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The probability of accidentally informing three counties of it afterward was extremely high.
He liked her enormously.
“You have Scottish family, I am told,” she said.
“A regrettable amount, my lady.”
Lady Dunsmore narrowed her eyes. “Regrettable?”
“I have spent my life being told I ought to enjoy rain, whisky, and arguments on ancestry.”
“And do you?”
“Only one of the three.”
“Which?”
“That depends upon who is asking.”
She laughed so loudly, a woman across the room looked up from her sewing.
Lady Beckenham, Baines identified her from the name in Renforth’s reports.
He watched the lady without appearing to do so. She was handsome rather than beautiful, perhaps five-and-forty, with the composed manner of a woman accustomed to being listened to. She was tall, dark-haired and slender, with level hazel eyes. Her gown was the colour of pale lavender, exquisitely cut, and at her throat sat a necklace of amethysts deep enough in colour to appear nearly black from across the room.
Baines rested his gaze upon it for only a moment. Jewellery was irrelevant.
Lady Beckenham looked up and caught him watching her. He smiled. She smiled back.
“Who is that lady in the lavender gown?” Baines asked Lady Dunsmore.
“Lady Beckenham.”
She waved him away. Baines crossed the room.
Lady Beckenham set aside her embroidery before he arrived. “Major Baines.”
He bowed. “My reputation has preceded me. I can only apologize.”
“Colonel Renforth spoke of you once.”
That was considerably more interesting. “Did he?”
“He said you were useful.”
Baines winced theatrically. “Damning praise indeed.”
Lady Beckenham smiled, but her eyes remained thoughtful. “You have come a long way for a house-party.”
“Sir Lionel’s wine possesses legendary powers.”
“I thought, perhaps, you had come to investigate us.”
Baines let one heartbeat pass and then laughed. “My lady, I am entirely at my leisure.”
Her smile widened. She had thrown the line deliberately, which meant either she suspected why he was there or she enjoyed mischief—or possibly both.
“Should I be worried?” she asked.
