by Fanny Finch
Hestia smiled widely. Lady Eugenia had one of the softest hearts she had ever known. She was so glad to be a companion to such a lovely young lady.
“I suppose it might.”
“It seems to me you know almost everyone in London.”
Hestia could not help laughing. “Oh, my lady! There is no way! I know many people but not nearly everyone in London!”
Lady Eugenia laughed with her.
“To be truthful with you…”
“You are always truthful, Hestia.” She gave her friend’s arm another squeeze.
Hestia grinned. “Yes. I was only going to say that my situation at home was not as bad as it became over the last year. I was welcomed last year, had the money for proper attire and accessories. But my father has made some particularly bad decisions lately. I found myself in a position I could not help being in.”
“You are a strong woman, Hestia. I admire you. I’m always telling my father how wonderful you are.”
“You do?” Hestia was a little surprised. Lord Callow could be a difficult man sometimes. It felt good to know Lady Eugenia was on her side and thought so highly of her.
“Of course!” Another squeeze of her arm. “I do not want you to go anywhere but I do wish you the most happiness you can have in your future. Unfortunately, that does mean I will eventually lose you. I can get married and you can continue on as my companion. But when you get married, I will lose you. That saddens me at times but then I just think about how happy you will be.”
Hestia giggled. She felt truly blessed.
“I am willing to listen to you if you need to talk about your family situation, Hestia. I will not judge you.”
Hestia shook her head. “I know you will not judge me, my lady. But I do not wish to dwell on all that is happening at home. It is very private and personal to me. I did not mean to reveal so much earlier.”
Lady Eugenia nodded. “I understand completely, little Hestia. The invitation is open whenever you feel like talking. And if you do not ever feel like talking, that is alright, too.”
“Thank you, my lady, I am grateful for that.”
They were quiet for a moment before Lady Eugenia exclaimed on the beauty of a particular rose bush they were approaching. “It is as though each flower is blooming in perfect symmetry. Look at this.”
Lady Eugenia bent at the waist, letting go of Hestia’s arm. Hestia watched the young woman examine the flowers, touching them lightly with the tips of her fingers.
“They are so delicate.” Lady Eugenia’s voice was soft as she spoke. “It is amazing, the works of God, is it not?”
“Yes, quite,” Hestia responded.
Lady Eugenia straightened and wrapped her hands around Hestia’s arm once again. Hestia felt the warmth from her friend covering her with a soothing calm feeling.
“I do hope we meet some decent men at the house party. I know several that have asked for a dance with me these past few events but I am truly hoping for someone new to come. I do not want to see the same faces every time I go to an event.”
“I understand,” Hestia said, nodding. “Do you have anyone in mind? Anyone at all?”
“I have danced with a few that have caught my interest. But not in a way that makes me look forward to seeing them again. Did you attend a house party at Baron Wake’s last season? I do not know whether he had any parties here. Father says he is new to the area.”
Hestia shook her head, staring at the big house behind them. She could see Lord Faulkner and his son walking in their direction but it was not clear whether the two men were coming to speak to them or not.
As the men got closer, Hestia felt Lady Eugenia’s hand tighten on her arm. She looked down at her. Lady Eugenia looked almost terrified. She had spotted the men, too.
“Eugenia,” Hestia whispered. “Are you concerned to speak to Lord Faulkner and his son?”
Eugenia plastered a frozen smile on her face and spoke through it. “The younger Lord Faulkner has been pursuing me, yes. I suppose he is wondering why I am not participating fully in the games.”
“I am sure he is wondering, if he has been pursuing you.”
“There are other ladies he can be interested in,” Lady Eugenia’s voice was soft and she was still smiling, her eyes on the approaching men. “I do not return his interest. Look at him, Hestia. I do believe he is a foot taller than me and is twice my weight. I have no qualms being with men who are larger than me but I am afraid he does not take my interest.”
“I understand. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the situation for you?”
“I am afraid not. As you are my companion, he would not turn his advances toward you, although you would probably be a suitable mistress for him, should he ever marry.”
Hestia was hurt by her friend’s words and she felt the sting of it slide through her body. Lady Eugenia must have noticed her tensing up because she squeezed Hestia’s arm.
She leaned slightly closer and whispered, frantically, “That was not a slight upon you, my dear little Hestia. That was a slight upon his character. Do not take it the wrong way. You are not the mistress type. I am sorry I said it.”
“It is alright, Eugenia. Do not trouble yourself.”
“No. I will not allow you to feel bad about yourself because of your position. You are a highly respected woman in my eyes and soon you will have your status restored. A proper gentleman will notice your worth and forsake all others to be with you.”
“Those are kind words. I thank you for them.”
Hestia was amused by her rotating emotions. On one hand, she had been so hurt by the first words. Lady Eugenia followed up with words of comfort, making Hestia feel better about her situation with compassion.
Lady Eugenia squeezed her arm once more, still keeping her eyes on Lord Faulkner and his son.
“I do believe they are coming to speak to us, Eugenia. Or to you, I should say.”
“Perhaps. But I cannot show interest. We must find a way to get out of the conversation. There will be men at Baron Wake’s for me to dance with. I do not want to be tied to the younger Lord Faulkner.”
She took a few steps forward and curtsied to the two men.
“My lords. May I introduce you to my companion, Lady Hestia.”
The two men glanced Hestia’s way but their eyes quickly returned to Lady Eugenia. Hestia could see the younger lord’s interest in Lady Eugenia and could not help feeling sorry for her.
Chapter 3
Lord Leander Price, the only child of the Earl and Countess of Coventry, stood up and walked to the dressing table by the window that looked out over the land beyond. Rolling grassy hills, grazing animals, spots of forest trees and a road leading away from the mansion could all be seen from his second story window.
As the only child, he was solely responsible for adding wealth to his family name and producing an heir so the legacy would continue on. He felt the weight of it every morning when he rose. He was not getting any younger and his parents were getting anxious for him to settle down and get married.
He was set to marry a young lady of the ton, Miss Drusilla Sirey. She was a part of the “new money” society, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She was, on the surface, desirable as a wife. But despite his parents’ best efforts, Leander had no love for the girl.
His compassion only went so far. She was not well-schooled in manners and made simple mistakes, causing potential embarrassment for Leander, should he decide to go on and marry her. He was keeping his options open, though he knew his parents were pressing for a courtship and marriage between them.
He knew his responsibilities. He knew that as a lord, it was his obligation to bring money into the family coffers. But he did not want to marry for money. He wanted to marry for love. He wanted to desire his wife, be attracted to her, have children and live a happy life with her.
He did not see this happening with Miss Drusilla. As lovely as she might be – and even that was a case of “beauty in the eye of t
he beholder” – he did not love her and did not want to spend his remaining days with her. He was young and healthy. He might live to be a hundred, for all he knew.
He shuddered openly, sitting down at the dressing table and looking at himself in the mirror.
“What shall we do, old boy?” he said aloud to himself. “Disappoint everyone in the family and run away with a beautiful lady of the ton in the dark of night?”
He grinned. There was no way he would betray his family’s trust in such a manner. He would find a way to avoid marrying Miss Drusilla. But he would never betray his father. In the end, he would do what was right for the family.
Despite the life of misery that might bring.
“Money is not everything,” he said to his reflection.
After a moment, he reached forward and picked up a comb. He ran it through his hair, appreciating the way it fell immediately back into place, soft and smooth against his head. It fell in dark waves, accentuating the blue in his eyes.
His best friend, Lord Andrew Kraft of Doonsbury, told him it was a phenomenon that he was not yet married.
“With your looks, my friend, it is simply astounding that you do not yet have a wife. It has been several seasons. You dance with many beautiful ladies. And you have yet to court any of them. What is holding you back, my friend?”
“It is because I am not looking for what others are looking for, Andrew. I seek love and happiness. Not wealth and material things.”
To that, Andrew could only nod. He need not say anything more. Leander knew why he refrained from saying more. He knew it was the truth.
Leander had never been extremely materialistic. He had a spiritual mind that led him to look at things differently than many men of the ton. He knew what was expected of him.
He was supposed to be just like all the other men. Searching for a pretty face and a wealthy family. It was not his style. He was determined to be who he was, despite what his father and others in society thought of it.
With a sigh, he stood up and went to the long closet, opening both doors with a wide swing of both arms. He stared at the suits that hung there, trying to decide what would look best on him. They were all fine suits. He could choose any of them.
“I suppose I’ll go in green,” he murmured, reaching forward to pull out a light green tunic and pair of trousers, both hung on the same hanger. “I am not attempting to impress anyone in particular. I might as well.”
He was hoping that someday, he would be dressing to match the woman of his dreams. A woman he could truly love and enjoy being with. He wanted to talk to his woman as an equal.
Yet he had such a hard time finding that woman, the woman who would produce the perfect heir, be the perfect companion for him. He would find her. Someday, he would find her.
A knock on the door took his attention as he scanned the tunic and trousers. He looked up and called out, “Come in.”
The door opened and his footman, Toby, stuck his head in. He spotted Leander and came in the room, leaving the door halfway open.
“Good afternoon, sir.”
“Good afternoon, Toby. What is it?”
“I am sorry to disturb you, my lord. Your father wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in the parlor.”
Leander held in a sigh. He had a feeling he knew what his father would want. “I will go down in a moment. Stay and talk with me for a spell, Toby. I want to get your opinion on what outfits I should take to Lord Wake’s for the weekend. I will also need you to pack my personal items and make sure I have everything I need. I do not want to ask for anything while I am there.”
“Of course not, my lord. I will pack your usual bag.”
Leander laid the outfit down on the bed and sat down next to it gently, so it would not get ruffled. He set both hands on his knees, locking his elbows and hanging his head.
“Toby, I am just not sure about this weekend party. I know Father is sending me so that I will spend more time with Miss Drusilla. I am having a difficult time making him understand I have no feelings for the woman.”
“Is she too plain for you, my lord?” Toby was used to being blunt with Leander. His lordship had told the footman years before, when he began his service to him, that he was not interested in a footman without a brain or an opinion on anything. He encouraged Toby to speak freely.
“She is not too plain. She has her attributes that are attractive. She is just not attractive to me. There is a certain type of woman I am searching for. It is not her.”
“You have mentioned you feel she will embarrass you.”
Leander nodded but said nothing.
“Why is it that your father does not also see this? Is he unaware of her lack of manners and propriety?”
Leander looked away from his footman, staring at his own reflection in the mirror. “I am not sure he is concerning himself with my happiness, Toby. To him, it is my obligation and my responsibility to provide for this family, add wealth and an heir, regardless of how I feel about it. That is to say, how I feel about the woman he chooses for me.”
He shook his head, pushing himself up to his feet. “I do not understand. I fear I never will. I will not do this to my son. He will be allowed to choose a woman of his liking.”
Leander moved his eyes to Toby when the footman did not respond. He noticed the look of doubt on the young man’s face.
“You do not believe me?”
Toby stood stock-still. “It is not that I do not believe you, my lord. I believe that you mean what you say. I also know that situations change when the reality of life comes to pass.”
“Perhaps.” Leander walked to his closet and stared at the variety of outfits hanging there. “Perhaps. But in this situation, I do not see why I would change my mind. It is not my plan to bankrupt my family into needing the money that would be provided by a dowry owed to my son when he marries. He should be free to choose whom he loves. I do not wish for him to marry for necessity.”
“I understand, my lord.”
“I want you to go through these outfits. You choose the ones you feel are most appropriate for me. Pack a trunk for me and have it delivered to the coach for this evening. I will leave in three hours, at four o’clock on the dot. Is that clear?”
Toby nodded. “Yes, my lord. Do not worry. You will have a grand time at the party this weekend.”
Leander turned and looked at him with his eyebrows raised. “Do you really think so?”
“I do, my lord.”
“And what makes you think that, might I ask?”
Toby smiled. “Because you are an amiable fellow, a handsome man and compassionate to all the ladies. Even the ones you have no interest in and you are being forced to associate with. I have seen the way you are with Lady Sirey.”
“Miss Drusilla is not a woman of title, Toby. Her father is a merchant. A wealthy merchant. Nonetheless, he holds no title.”
“I apologize. Allow me to correct myself. I have seen you with Miss Sirey and you are always very accommodating. If you are willing to treat her in such a way, I must say I have no doubt you will attract the woman you desire in no time.”
“I appreciate your words of confidence, Toby. I… I suppose I will go see my father now.”
“He is in the main parlor, my lord. He is waiting for you.”
Leander frowned, pulling down one side of his lips. “Please wait outside while I get dressed, Toby.”
“Of course, my lord.” Toby turned and went back out to the hallway. He turned and closed the door firmly behind him.
Leander knew he was standing just on the other side of the door. He dressed slowly, dreading the conversation he knew he would be having with his father. Lord Price was consistent in his desire for Leander to marry Miss Drusilla, persistent to the point of aggravation.
When he was finally ready, he went to the door and pulled it open. As he thought, Toby was standing on the other side. He nodded at him.
“I will take care of your luggage, my lord,” Toby said
. “And good luck with your father.”
“Thank you, Toby. I will need all I can get, I am afraid.”
The two men passed each other as Toby went into the room and Leander left it.
Leander walked down the hallway, again taking as much time as he could. He did not want to get to the parlor any faster than he had to.
He saw the maid, Alice, as he went down the stairs and stopped for a moment.
“Good afternoon, Alice.”
