A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano Page A

importantly, why are tongues going to wag?”
    Felicia blew out a breath. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s rude to eavesdrop?”
    â€œHasn’t anyone ever told you that if you plan on saying something you don’t want overheard, you should make sure the door’s shut?”
    Her pulse slowed immediately. He might be an attractive gentleman who dressed to perfection, but he was also irritating, arrogant, and far too sure of himself.
    Knowing full well it would hardly be productive to continue bantering with him, she decided her best option was to keep him a little defensive. “You never said what you’re doing here, and I must confess I’m a little surprised you’d seek me out. I was under the impression you were annoyed with me because of what happened with your carriage yesterday.”
    â€œJust to be clear, it is not a carriage; it is a phaeton, which youhad no business even attempting to drive, limited as your abilities obviously are. As for what I’m doing here, Eliza sent me.”
    It seemed to her that although his lips were still curved in somewhat of a grin, his voice was now sounding distinctively surly, proving once and for all that underneath his pleasant and affable appearance, there really did lie the soul of a grumpy gentleman.
    His grumpiness begged the question of why he’d agreed to Eliza’s request in the first place.
    â€œThat was sweet of Eliza to be concerned about me, but I assure you, I’m fine.”
    â€œHow lovely, but she didn’t send me after you.” He turned to Agatha. “I’ve been all over the city trying to track you down. I finally stopped at Felicia’s house as a last resort, and that’s when I learned you were here.”
    Agatha frowned. “Has something happened?”
    Grayson returned the frown. “You’re supposed to be distressed.”
    â€œEliza told you I was distressed?”
    â€œYes, and she also gave me strict instructions that I was to”—he held up his hand and began to tick items off his fingers—“improve your spirits”—one finger went up—“charm you out of your bad mood”—another finger went up—“and put myself entirely at your disposal.”
    â€œEliza sent you to complete those arduous tasks?”
    â€œReally, Agatha, you wound me. Do you not think I’m up for coaxing you out of your gloomy mood?”
    â€œI’m not in a gloomy mood.”
    â€œSince I’ve traveled all over the city in order to cheer you up, you’re going to have to humor me and get in a gloomy mood.”
    â€œBut I don’t feel gloomy.”
    Grayson quirked a brow. “You’re not upset that Zayne is moving out west to join his Miss Collins?”
    Agatha rolled her eyes. “Really, everyone believing I’m distraught over Zayne Beckett is getting a bit ridiculous. We’re simply friends. He’s the brother of my dear friend Arabella. Did I at one time suffer a small infatuation for him? Yes, I did—as I’ve admitted time and time again. I’ve also insisted, on numerous occasions, that I have come to my senses. Zayne’s intentions toward Miss Collins were formed years ago, and since he’s determined to carry through with those intentions, I’ve firmly pushed aside any romantic affection I once felt for the gentleman. I’m happy for him and wish him nothing but the best for his future.”
    Felicia sucked in a sharp breath as yet another one of her flaws came into glaring evidence. She’d been so consumed with her own problems in life that she’d not even realized Agatha might be in need of a bit of cheering up.
    Though her friend had claimed time and time again she’d abandoned all hope in regard to Zayne and his affections, everyone knew she wasn’t exactly telling the truth.
    The very idea that she’d neglected to even consider the plight of her