Adrian began making his way in the direction of his sister Miranda who was standing with the Marquis of Aldridge. Grace had told Adrian what had happened between their sister and the marquis and his brother. Adrian could never condone the methods they used to teach Miranda a well-deserved lesson. Certainly, she should not have been pursuing Aldridge just to win a meaningless bet with Grace that the marquis would propose marriage.
But Adrian would do all in his power to protect his youngest sister, whatever her faults. She could have been hurt—would have, had anyone overheard the two men comment on her forwardness and propose to share her as their mistress. She appeared no better pleased with the current conversation. Adrian paused before he reached them to overhear what they were saying. His forehead furrowed at their words.
“Miss de Courtenay, you tread on thin ice when you play with the hearts of others.” Aldridge’s bored mien did not change, but his tone was censorious.
One delicate brow rose as Miranda peeked up at him through her lashes. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
He stepped closer. “I had hoped you learned your lesson at Hollystone, but I fear I was mistaken.”
“How dare you bring up the horrible situation you and Lord Jonathan put me in,” she fumed. “I no longer make silly bets with Grace—“
Aldridge frowned. “—and yet you continue to play games with the emotions of others. I thought you and Lady Celia were friends.”
“We are.” Her fan flipped open to cool her suddenly flushed face.
It was Aldridge’s turn to raise his brow. “Then why converse with Wyndham as if you have taken him as your lover?”
She slapped the fan shut. “How dare you!”
He gave a small chuckle, devoid of amusement. “No daring required. I overheard your talk with the marquis. It is clear to everyone except Lady Celia that you want him for yourself.”
Adrian had heard enough and stepped forward.
“Adrian!” Miranda’s voiced carried farther than necessary, and several people turned in their direction. “Whatever are you doing here?”
Adrian bowed to Aldridge. “My lord, will you excuse us so I might have a private word with my sister?”
Aldridge returned the bow to Adrian. “Of course.” His nod to Miranda was a shade less than a bow. “Miss de Courtenay.”
Adrian took his sister’s elbow, and they moved to a secluded alcove. “What the devil are you doing with Aldridge?”
“Nothing at all,” she replied with a toss of her head, “idle chit chat. Nothing more.”
“What I overheard did not sound like a mere chance to catch up or talk about the weather.”
“I am telling you, we had a meaningless conversation. I am certain Aldridge has already forgotten I am even present.”
 by Sherry Ewing – 2nd excerpt "Pinterest")
