Enticing An Earl

Part 10

When everyone sat down to dinner after discussing the impending departure, the butler announced the arrival of Viscount Beaumont and his sister Lady Sarah. John Beaumont was the steward of the Duchy of Lancaster and often had business with Max. He was a fair man, even if a bit ambitious. His sister on the other hand, was the season's catch. There were rumors that Lady Sarah had her heart set on Max and if anyone ever saw them together, they would know that this rumor was indeed true. Whenever Lady Sarah accompanied her brother, the visit would become awkward for Max.

William being the true gentleman, invited them to dinner as they were guests in his home. When they entered, everyone was already seated. William at the head of the table with his mother on his left side followed by his sister then Brandon and Max on his right side followed by George.

"Your Grace, we will have to switch seats. I really want to offer Lady Georgiana my condolences and my brother wants to talk to you about something." Lady Sarah said as a seat furthest from William was offered to her on his right.

It was obvious from the bewildered face of her brother that there was nothing to be discussed. Max quietly switched seats but before leaving he turned to give George a sour look that showed his displeasure at the new seating arrangement. Lady Sarah quickly began a conversation with William after a customary "I'm sorry for your parents" to George. It was obvious that she was trying to impress him.

George once asked Max if he was interested in marrying Lady Sarah, he had replied that no matter what, he would never marry a scheming witch. George now understood what he meant, Lady Sarah gave William perfect smiles, agreed with everything he said and fluttered her lashes. She had seen her do the same thing before,with Max. It was impressive and disgusting to see.

She did everything right, which annoyed George for some reason. Maybe she felt betrayed because she was rooting for Lady Sarah and Max. Max was not interested or worried so why was she so affected?

George decided to concentrate on others and her eyes settled on Brandon and Emma. She was absolutely positive that he was in love with Emma but she saw him as nothing more than a friend. It was indeed unfortunate because Emma was the first woman that Brandon seemed enamored by but she saw him as nothing more than a friend and a rake.

William would be another problem in an already uncertain relationship. George noticed his displeasure every time Brandon was around Emma. George's only hope was that if the two were ever to fall in love, William would give his blessings readily. His protective instinct just might destroy a young romance.

Speaking of the devil, he was listening to Lady Sarah's description of her new ball gown with an expression of extreme concentration, as if she was explaining the new bill to be presented in the house of Lords. George was sure that she looked old with a scowl on her face but couldn't help it. Maybe she was feeling something closer to jealousy?

"Lady Sarah you never told us of why you and your brother came to visit us, without prior notice and at dinner time?" George heard herself asking. She was horrified by her question but her mouth was moving without her consent.

"But I did dear. John wanted to talk to his Grace and I wanted to give my condolences." Lady Sarah said rather dismissively, returning her attention to William.

"Does that mean you'll be leaving immediately after dinner? I mean, you did what you came for, I see that Lord Beaumont is done talking about his urgent matter." George knew that she should shut up, but her mouth would not cooperate with her and the word vomit kept on coming. Lady Sarah glared at George and gave her a cold smile before turning to William with a warm one.

"The company here is so good, I forgot about everything else." That witch, she avoided the question completely.

"Yes, I understand that but when are you leaving? We have to get up early tomorrow to prepare for our departure. We are leaving town for Lord Hamilton's country estate." George did everything to stop herself, short of silencing herself by covering her mouth but the words still spilled out of her.

"A house party? Oh I love house parties!" Lady Sarah didn't even bother to look at George, she expectantly stared at William.

"I'm sure every husband hunting woman does, but you still haven't answered my question." George gave up trying to control herself and focused all her energy into making sure that Lady Sarah did not come along with them.

Lady Sarah turned rigid when she heard George's comment about husband hunting woman and finally turned towards George with another glare.

"You think I need to HUNT for a husband? I'm sorry but men line up for me, not the other way around." Sarah said with so much ice that it could have frozen a desert.

"I didn't say that my lady, it was just a flippant comment." But if the shoe fits.... was said under her breath, but George made sure that half the table heard her whispered comment. "You are really avoiding my question, do you want an invitation to stay longer?"

George tried to look innocent but she knew that she looked rather smug because Brandon said under his breath “and look at her, our humble queen, serenely accepting her victory" and again half the table heard, Emma even giggled.

"No, thank you. We will leave soon after dinner, are you done interrogating? " Lady Sarah finally showed her annoyance with George who started enjoying her discomfort and decided to probe further.

"Just one more question, were you not in love with Max just a week ago? I clearly heard you tell an old lady at Wickham ball that Max and you were as good as engaged, all he had to do was put a ring on your finger." Lady Sarah looked as if she was angry enough to attack George but suddenly she calmed down, not a little calmer but completely calm.

"Well you are really chatty for someone who's father just died and her mother disappeared. Maybe you know that she ran off with a lover after murdering her husband? I for one, would have been a mess if something like that happened to me." Lady Sarah smiled smugly as she saw George's frozen form.