page67 (2/2)

Gareth followed the butler down the hall to sa room in which he’d met Hyacinth the week before

Good God, was it just one week? It felt a lifetio

Ah, well Skulking about, breaking the law, and very nearly ruining the reputation of a proper young lady did tend to age a man before his time

The butler stepped into the room, intoned Gareth’s name, and moved to the side so that he could walk in

“Mr St Clair!”

Gareth turned with surprise to face Hyacinth’sher teacup down in its saucer He didn’t knohy he was surprised to see Violet Bridgerton; it certainly stood to reason that she would be home at this time in the afternoon But for whatever reason, he had only pictured Hyacinth on the way over

“Lady Bridgerton,” he said, turning to her with a polite bow “How lovely to see you”

“Have you met my son?” she asked

Son? Gareth hadn’t even realized anyone else was in the room

“My brother Gregory,” ca across fro sofa She tilted her head toward the here Gregory Bridgerton stood, assessing him with a scary little half smile

The smirk of an older brother, Gareth realized It was probably exactly hoould look if he’d had a younger sister to torture and protect

“We’ve ory said

Gareth nodded They had crossed paths from time to time about town and had, in fact, been students at Eton at the same time But Gareth was several years older, so they had never known each other well “Bridgerton,” Gareth er man a nod

Gregory moved across the rooood to see you,” he said, directing his words at Gareth “Hyacinth says you’re her special friend”

“Gregory!” Hyacinth exclai”