The fresh bowl of grapes improved Eric's mood considerably.
Not enough to make embroidery interesting, of course. There were limits even Ryan's carefully peeled grapes could not overcome.
He lounged beneath the canopy with his fan resting loosely against his shoulder, eating one grape after another while the women around him continued their conversation. By now, Eric had realized that several of them had been watching him for quite some time.
Not openly. Noblewomen apparently had an entire art dedicated to staring at someone without appearing to stare at them.
A glance over the rim of a teacup. A brief look while adjusting a sleeve. A whisper behind a fan followed by several pairs of eyes casually turning his way.
Eric pretended not to notice.
