“The invitations are being prepared and delivered as we speak,” Pembroke said. “I have invited everyone here, of course.” His expression was tight as he nodded toward the other men in the room and it was obvious, at least to Robert, that he hadn’t been pleased to do so. “As well as your sisters and their husbands, Lord Langley,” He nodded at Robert who had thought his entrance had gone unnoticed. “And I have invited several other single young ladies who are making their debut this year to add to the numbers.”

And to hopefully keep the other men occupied, Robert supposed with amusement. Though he doubted that would work. In his opinion, no woman stood a chance next to Lisa. All these other women would do was make her value even more obvious. But bully to Pembroke for trying it, he thought.

“That sounds lovely,” Lisa said happily and the men all murmured their agreement, though a little less enthusiastically, he noted, and guessed they were wishing they’d thought of it.

Much to his relief the visitation ended shortly after that when Findlay suggested they should leave Lisa to rest before she had to prepare for that night’s ball. There was a general, if disappointed, murmur of agreement from the other men and they all began to slowly gather their things and make their departure.

Robert stood silently by while Lisa saw each man off with a smile and assurances that she’d enjoyed their company. While Findlay was the first to suggest it might be time they left, he was the last to actually leave, dallying until an annoyed Pembroke finally shuffled out the door.

Lisa wasn’t the only one to turn a curious gaze on Charles Findlay once the others had left. Robert eyed him suspiciously, sure the man had hoped he would leave them alone for a moment, but Robert had stood by and watched him grope Lisa last night and that was enough. He wasn’t doing it again, he decided grimly, and simply raised an eyebrow at Findlay when he glanced his way expectantly.

Apparently coming to the realization that he wouldn’t be left alone with Lisa, Findlay smiled wryly and then reached into his inside coat pocket as he approached her. His expression was somewhat chagrined as he pulled out three slender books.

“I didn’t wish to give these to you in front of the others,” he admitted, offering them to her.

“Oh, Charles,” Lisa breathed, taking the books as if they were the finest jewels.

Robert immediately scowled at her use of the man’s first name, but neither of them noticed.

“I wasn’t sure what you enjoy reading, and I haven’t read any of these myself, but a friend assured me you should like them,” Findlay said uncertainly, and then frowned and added, “I hope you haven’t read them yet.”