Lynsay Sands Quote

Mowbray! Been a while since you bothered with the season. What brings you to town? Lord Adrian Montfort, Earl of Mowbray, shifted his gaze from the couples whirling past on the dance floor and to the man who approached: the tall, fair, eminently good-looking Reginald Greville. He and Greville, his cousin, had once been the best of friends. However, time and distance had weakened the bond—with a little help from the war with France, Adrian thought bitterly. Ignoring Reginald’s question, he offered a somewhat rusty smile in greeting, then turned his gaze back to the men and women swinging elegantly about the dance floor. He replied instead, Enjoying the season, Greville? Certainly, certainly. Fresh blood. Fresh faces. Fresh victims, Mowbray said dryly, and Reginald laughed. That too. Reginald was well-known for his success in seducing young innocents. Only his title and money kept him from being forced out of town. Shaking his head, Adrian gave that rusty smile again. I wonder you never tire of the chase, Reg. They all look sadly similar to me. I would swear these were the very same young women who were entering their first season the last time I attended…and the time before that, and the time before that. His cousin smiled easily, but shook his head. It has been ten years since you bothered to come to town, Adrian. Those women are all married and bearing fruit, or well on their way to spinsterhood. Different faces, same ladies, Adrian said with a shrug. Such cynicism! Reg chided. You sound old, old man. Older, Adrian corrected. Older and wiser. No. Just old, Reg insisted with a laugh, his own gaze turning to the mass of people moving before them. Besides, there are a couple of real lovelies this year. That blonde, for instance, or that brunette with Chalmsly. Hmmm. Adrian looked the two women over. Correct me if I’m wrong, but my guess is that the brunette—lovely as she is—doesn’t have a thought in her head. Rather like that Lady Penelope you seduced when last I was here. Reg’s eyes widened in surprise at the observation. And the blonde… Adrian continued, his gaze raking the woman in question and taking in her calculating look. Born of parents in trade, lots of money, and looking for a title to go with it. Rather like Lily Ainsley. Another of your conquests. Dead-on, Reginald admitted, looking a bit incredulous. His gaze moved between the two women and then he gave a harsh laugh. Now you have quite ruined it for me. I was considering favoring one or both of them with my attentions. But now you have made them quite boring.-Reg & Adrian