“What house party?” Peyton frowned as he slouched on the settee.
Adele swung to face him with arched brows. “I’ve never understood how you can spend more than five minutes in this house Peyton and still not have a clue as to what is going on?” She clucked her tongue, shaking her head. “Poppy’s been working on Parker for a week to have friends visit.”
“I am having two of my dear friends. Piper has invited a friend as well and I believe Parker has some friends visiting.” Poppy listed.
“Egad! Agnes is coming?” Peyton groaned at Piper. “She is dry as dust. All that will be of interest to her is reading boring, dusty tomes. How is she going to be helpful in entertaining you this summer?” He rolled his eyes sarcastically. “By quoting from Wollstonecraft? How very diverting, indeed.”
“You do everything you possibly can to vex me, Peyton. Why do you pretend to care?” Piper inquired with raised brows. “You only need to be cordial to her. She is not visiting for your entertainment. If you are so concerned with being entertained, why do you not invite some friends of your own? You do have friends that are not completely dissolute. Perhaps one or two that are allowed in polite society?”
Peyton was silent for a moment. Almost looking bothered by Piper’s remark, “Perhaps I don’t want to? Perhaps I would prefer to be alone this summer?” He crossed his arms tightly over his chest with a frown. “Perhaps I will make plans of my own for the summer. Kent is sounding more and more agreeable.”
Adele grinned as she regarded her nephew with astute eyes.
“Agnes is such a good-humored girl,” Miss Harris chimed in. “What could be so vexing about her visiting Rosebriar?” She glanced at Peyton curiously.
“I don’t give a fig one way or another if Agnes is here or not,” he replied sounding piqued. He abruptly stood. “Well ladies, this has been a most enlightening experience this morning. But your attempts at conversation are growing tedious.”
“Peyton?” Miss Harris looked concerned.
“I appreciate your hospitality,” he stated in a contrived manner. “Thank you for the cakes but I believe I will make my way to Parker’s study.” He bowed slightly after excusing himself.
“What has him flying into the boughs?” Piper stuck her tongue out childishly at his back. “He is more moody than any woman of my acquaintance.”
“Oh, bother.” Poppy slumped in her seat. “Can we please begin now?”
CHAPTER TWO
A heart to love, and in that heart,
Courage, to make love known
Macbeth
*William Shakespeare
Dobbins knocked and then poked his balding head through the opening of the door. “Excuse me, my lord. A message arrived for you, Lord Ashford. The messenger insists he was directed to wait for your reply.”
“Very good, Dobbins.” Parker accepted the message, breaking the seal, then opening the folded note.
“Who send the letter?” Peyton asked from the deep leather wingback chair where he was lounging curiosity laced his tone.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Parker muttered, looking up to grin at Peyton. “Hawksley has finally replied to my invitation. He has decided to dust off the cobwebs and reenter society.”
“Splendid. I haven’t seen him in an age, such a capital fellow,” Peyton responded as he took a long swallow from his crystal tumbler. “So he is removing the armband?”
A faraway look appeared in Parker’s eyes. “We were once some of London’s wildest hell-raisers, now I am truly feeling old.” Then Parker’s eyes focused and he smiled as he looked at Peyton.
“Were is the definitive word.” Peyton laughed.
Disbelief flashed across Parker’s face, and laughter bubbled up in his throat. “You make it sound as if we are dead.” He shook his head.
Declan Trenowyth was one of the best. He had never found much benefit from following any of society’s dictates and therefore was always up for a good time. An expert troublemaker, he had been a beloved thorn in his father’s side. Declan’s father, the previous Duke of Hawksley, passed away some three years ago around the same time as Parker’s father. He had been perfectly content with being the spare. He never had a doubt that his brother Gabriel, being the heir to the dukedom, would be around forever. His inclinations ran to pursuits of pleasure rather than pursuits of estate business. Unfortunately, the unexpected happened a little over a year ago when Gabriel came down with a fever after a long day in the cold rain. He had been assisting with the search for a missing child from the local village and never recovered. Declan was devastated, to say the least. He has not been seen since which was a shame. His had one of the closest families that Parker had ever been a part, a feeling of contentment radiated when in their presence and it had been quite shocking to all when it had come to a crashing halt.
Hurriedly scribbling his reply, Parker sanded and sealed the missive. He grinned widely once again. “Dobbins, old man, we are to have one of the finest men in all of England visit us this summer. Take this quickly to the messenger.”
“Yes, my lord, right away,” Dobbins replied shutting the door softly behind him.
Parker stood and poured himself some brandy pondering the events of the last few years. A lot had changed. They evolved from rambunctious boys to men with great responsibilities. Each one had to shoulder responsibilities that they had not necessarily been ready to bear.
Declan was one of the only friends that knew of his own heartache. He had not even told his siblings, he glanced at Peyton. He did not want to burden them with his own mistakes. He was supposed to be their rock and he did not want them to be troubled with the whole ugly business. He watched the slowly swirling liquid in his crystal tumbler at his reminiscing.
Parker laughed quietly, blessed with a large and boisterous family, the Prodigious Peregrines his father had called them. He took a sip of his brandy shaking his head.
Poppy was the worst of the bunch. She definitely kept him on his toes, mettlesome to a fault. She definitely kept him busy. How dull he would be without her to clean up after.
Poppy and Piper both turned out to be diamonds, the best of the crop even after three years. Poppy’s only flaw, if you could call it such, was the smattering of freckles on her small nose. She had an adorable dimple that appeared on her left cheek whenever she graced you with one of her brilliant smiles, which she did most regularly. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you looked at it. Due to the indulgences bestowed on her by the comfortable ease of her life, she sometimes thought a little too highly of herself and her abilities. He had to watch over her more than he did Peyton and that was saying a lot. He thanked God every day she was not a boy, because that would have been more than he could handle.
“Parker!” The door flung wide open.
“Well speak of the devil,” Parker murmured.
Peyton sputtered on a laugh almost spitting out his last sip of brandy.
“Are you talking to yourself again, Parker?” Poppy chuckled. “We will be dragging you off to Bedlam soon.”
“No I am not talking to myself.” He angled his head towards Peyton. “As you can see I am far from alone.”
Peyton peeked from around the side of his chair and grinned, giving Poppy a jaunty salute.
“Who was at the door?” She asked just as nosily as Peyton had before her, leaning over her brother’s desk in an attempt to view the letter still open on the top. She was tenacious. When she wrapped her mind around something, you couldn’t stop her.
“I received a message from an old friend, Declan Trenowyth.” He lifted the letter and handed to her to read.
“Lovely.” Poppy beamed. “How very fortuitous since we are having a house party.”
“He was replying to my invitation.”
“Oh.” she grinned, giving him a sideways glance.
His innocent gaze met hers. “You’ve never met him, but I believe that I have mentioned a few of our tamer escapades.” He shook his head with a nost
algic smile.
“He is actually going to visit?
“I’ve just sent off a reply.”
“I don’t remember meeting Declan Trenowyth.” She threw a glance at Parker. “Why was he not in London for the season? Where is his home?” Poppy peppered him with question after question.
He laughed and held up his hands to stay the rush of questions. “I had no idea he was even back out in society. He hasn’t been in London for the past few years.”
“Have you met, Peyton?”
“I’ve met him a time or two.”
Turning back to Parker, she gave her elder-brother a wicked smile and a saucy wink, whispering, “Is he a notorious rake like you, Parker?”
“Yes,” Peyton tossed out from behind his paper.
Parker turned a glare at his brother. “So much has happened.” He exhaled raggedly. “Sadly he lost his father and his brother in a very short period of time.”
“Oh, how terrible.” Poppy turned serious for a moment. “I truly am sorry to hear about his loss.” She said in a soft voice.
“I think it would do him a world of good to join us. He lives in Berkshire which is only a few hours ride from here.” Her brother said reasonably. “I think being trapped in a house full of Peregrine’s for a fortnight will definitely keep his mind occupied.”
“I hope Mr. Trenowyth decides to join us.” Poppy smiled.
“He is the Duke of Hawksley now,” Parker brought to her attention. “He inherited the dukedom when his brother died last year.”
“He is unmarried?” Poppy tried to keep the interest out of her voice, but found it difficult. A duke!
“Poppy.” Peyton snorted.
“He is unmarried.” Parker flashed a wary glance her way, his eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed.
“Then how can we refuse him a holiday at Rosebriar. He will be a most welcome addition to our gathering. Wait until Piper hears of this. We will have several unmarried ladies visiting, how exciting.” Poppy stated with a grin. Her puckered brow concerned Parker even more. “Although I find it hard not to dwell on the misfortunes that he endured to earn the title of duke.”
Parker’s eyes filled with sorrow. “His family was simply marvelous. I wish you could have met them, Poppy. I know he misses them terribly.”
“Well, of course he does, the poor dear. My mission has now become to aid the new duke in having a most spectacular summer,” Poppy declared.
“You are such a delight, Poppy, always thinking of others. I knew I could count on you.”
“I wonder who he will prefer, Chloe or Freya? Does he like empty-headed chits?” Poppy clapped her hand over her mouth stifling her giggle. “Dear me, I’m not saying that Chloe and Freya are empty-headed chits.” She giggled again as she paced back and forth; tapping her chin. She turned inquiring eyes to Parker. “Or he might actually prefer bluestockings. Perhaps he is more inclined to ladies of scientific pursuits.” She laughed gaily feeling a spark of eagerness. “Perhaps Piper or even Agnes, for that matter.
“Poppy,” Parker admonished. “You are disturbing our guests and they haven’t even arrived yet.”
“I’m only trying to be helpful. I cannot leave poor Agnes out since she will be joining us as well. She is certainly a bluestocking.” She clapped her hands enthusiastically, “Ooh…this is going to be so entertaining.”
Peyton coughed from behind his paper.
“What schemes are you hatching, dearest?” Parker’s eyes narrowed.
“What makes you think I am scheming?” Poppy’s eyes sparkled as hope slashed through her.
“All I ask is that you do not get yourself into too much trouble.” He raised his hand in surrender. “Can you please make a concerted effort to contain your hoydenish ways while our guests are around?”
“Of course, Parker.” She beamed at him. “I will be an absolute angel. I would never want to do anything to cause you discomfiture,” Poppy stated as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on his cheek.
“Since when?” He slumped into his chair in mock defeat. “Oh, and try not to spend all of my money.” Looking half amused and half annoyed, “By the bye, just what do you know about notorious rakes?”
“Oh, you know.” She waved her hand around dismissively. “Just from those novels I’m so fond of from the lending library.” Then she glided out of the room humming contentedly, then poked her head back in the room. “Incidentally, can you make sure you invite some more eligible men?” Poppy waved her fingers cheerily then skipped barefoot down the hall. “Too da loo,” she called.
“Oh blast.” Parker groaned. “What have I gotten myself into?”
Peyton chuckled softly. “Don’t look at me.” He buried his head back behind his paper.
CHAPTER THREE
They do not love that do not show their love.
The course of true love never did run smooth
Love is a familiar. Love is a devil
There is no evil angel but love.
Two Gentlemen of Verona
*William Shakespeare
“I’ve heard of a home in Berkshire that is rumored to produce some of the finest wool in the whole of England,” Clara said looking up from her task. “I don’t see why our girls shouldn’t have stockings made from the best wool. We are not paupers, after all.”
Poppy glanced up from the ragdoll she was making. “Indeed.” She smiled. “It is such a little thing.” She glanced at Aunt Adele. “It’s not as if we cannot afford it.”
The women gathered for the weekly meeting of the Ashford Lane School for Girls. This was a school for indigent girls. Some were orphans and some were from families that just needed a helping hand.
“We just need to send a note,” Adele agreed. With a smile of accomplishment, she held up the doll she had just completed. “I will take care of it before I leave today.”
“I love how you embroidered pink cheeks on your doll, Auntie.” She frowned down at her poor attempt. “Beatrice will love it. Perhaps you can help with mine?” She grimaced just like her doll.
“How many does that make now?” Eugenia pointed to each finished doll as she counted, “one-two-three-four…”
Juliet cut in, “Five and that leaves just three more to complete.”
Poppy laid down her ragdoll, then turned to Lady Warren. “I have a suggestion.”
Looking up, Juliet inquired, “What, my dear?”
“We are hosting a small house party.” She threw her aunt a speaking look. “Perhaps we could arrange a gathering for the children during that time. I’m sure our friends would be amenable to help entertain the girls for an afternoon.”
“Like a fair?” Lady Eugenia Bellamy asked. She was another of the patronesses over the school. Her grown children had married and left home and she liked feeling useful.
“What a marvelous idea. “Adele beamed at her niece. “Think how exciting it will be for the girls to meet so many members of the peerage in one setting.”
“I’ll talk Mr. Bolton into supplying a pony for the children to ride,” Clara said with a smile.
Hearing a tap, Juliet bid the visitor enter.
“Lady Warren,” Miss Penelope Spenser, one of the teachers at the school, curtsied. “The children are ready for tea, my lady.”
“Lovely.” Juliet smiled. “We will be there shortly.” She glanced about the round table at the other women. “Gather ideas and we can discuss them next week.” All in total there were five patronesses of the Ashford Lane School for Girls. There was Lady Adele Peregrine, Lady Juliet Warren, Mrs. Clara Donovan, Lady Eugenia Bellamy and finally Lady Poppy Peregrine. Each took seriously their task as sponsors to the young girls who resided at the school.
Poppy put aside her needle and thread and rose. “Tea would be a welcome respite.”
There were twelve girls in all. Two of the girls were infants, four were in the nursery and the six remaining ranged in age from five to sixteen. The school employed a wet nurse, two nannies and two teachers. It was Lady
Warren’s belief that the girls would benefit from a proper education and etiquette would give the girls an advantageous edge when they were placing them in homes for work. Over the years, many young girls had left the school with the education needed to become well-paid companions and some even governesses.
Poppy glanced about the room at the six oldest girls seated properly at tables set for afternoon tea. The arrangement designed in order that each of the patronesses could sit with a table and use this time to teach lessons on comportment, tea service and polite conversation.
Poppy knew that Adele snuck away after tea each week to spend time with the small children in the nursery while she waited for her to complete her art lesson. Poppy had walked uninvited into the nursery one afternoon and spied her aunt rocking and infant with such a look of longing, she almost wept. Deep down inside Poppy believed that her aunt’s only regret in life was not having children of her own.
Once a week, after the meeting and after tea, Poppy taught the older girls something that was completely impractical. This was one of her favorite times. She felt that everyone should have a frivolous pastime, especially if one had the opportunity. Most of the children from the school would have hard lives. They would be required to work to survive and to eat. Therefore, one hour per week was set aside to give them a lighthearted moment. Each year she picked two different activities. Poppy hand selected glass painting which she felt whole-heatedly qualified. Did it really matter if one could paint backwards on a piece of glass?
The three oldest girls ranged from thirteen to sixteen. The youngest was Hester whom had just turned thirteen then Lauren who was fifteen and finally Charlotte who was sixteen.
“Lady Poppy?” A small, hesitant voice came from behind.
Looking over her shoulder, Poppy smiled, “Yes Hester?” Hester was a small girl with golden ringlets and sky blue eyes. Her cambric day dress covered with a paint-spattered pinafore. She was thirteen years old and still seemed like a child in so many ways. The schools ambitions were to keep the children until they were at least seventeen and sometimes even eighteen if they were able.
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