“And you, My Lord,” Ruth said in reply. Esther nodded.
“Unfortunately, I have spent too much time speaking with my cousin, and I have neglected my work at the stables,” Lord Harry said. Is Lord Wiltshire here already?
“So,” Lord Harry continued, “I must take my leave, but I look forward to speaking with you ladies, later.”
“We look forward to it, also” Esther said with a slight smile. She never wanted to give him the impression that she was interested, yet she did want to be polite.
Lord Harry smiled, and continued walking past them. Esther wondered when she might see Lord Wiltshire. Likely at dinner.
“Please follow me, and I will take you to your rooms,” Bolt said, as they continued down the hall and towards the grand staircase. Once again, Esther couldn’t believe that her sister, Mary, actually lived here.
The three of them made their way to two doors, directly across from each other. They were different rooms than they had stayed in for the wedding.
“Your lady’s maids are waiting inside,” Bolt said. “My Lady,” he said to Esther, “Your room is here.” He motioned to the door to the right. He then turned to Ruth, “And your room, My Lady,” is here.” He motioned to the door to the left. “Please let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thank you,” Esther said, and Ruth did the same. Bolt walked away, and Ruth turned towards Esther with a smile. “I trust you brought your most beautiful gown? Make sure Rose does her best work. After all, you will see Lord Wiltshire tonight.”
“Ruth!” said Esther, a bit shocked that her sister would say something like that in the hallway, where others could hear. “Please!”
Ruth just laughed. “I will knock at your door when I am ready to go down for dinner.” Esther watched as Ruth walked into her room, and then she turned and walked into her own, still shaking her head at Ruth’s comment.
Chapter 12
Allan watched in the mirror as Harley, his valet, was brushing his dinner jacket and making sure that every speck was removed.
“This looks wonderful, Harley,” Allan said, as he scrutinized his reflection. Though Allan was still quite ashamed of his battle wounds, he did have moments, like this one, where he thought his outer appearance was quite handsome.
His ginger hair was brushed forward, and the light in the room made his green eyes look like emeralds. His face was good-looking and though he could see fine lines forming around his eyes, he still looked younger than his seven-and-twenty years.
“You appear ready, My Lord,” said Harley with a smile. “Do you believe you need anything else?”
“No.” Allan said, “Harley, you always amaze me with how you make my clothing look so good.”
Harley smiled, and said “It’s not difficult with a tailor who fits the clothing so well.”
Allan gave a hearty laugh. “I will head downstairs now, and perhaps have a drink before dinner.”
“Very good, My Lord.” Harley replied.
“Thank you, as always,” Allan said. He stepped into the hallway and passed another guest room and wondered who might be staying there.
As he approached the upper part of the grand staircase, he began to look for others. People had a tendency to gather at the top of the stairs before dinner, but seeing no one, he continued down the red carpeted stairs.
He got near the bottom and he could see a couple of footmen standing in front of the door to the dining room, which was closed. They must still be preparing the evening meal.
He was looking forward to seeing and speaking with Edward before the rest of the guests came in the morning. Tonight, dinner would be a less formal occasion, since it was only family in attendance.
A footman met him at the doorway to the drawing room. “Good evening, My Lord,” he said, “The Duke and Duchess of Daftwood are inside. One moment, please.”
The footman walked in to announce that Allan had arrived, and then opened the door wide for Allan to walk through.
As he came into the drawing room, Allan met Edward’s eye, and he couldn’t help but smile. He really did look happy with Mary at his side. Edward started to walk towards him with wide grin. “Finally, Allan,” he said. “We have a moment to speak.”
Allan reached out and patted Edward on the shoulder, and took a glass of wine, which was sitting on a tray being held by a footman. He smiled, and then said, “I would love to know how married life is treating you, Cousin.”
Edward laughed, and said “I cannot tell you how wonderful it has been, Allan.” He looked as if he couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face. “I have a wife that other men only dream of, and I simply couldn’t be happier to have her with me, forever.”
Allan smiled at him. He wondered if he would ever be this happy with anyone. Though he certainly had Bridget on his mind, and even Lady Esther, though she didn’t seem interested in him, he couldn’t imagine feeling the same type of happiness that he saw exuding from Edward. “And I couldn’t be happier for you, Edward,” he said.
“Let me tell you, Allan,” Edward said. “The wedding tour was fantastic, and Mary and I were delighted to meet with so many people. It really makes our future together look bright. In fact, some of the other couples we met are coming to the dinner party, tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful,” said Allan, taking a sip of his wine. “I look forward to meeting them. After all, any friend of yours and Lady Mary’s is a friend of mine.”
Edward laughed, “Then you, Cousin, are about to have several new friends after this weekend is over.”
“What’s so funny?” Allan heard from a distance. He turned, and saw Harry walking towards him. He, too, had a smile on his face, and Allan thought it was odd that he had now seen Harry twice, and he was not brooding nor sullen either time.
Edward laughed, “We were just starting to catch up after not seeing each other for a few weeks,” he said. “You know, Allan, my brother here barely made it without me.”
Now it was Allan’s turn to laugh. “I can only imagine.” It was well known in their circle that Edward was much more responsible than his brother. Harry took it in stride.
“Now, now,” Harry said, taking a sip of his drink. “You came home to a house that was still standing and a stable that is still thriving, so I can’t see how you can complain.”
All three of the men laughed. “Yes, Harry, I did,” Edward responded. “And I certainly appreciate it.”
“So, the two of you have been catching up?” Harry asked.
“Indeed,” Edward said. “It’s been too long to be away from family.”
“Allan,” Harry asked with excitement in his voice. “Did you tell Edward about your meeting with Miss Crampton?”
“No,” said Allan quickly. “I just came in.”
“Miss Crampton?” Edward said. “Wait. The doctor’s daughter?” You saw her?” He looked shocked.
Allan nodded. “I did. I saw both Doctor Crampton and Miss Crampton.”
Edward had an odd look on his face and took a drink of his wine. “I am sorry, Allan,” he said. “This just caught me by surprise.”
“Please, Edward,” Allan said. “Don’t apologize. It was simply a friendly meeting with the doctor and his daughter, who saved my life. That’s it. I was in the area on business, and I stopped in. That was the extent of the meeting.”
Allan noticed that Edward looked past him and to Harry, who said “Well, that’s not totally the entire story.”
“There’s more?” asked Edward.
“Allan asked to see her again,” Harry replied.
Edward’s eyes got big. “You didn’t.”
“I didn’t,” said Allan, giving Harry a look of annoyance. “I simply said, the next time I am in the area that I might stop in to see her father again.”
“But you know,” Harry replied, “that seeing her father means that you will see her.”
“Likely,” said Allan.
“I hope you have a plan,” said Edward. “You know my
feelings about this, Allan. I certainly wouldn’t tell you that this is a terrible idea, but I do want you to think about what it might be to marry a commoner.”
“I understand and appreciate your concern,” said Allan.
Edward looked at him and nodded. “I’m sure we will talk about this again, soon,” his older cousin said. “If you’ll excuse me, my sisters-in-law just walked in.”
Allan turned and his heart skipped a beat. Lady Esther was standing there, and she looked ravishing. She was wearing a gorgeous light green gown, which enhanced the redness of her cheeks and lips. Her hair was curled around her face, and her amber colored eyes were shining. He could barely catch his breath and he definitely felt his trousers tighten a bit due to his unexpectedly growing erection.
“Ahhh,” said Harry. “There she is. Excuse me.”
Allan shifted himself a bit, but he could just stand there as he watched his cousin approach Lady Esther. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Harry had a large smile on his face. Lady Esther, on the other hand, looked as if she was smiling politely, but not fully accepting of Harry’s verbal barrage.
“Hello, Lord Wiltshire.”
Allan turned at the sound of the voice. It was Lady Ruth.
“Oh, hello!” he said. “It is lovely to see you, My Lady.”
“And you, My Lord,” Lady Ruth replied. “How have you been getting on since I saw you last?”
“Oh,” Allan replied. “Very well, indeed.”
“That’s marvelous!” Ruth explained. Allan noticed that she was drinking wine and looked very much like her sisters, except lighter in complexion, like her father.
“And you?” he asked.
“I am doing well, too,” she said. “I’m very much looking forward to the dinner party tomorrow. You said that Edward and Lord Harry are your only family?” Ruth asked.
“Yes,” Allan said. “My parents have both passed, and I am an only child. Edward and Harry are as close as siblings as I will ever have.”
Ruth smiled. “You could have in-laws, at some point.”
Allan chuckled. “Yes,” he said. “I suppose you are right.”
At this point, Bolt walked into the room and announced dinner. Allan took a final sip of his wine and placed the empty glass on the table next to him. He turned towards the door just at the same moment that Lady Esther was walking out, and he then looked at Harry, who was staring at her like a beast staring down its prey.
Allan took a deep breath and stood there waiting for Edward to show him out, secretly annoyed at Harry for the way he was acting towards Lady Esther.
* * *
“Dinner was wonderful, Mary,” Esther said to her sister as they gathered back in the drawing room following dessert.
“Oh, thank you, Esther.” Mary replied. “I worked very hard to ensure that everyone would enjoy the meal, and I am hoping that tomorrow’s dinner is even better!”
“If tomorrow’s meal is even better,” Esther said, “Then I am very happy that I came this weekend.”
Mary laughed, and Ruth walked over to join them. “This is the first time the three of us have had a chance to get together since your wedding, Mary.”
“I know,” Mary acknowledged. “Please, let’s go sit down and catch up.”
Mary began walking towards two sofas facing each other, and Esther followed with Ruth beside her. As they walked across the room, Esther glanced to her side and caught the eye of Lord Wiltshire. He smiled, and she returned his look. She could feel her heart beating rapidly. He looked dashing, and she felt a tingling feeling between her legs. She realized that she had never quite had these responses before when seeing a man, and she liked how it felt.
The ladies sat down on the sofas, Mary on one and Ruth and Esther on the other, and a footman brought over some wine. Esther’s back was towards where Lord Wiltshire was standing, so she wasn’t sure if he was still looking at her, or not.
“So, Mary,” Ruth said, after she had taken a drink of her wine. “You must tell us about your life as the Duchess of Daftwood.”
“Oh, it is wonderful.” Esther could tell by her sister’s expression that she was being totally and utterly honest with that statement. “I am so in love with Edward, and he is so in love with me. I really couldn’t imagine any life more perfect than ours.”
Esther couldn’t help but smile. It truly warmed her heart to see her sister so happy.
“It’s only the three of us here, and Esther already knows, Mary, but I want to tell you, too.” Ruth said.
Mary leaned forward to hear what Ruth had to say. “Oh! What is it?”
“I didn’t want to tell you at the wedding, but I will be the next in the family to marry.” Ruth smiled widely as she spoke.
Mary gasped, and then grabbed Ruth’s hand over the table that separated the sofas. “Oh Ruth,” Mary said, “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” said Ruth. “I am so happy, too.” She then turned to Esther and grinned. “I wish Esther was happier about it, but I’m sure she will come around.”
Mary quickly turned and looked at Esther. “You aren’t happy for her?”
“I didn’t say that,” Esther explained. “All I said was to make sure that he was serious about it, because quite honestly, he seems like a bit of a rascal to me. That’s it. I never said I wasn’t happy for her. Quite the contrary. I’m very happy for her.”
“Oh, I see,” said Mary. She then turned back to Ruth. “What did Mother and Father say? I have been so absent from family affairs since being gone, I haven’t heard anything about this!”
Ruth was silent for a moment, and Esther smirked. “She hasn’t told them,” Esther replied.
“What?” Mary gasped. “Ruth! You must tell them!”
“I know, I know,” Ruth said, taking a long sip of her wine. “I will tell them when I go back home.”
“Why haven’t you told them yet?” Mary asked.
“Well, simply because when it happened, it was right before your wedding, and I didn’t want anything to come between you and your special day,” Ruth replied.
“You could have told them after that, though,” Mary said.
“I know,” said Ruth, “But I did take Esther’s opinion into consideration, because I know Mother feels the same way.”
“How does Father feel?” Mary asked.
“I’m not sure,” Ruth replied.
“You had best find out,” Mary said. “And you must tell them as soon as you get home.”
“I know,” Ruth said. “Both of you are right.”
“Right about what?” Asked a jolly voice from behind Esther. It was her brother-in-law, Edward.
“Oh, nothing, Dear,” said Mary, standing to greet her husband. “Esther and I were just delighted to hear Ruth say we were right about something.” She smiled widely as Edward put his hand on her back.
“I hate to interrupt this time with your sisters, but it is getting late, my wife,” Edward said to Mary. “We should retire soon. We shall have guests arriving early in the day.”
“Yes, Dear,” Mary replied. “I’m sure you are correct. My sisters will have to excuse me.”
Both Esther and Ruth stood and both embraced Mary. “We will see you in the morning,” Esther replied.
Mary took her leave, and Ruth and Esther sat back down on the sofa. “I’m glad you told her,” Esther said to Ruth. “We both support you, but make sure that you are doing the right thing.”
* * *
Allan could see Edward and Lady Mary leaving the drawing room, and Lady Esther and her sister sitting on the sofa in the midst of a discussion.
He and Harry had been talking to Edward about the horses, and Harry was still going on about studs and fillies, even though Edward had left. The conversation was boring to Allan.
“Harry,” he said. “I think we have exhausted the horse conversation.”
Harry laughed. “Yes, I agree.” He took a sip of his Scotch, and Allan could tell that his cousin was feel
ing nice and relaxed this evening. “I was running out of things to say, anyway, Cousin. Shall we go talk to the ladies over there?”
Allan’s heart skipped a beat, as Harry immediately stood and began walking towards Lady Esther and Lady Ruth. He felt he had to join them, so Allan stood and followed his cousin, making sure to pick up his Scotch before he went.
“Are you ladies having a pleasant evening?” Harry asked them before Allan even got to the sofas.
“Oh yes,” Lady Ruth replied quickly. “It has been delightful. Hello, Lord Wiltshire,” she said, as she noticed Allan arriving to join the group.
Lusting For The Broken Earl (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 11
