The Temptation of Lady Serena by Ella Quinn Page A

Beaumont family since before his lordship’s birth,” the butler said, in his supremely lofty manner. “Never has the master flung himself in and out of the house as he’s been doing lately, not even when he was a young man.”
    Charles glanced at them. “He has seemed a little out of sorts lately, but I don’t doubt it will work itself out.”
    Lighthearted, Charles returned to his office to refuse the invitations he normally accepted—and accept the invitations he normally refused.
    Things were becoming very interesting.
     
    Lady Beaumont glanced up as her daughter entered the morning room in Upper Brook Street, where she was sitting with Robert, who’d arrived unannounced.
    “Robert, what are you doing here?” Freddy asked. “I don’t remember Mama summoning you.”
    He glared. “A pretty state of affairs it’s become when a man can’t visit his grandmother when he wishes.”
    “Freddy, leave the boy alone,” Lady Beaumont said, then paused, asking her daughter, “Did you discover what we want to know?”
    Freddy’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Yes, Mama, I did, and very intriguing I found it. Unless you need me here, I’ll attend to our mail.”
    “Go on. Return when you’re finished.” Lady Beaumont turned her attention to Robert. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
    He paced, picking up objects and setting them down. His grandmother watched with amusement until he scowled at an old, expensive piece of Chinese porcelain. “Robert, sit.”
    Robert took a seat in the chair next to the sofa upon which she sat. “Now, you may tell me what you want.”
    He stared into the fire for a moment. “Grandmama, I have—there is—well, I think I would like to make a . . . push.”
    She studied him, taking in the desperate, haunted look in his face. “Robert, are you trying to tell me you’ve found an eligible lady for whom you are thinking of offering?”
    “Yes, that’s it.” He looked relieved by his grandmother’s prescience.
    “That’s wonderful, but there must be something amiss for you to be here. What’s the problem, my boy?”
    He let out an anguished groan. “There is no getting near her. The only time she is not surrounded by a crowd of others is when she’s riding in the morning. I’ve refused invitations to the types of parties she attends for so long, I don’t receive them anymore.”
    “We shall speak with your aunt to see what she can arrange.”
    At that moment, Freddy reentered the room. “What do you want me to arrange?”
    “Robert wants to attend ton parties again. He’ll need vouchers for Almack’s.”
    At the mention of Almack’s, Robert rolled his eyes.
    Freddy pressed her lips together. “Robert, if you want to do the pretty, you’ll need to attend all the entertainments. I’ll ask Mrs. Drummond-Burrell for a voucher for you. Clementina has always had a soft spot for a rake.” Freddy pursed her lips. “Have you received any invitations at all?”
    “For St. Eth and Evesham’s balls. Other than that, nothing.”
    She tapped her chin. “I’ll visit Lady Bellamny again to-morrow. Once I tell her, word will go round quickly. If you’re still close to Evesham, you’d be well advised to ask Lady Evesham for help. She’s very discreet and well connected.”
    Robert’s countenance lightened. “Yes, that’s a good idea. Phoebe will be able to do the trick.”
    Lady Beaumont nodded. “Good, now take your fidgety self off. You’ll give me a spasm if I have to watch you anymore.”
    Robert smiled with amusement. “Grandmama, what a faradid-dle. You’ve never had a spasm in your life.”
    “No, but there’s no saying I won’t start having them,” she retorted.
    “Would you like me to bring you some vinaigrette or feathers to burn when I next visit?” he asked with credible solicitude.
    His grandmother threw a pillow at him.
    He ducked and blew her a kiss as he left the room.
    “His grandfather, to the life,” Lady Beaumont reminisced