have.”
“Then you know why I require help. You said yourself she’s difficult.”
“So I did and so she is. But just to be certain that I’m clear: Lady Alexandra is helping you to woo her sister, and in return you’re helping her to become popular?”
“Yes. I’ve been teaching her how to dance and flirt, and she’s been teaching me what Lady Lavinia finds acceptable in a mate.”
Cass shook her head again and pressed her fingertips to her smiling lips. “Oh, Owen, does Father know what he’s forced you to?”
“No. But I bloody well hope he finds out. I find it as ridiculous as you do.”
Cass crossed her arms over her chest and eyed her brother carefully. “You’ve never had such a difficult time impressing a lady, have you?”
“You don’t know the half of it. And the worst part is … Lady Lavinia still seems entirely unimpressed even after everything Alex has told me. Not to mention I only have two more weeks to get her to agree to marry me.”
Owen wiped a hand roughly across his face. Blast and damn. His sister had a point. He did feel something for Alex. Protectiveness? Yes. That was it. He was being protective. Just as one’s future brother-in-law should be. Nothing out of the ordinary in that at all. And why shouldn’t he have a nickname for a future member of the family? He called his sister Cass, didn’t he? There was nothing improper about it. But he couldn’t help but wonder whom Alex wanted to marry. And he couldn’t help but wonder why he cared so much.
The door knocker in the foyer sounded just then, jolting Owen from his thoughts.
“That must be Lady Alexandra,” Cass said.
“Yes.” Owen consulted his timepiece. “She’s right on time.”
Cass moved over to him. He leaned down and she kissed him on the cheek. “Best of luck, dear brother, though I must admit, I’m going to have a high time watching all this unfold.”
* * *
“This time we must discuss rendezvous,” Owen announced as soon as Alex joined him in the empty ballroom.
“Rendezvous? Plural?”
“Yes, specifically how you should never be on time to one. Not one arranged with a gentleman.”
“Like this?”
“Precisely like this. Always keep a man waiting. He’ll wonder if you’ve changed your mind and he’ll have to work harder next time.”
“But I thought you said I should never agree to go off alone with a man.”
“You shouldn’t.” He winked at her. “But you’re here with me now, aren’t you? We must prepare for any possibility.”