Southern Seduction by Brenda Jernigan Page A

marriage.”
    “Oh, I shan’t give anything up,” Brooke assured him. “It’s just that I didn’t expect this . . . this formidable man.” She gestured expansively.
    “He is a rather remarkable opponent,” Jeffries agreed. “But now that he’s become a man, I can see a lot of his father in him. It is unfortunate that Travis could not inherit his father’s title; although, in this country such things as titles means little.”
    “I’ll admit Travis is a handsome man, but his disposition is in vast need of improving.”
    “Perhaps, he’s never had a reason to change his ways. You might be the person to do just that,” Jeffries said as the last item went into the trunk. Then dismissing Millie Anne, he pulled the trunk lid down and fastened the hasp. “Shall we go down to breakfast?”
    Once downstairs, they went straight to the dining room where they found Travis, much to Brooke’s surprise. Travis was usually long gone before she had breakfast. It appeared that he had just finished eating and was leaning back enjoying a last cup of coffee before he started his day.
    When they entered the room, Travis rose and greeted them with a casual yet polite nod. “Good Morning, Jeffries, Mrs. Hammond. Please, sit down.” He held a chair out until Brooke was seated. Then he slipped back into his seat. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said, picking up and ringing a small brass bell. Instantly, one of the kitchen maids appeared with fresh coffee and began to pour.
    “Please serve our guests .”
    Brooke frowned, wondering what had caused Travis to be in such a seemingly good mood. Usually he appeared determined to keep her at arm’s length. Now he was treating her like a welcome guest. She bristled, but she didn’t quite know how to react to Travis’s change in attitude. She wasn’t a guest, she wanted to remind him. Whether he wanted a partner or not, he had one.
    Come to think about it, Brooke thought, she wasn’t sure she’d ever met a man who didn’t want her. Before Travis Montgomery, that was. Hmmm, she thought, she must be slipping. Of course, Travis’s attitude just gave her one more challenge to meet.
    “I have ordered the coach for your departure,” Travis informed them as he placed his coffee cup on the saucer. “The driver will take you wherever you want to go.”
    “Thank you, sir,” Jeffries said with a nod. “I’ll return by the end of November, if not sooner. Provided that you meet the conditions your father set forth, you will have estates to manage both here and in England. That reminds me, have you planned your ball to introduce Mrs. Hammond to local society?”
    The furrows between Travis’s eyes deepened. “I don’t have time for entertaining,” he snapped. “But in keeping with my father’s demands,” he added, tempering his tone. “I will speak to Mammy and have a few invitations sent out.”
    “Good.” Jeffries nodded. “Perhaps, Miss Brooke can help you with the necessary arrangements.”
    Brooke laid her fork down and looked at Travis. “It would be lovely if you let me know of your plans. I’ll be happy to assist you.”
    “I’m not in the habit of discussing what I do with you or anyone else, Mrs. Hammond.”
    Brooke recognized his condescending tone, and the urge to throw something at him was so great she had to hold her hands in her lap to keep from acting. “That is certainly most apparent,” she retorted. “Considering your father’s wishes, however, perhaps, you should start including me. I do expect to be the hostess at the party.”
    T ravis gave her a sidelong glance of utter disbelief. The furious expression on his face told volumes. She evidently had hit her target.
    After a moment of strained silence, Jeffries spoke up, “I believe your father wants you both to be happy,” he said tactfully.
    “Well, I can take care of my own happiness without interference from my late father,” Travis snapped. “I do hope that you’ll return to Moss Grove in