“What a perfect summer lunch,” Fenella said, putting down her spoon with a sigh of repletion. “Thank you, Guy.”

“And I thank you, Fenella, for gracing my table,” he returned with a smile. He glanced at Petra, who dabbed at her mouth with her napkin before offering her own approbation.

At some point during lunch, Petra had noticed that Guy had dropped formality when addressing her friends, and if they’d noticed they hadn’t objected but simply followed suit. It was yet another example of the ease with which he managed situations. She was still annoyed for her brother at the way Guy had usurped the role of host without so much as a word of consultation.

“Lunch was delicious,” she said neutrally. “Thank you.”

Guy frowned at her, a question in his dark eyes, but Diana jumped in with her own thanks, redirecting the conversation. Petra let the small talk swirl around her until the party began to break up. She saw her brother discreetly touch Guy’s elbow, drawing him to one side, away from the women gathering their possessions.

Petra watched them for a moment. Joth was talking earnestly, seeming to remonstrate with the baron.

“What’s going on?” Diana asked in a whisper, drawing on her elbow-length pale silk gloves.

“Joth thought he was also hosting this lunch. Guy took him by surprise,” Petra told her sotto voce. “I know it made him feel small and subordinate. Which is something his lordship is very good at doing.” Her voice was tight with annoyance.

“Ah.” Diana nodded her comprehension but said nothing as the two men turned back to the table.

“Ladies, I must love you and leave you, I’m afraid. I’m expected in the House.” Joth kissed them goodbye with the familiarity of long acquaintance. “Granville, I’ll see you later tonight.” He held out his hand.

“Indeed.” Guy shook his hand. “I’ll see your sister safely to her door.”

“That will not be necessary,” Petra said swiftly. “I have things to do this afternoon. What about you, Diana? I know Fenella has her play reading.”

“Yes, I’m already late,” Fenella said, extending her hand to Guy. “Thank you again for lunch.” She kissed her friends and left them with a jaunty wave.

“I must go too. I have to visit my great-aunt and she gets very crotchety if I’m later than I promised. Thank you again for lunch, Guy. Petra, I’ll see you this evening at the Andersons?”

“Oh, yes, of course. I forgot their party was tonight.” Petra frowned. “Thanks for reminding me.” She kissed Diana goodbye.

“What do you have to do this afternoon?” Guy asked, handing her her gloves and handbag.

As it happened, Petra had no plans for the afternoon and didn’t want any either. “Oh, just things,” she said vaguely, waving a distracted hand. “Thank you for lunch.” She turned to leave the dining room.