by Fanny Finch
“I am sure you were invited. I believe you have just refused to go to many of them. You may have been invited to a different party when the elder Lord Wake was holding his. It does surprise me somewhat that you have not met him or attended the parties even once. Why, your mother and I attended many of his father’s when we were courting.”
“Did you meet there?”
Lord Price shook his head. “No, our arrangement was made before we began attending the season parties. We went together and never explored any other options.”
“I will be at my best, Father, I promise you that.”
Again, Leander was telling the truth. He did not want to cause trouble for anyone. He just wanted to ensure he was happy for the rest of his life and not tied down to someone he did not care for.
He could not imagine sleeping in a bed with Miss Drusilla or taking the necessary steps to have a child.
The thought made his stomach queasy.
His father brought him out of his thoughts when he closed the book loudly and set it on the table next to him. “I know you will, Leander. You have always made me proud. I am glad you have become the man you are.”
“Thank you, Father.” Leander was pleased to receive the compliment. He wanted to make his father happy. His true desire, though, was that he was happy, as well.
“I am sure Miss Drusilla will be at the house party. Her mother is aware that you two are heading for courtship. I am sure she will be present, as well.”
“Along with many other ladies and their mothers,” Leander said with a smile.
His father stood up, smiling back at him. “Yes. That is true. But you only need to concentrate on one. I want you to be happy, son. But you have responsibilities to keep in mind. You have said yourself she is a lovely woman. Since you have no objection other than the fact that you are not in love with her, you have no real reason not to give her a chance.”
Leander wished he could tell the truth. He was afraid what his father would say and did not want to hear anything that would further dampen his mood and make it impossible for him to get in the coach and go to Baron Wake’s home.
He watched his father leave the room. As soon as Lord Price was on the other side of the door, he slumped in his chair and pressed one hand against his forehead. His head was beginning to pound.
The headache that had been looming all day was coming on full force. He had to find a way to relax before he went to the house party. It would be three long days of absolute hell if he had a terrible anxiety headache the entire time.
He knew if it came down to it, he would have to do what his father bade him do. He would have no choice. The thought may sicken him at the moment but perhaps Lord Price was right. Perhaps Miss Drusilla would grow on him.
He pictured her in his mind but could not do so without smelling her at the same time. He shook his head.
He could forgive the uncouth behavior, her unkempt appearance, and the small mistakes she made when addressing those above her station.
It was that strange smell. He could not get over it. He did not know what was causing it but it was extremely repellant.
It occurred to him that if he was forced to marry her in the end, he would see to it that she bathed often and did not use any types of scented perfumes, soaps, or creams that would offend his nose.
He could probably mold her to be the woman he wanted her to be.
He just did not want to have to do it. She was a grown woman. She should be able to recognize these things and resolve them on her own.
He shook his head, sighing heavily, nursing his forehead with one hand.
Chapter 5
Lady Eugenia’s eyes were wide as they approached Baron Wake’s mansion.
“I did not know he had such a beautiful home,” she murmured in a voice so low Hestia had to lean forward to hear her. She turned her eyes and scanned the mansion and the surrounding landscape. “I am expecting to see a rival flower garden.”
Hestia grinned. “It would be appropriate, given the beauty of his land.”
Lady Eugenia nodded. “I agree. It is quite amazing. My father says he is a newcomer to the region but I do believe he held parties here last season, did he not?”
“I am not sure. You did say that his father did, I believe. I have not been introduced and did not know his father.”
“Hmmm.” Lady Eugenia mumbled something incoherent and Hestia did not ask her to repeat it. She was surveying the land around her, the grassy slopes that stretched out and down the slight hill the mansion was set on.
The coach rumbled over an arched bridge that took them over a wide stream. Hestia looked out the window, dropping her eyes to the water. It was sparkling and clear, allowing her to see the fish swimming in it. The peace of the rippling water calmed her anxious heart.
She was not anxious for Lady Eugenia, as she was sure her friend would find an appropriate husband at some point. This would be a prime opportunity for her to do so.
“His father left him quite an estate,” Lady Eugenia said, turning her eyes to her companion. Hestia nodded.
“He certainly did.”
The coach pulled up to the front of the house. Lady Eugenia, who always departed first, hesitated, remaining in her seat for a moment.
“Tonight, we must make ourselves available to any attractive man who shows us favor, Hestia,” Lady Eugenia said in a nervous voice.
Hestia raised her eyebrows. “Eugenia, why are you anxious? You are beautiful and will have no trouble finding a man to court you.”
“If it was that easy, I would not still be looking.” The smile on her face let Hestia know she was teasing her. “But I hope so. I do hope so. And I hope you also find a good man. We must be on our best behavior, yes?”
Hestia grinned. “Of course. When are we not on our best behavior?”
Lady Eugenia scanned her from head to toe. “You look lovely. I am sure you will find someone here. We have three days to make something happen. I know your father must be anxious for you to find someone.”
Hestia wondered just how much she had revealed to Lady Eugenia about her lot in life. She often said things off the cuff because she considered Lady Eugenia to be such a good friend. But she did not care to let anyone know about her family’s woes. Not even her best friend.
“I am here to help you make a match, Eugenia. Do not be concerned about me.”
“Baron Wake has two sons around our age,” Lady Eugenia said. Her voice still showed the tension she felt. “I feel that if we meet them, we will have a better opportunity to meet more eligible men. That will be good for both of us, will it not? If I marry first, I will be sure to include you in everything until you find a man for yourself.”
“Eugenia, you must stop thinking about me and concentrate on what you need to do.”
“But Hestia, if you do not do something soon, you will either be a spinster or your father will match you with a man you do not want to be with. I know you are looking for love. You must pursue your own happiness, too.”
Hestia chuckled. “You are such a sweet friend, Eugenia. I do not know what I would do without you.”
Lady Eugenia smiled gently. “You would be a very successful woman at whatever you put your mind to. You would be a companion to someone else, perhaps, if not me.”
“I am glad it is you, Eugenia. I was blessed to be employed by your father.”
“Now you are a sweet friend. Come, let us see what the inside of this beautiful estate looks like.”
“Yes, my lady,” Hestia said it with a smile. Eugenia smiled back.
“You are very good at meeting people, Hestia. If you find an opportunity to make any new contacts, please let me know.”
“Of course! I would be more than happy to do that for you.”
They stepped out of the coach, both of them gathering their skirts in their hands as they moved up the stairs to the front door. There were a few people walking around, admiring the beauty of the estate.
Hestia cou
ld hear their compliments, many similar to the ones she and Lady Eugenia had mentioned on the way up the road to the house. The door was opened by a well-dressed butler, who accepted Lady Eugenia’s invitation and ushered them into a large room where the social hour had already begun.
They both looked around and then glanced at each other.
“It is up to you where we go, Eugenia,” Hestia said in a low voice. “I will follow your lead.”
Lady Eugenia nodded and straightened her spine, lifting her chin as she walked across the room. They both nodded politely to those who glanced in their direction. There were small groups of people talking in various parts of the room, chattering quietly among themselves.
“Are you thirsty? I will get you a drink if you are.”
Lady Eugenia nodded at her. “Get yourself a cup, too.”
“Would you like tea? Coffee?”
“I will take a cup of tea, thank you. I need a little energy. The tea might serve that purpose.”
“You will not need to fetch tea here, my lady.”
The two women both turned and were confronted by the large presence of Baron Wake. He smiled at them both. He was flanked by his two sons, who were both tall and handsome.
“My goodness, I did not see you there. Please accept my deepest apology.” Lady Eugenia curtsied to the men.
“It is not a problem. Anything you desire will be provided to you. You only need to ask one of the servants. I would like to introduce you to my sons, the Honorable Henry and David Wake.”
The two women curtsied to both the men. “I am Lady Eugenia Callow, daughter of the Viscount of Culross. This is my companion, Lady Hestia Stalwood, daughter of the Earl of Nottingham.”
“It is pleasant to meet you both,” Baron Wake said, bowing to them. “I will leave you in the capable hands of my sons. I see we have new arrivals. Henry, David, show these ladies where they will find refreshments and make them comfortable.”
“Yes, Father,” Henry said, crooking his elbow to Lady Eugenia. “Allow me to escort you to the game table, Lady Eugenia. My friends are beginning a game of Loo. Do you know how to play?”
Lady Eugenia grinned. “I do. How lovely. Thank you.”
“Lady Eugenia, I believe I will mingle for a few minutes.”
Lady Eugenia nodded at Hestia. Hestia saw the sparkle in her friend’s eyes. She knew what Hestia was up to. She was glad she was allowed the freedom to explore on her own. She was determined to find a man that would be compatible with her beautiful friend.
There were several groups of people in the large parlor but Hestia wanted to explore further than that. There were people outside of the room, too, looking around the land and admiring it. Surely, there were eligible men she had not met yet.
If she could find one to introduce to Lady Eugenia, it would make her job worthwhile. It would mean that she had proven herself loyal to her friend. Lady Eugenia expected no less from her and she would be given all the respect she deserved. In Hestia’s mind, her friend deserved the best caliber of man, the most loving and kind, one that would care for Lady Eugenia until her final days.
A handsome one was also preferred.
She looked for a servant to ask where she might find refreshments and spotted one standing by a door near the veranda. She did not need to say anything. As soon as she approached, the servant held out one hand to the long table he was standing next to.
“May I make you a plate of fruit, my lady? Would you like a cup of tea?”
Hestia nodded. “Yes. Also, I am here with Lady Eugenia Callow. She is seated there, at the table with the baron’s sons. Please take her a plate and some tea, as well. She is thirsty.”
“I will do that for you right now.”
Without another word, the young man moved around the front of the table and made two large plates of fruits with a tasty dip spooned on top. Hestia’s mouth was watering looking at the fresh fruit. She had not realized how hungry she was until she saw the spread on the table.
The young man worked quickly. He set one plate in front of Hestia, poured her a cup of tea, poured another for Lady Eugenia and turned to pick up the second plate. Without speaking, he nodded at her. She nodded back.
He moved away from her, hurrying to the table where Lady Eugenia was currently laughing about something one of the baron’s sons had said. Her joy made Hestia smile, too.
Hestia moved around the room, wanting to give it one more chance before she went outside. She would be remiss if she did not even try to explore the large parlor room. One wall was lined with books, which she found herself drawn to.
She scanned the many titles, admiring the tall shelf and the collection it held. She spotted several she wanted to pull down but realized she was being distracted from what she was intending to do.
She was not here to read. Perhaps in her downtime, when she was attempting to relax by herself. But now was not the time for that. She was to find new introductions for Lady Eugenia and nothing else.
She backed away from the books, still staring at the titles, wondering if it would be improper for her to take one down for later.
She had set her plate down next to the bookshelves on a small table. When she realized she was leaving it behind, she moved forward again and picked it up.
She turned around and almost dumped the entire plate and all of her tea on a young man sitting in a lounge chair. The man abruptly stood up and looked down at himself.
Hestia flushed with embarrassment. “Oh, I am so sorry, my lord. I should have been paying attention to where I was going. Did you get any on your clothes?”
The man shook his head, scanning the front of his tunic and britches. “I appear to be perfectly safe from harm and mess, my lady. Do not apologize. This wall of books has been fascinating me since I arrived.”
“Again, allow me to apologize.”
The man smiled. “I am surprised I have not been introduced to you, my lady. I wish to find your companion and give them a thorough tongue-lashing for not giving me an opportunity to speak with you before you are snatched away by some other eligible young bachelor.”
“Pardon me?” Hestia was taken by surprise. Her dress was not as fancy as those worn by most of the other women. It was obvious who were the companions in the room and who were the ladies.
However, Hestia was also a lady. Lady Eugenia had introduced her to the baron’s sons as a lady and a companion.
Chapter 6
“It is obvious your chaperone is not doing her job. I wish to be introduced to you properly. Please tell me where I might find her. You must not make introductions for yourself during your first season. It is not proper…”
Hestia stopped his words with a shake of her head. “My lord, I must explain myself. I am only attempting to take initiative for my friend, Lady Eugenia Callow, who is seated just there.”
She turned to look at the table where Lady Eugenia was seated. She held out her hand in Lady Eugenia’s direction so as not to point. “She is seated with the baron’s sons, who have interested her in a game of Loo. I am, in fact, the companion, who seeks a husband for my lady.”
She regretted that Leander’s face turned as red as hers probably was. She could feel the heat on her cheeks. A feeling of excitement passed through her that such a handsome lord had shown attention to her and thought of her as an eligible bachelorette.
She did not want Leander to be embarrassed. She was just as interested in finding a husband for herself but it was not the time or place for her own future goals. Tonight, and as long as Lady Eugenia was a bachelorette, she would take second place.
It was a shame, she thought, because this man was very handsome and had an attractive personality. She could tell by the gentle nature of his voice and his expressed love of books that he was intelligent and kind.
“By all means, tell me your name, then,” he said, bowing to her.
“I am Hestia Stalwood. I am a companion to Lady Eugenia Callow, who is the daughter of the Viscount of Culross
. Would you like to be introduced to her?”
“I would like that, yes. But it does appear her attention is taken at this time. Perhaps we can walk slowly?”
Hestia tried not to grin. The man was very attractive. It was not just his outward appearance. He was tall and very handsome. It seemed to her he exuded positive energy that flowed over her like the tide when the moon was full.
She smiled at him, wishing she had met this man the season before, when she had presented herself as a lady. “I need to know who I am introducing to her.”
