Within moments, Akers, Edgerton’s butler, knocked and opened the study door. “Welcome home, my lord.”
“Akers, please inform Mrs. Tyrell that my mother and sisters will be descending upon us within two days’ time, depending on travel conditions, and to have their usual rooms prepared.”
Akers nodded. “Of course, my lord. Anything else?”
“I’ll be closeted in my study and do not wish to be disturbed unless the house is burning down.”
“Would you care for a luncheon tray?”
At that moment, Edgerton’s stomach decided to grumble in protest. “It seems I do. Whatever Mrs. Spencer can prepare quickly will be fine,” he said, shrugging out of his greatcoat and handing it and his hat to Akers.
The butler nodded and took his leave.
Edgerton walked to the sideboard, poured himself a healthy portion of brandy, and returned to his desk. It was going to be a long afternoon, and he had to think carefully how to word his missives to the various parties to create the most impact. The magistrate should be agreeable to the plan, but he wasn’t sure about the gentry.
Before he put quill to paper, he sat sipping his brandy, his mind drifting to thoughts of the lovely Lady Courtney Darkin. He’d enjoyed his time with her more than he could have anticipated. There was something about her sweet nature that drew him to her. He wanted to talk to Camden about his interest in her, but he’d only just met her and should wait and see if his interest continued. He smiled, remembering how Courtney’s lovely face lit up when he clapped after her performance on the pianoforte. She was quite accomplished in both playing and singing and was an absolutely delightful young lady. He was looking forward to spending more time with her and getting to know her wants and desires.
Without realizing it, his mother had done him a great favor by coming to town for Christmas. With his sisters in residence, there would be more opportunities to interact with Lady Courtney. Violet would certainly be happy to meet Courtney. He thought the two young women could become great friends—they both had sweet natures and shared a love of music and riding.
A knock on the door interrupted his musings. “Enter.”
Mary, the housemaid, carried in a tray of bread, cheese, and fruit. “Where would you like this, my lord?”
Edgerton pointed to the side of his desk, and Mary set the tray down before leaving the room. After a quick snack, he picked up his quill. It was time to get those letters written. He’d start with the magistrate and then move on to the local gentry.
Chapter 9
TWO DAYS LATER, EDGERTON WAS ensconced in his study when he heard high-pitched voices in the foyer. There was no doubt his mother and sisters had arrived. He stood and stretched before he went to greet them.
“Charles!” Julia yelled when she spied him coming out of his study. She rushed down the hall and threw herself into his arms, her blond curls bouncing around her face. “I’ve missed you so much,” she cried, hugging him tightly.
Edgerton returned the hug from his youngest sister, realizing he’d missed his family more than he’d thought. “I’m glad you’re here. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“That’s what Mother said, and so here we are.”
“Julia, do control yourself,” Lady Edgerton admonished her youngest daughter. “Young ladies do not yell or run into gentlemen’s arms.”
Julia glanced at her mother before turning back to her brother. “She’s been cranky the whole trip,” she whispered in his ear.
Edgerton chuckled. Leave it to Julia to brighten his day. She was full of exuberance for a great many things, and no amount of scolding from their mother had ever dampened her spirits. She was a handful at fifteen, and he wasn’t looking forward to her come-out in three years. He would never want to change her, but he hoped that in the intervening years, she would learn a bit more restraint.
He extricated himself from Julia and went to greet his mother. “Mother, I’m glad to see you. Thank you for traveling to London,” he said, bussing her cheek. At forty-five, she was still a striking woman with only a few streaks of gray in her blond hair.
“Really, Charles? It would have been so much more pleasant if you’d come to the country for Christmas instead.”
“There are matters here in London that need my attention. I explained that to you in my last letter.”
“So you said. In any event, we are here.”
“Your rooms have been prepared. Perhaps you’d like to rest for a bit before tea.”
“Yes. That would be most welcome,” his mother said. “Come along, girls. You may speak with your brother more at tea.”
After everyone had passed over gloves, scarves, and bonnets, to the butler, Lady Edgerton led her daughters up the stairs. Julia turned around to face her brother and rolled her eyes before following Violet and Emma. He stifled a laugh, ever so glad he hadn’t been in the carriage with all of them for the past two days. He could just imagine his mother complaining about Julia’s nonstop chattering the whole way. Yes, Julia was going to be a handful when she was presented to Society.
Edgerton walked back down the hall to his study. There were more estate details to take care of before he could take tea with his family.
Upstairs, Julia rushed into the bedchamber she shared with Emma. “Such a pretty room, don’t you think?”
Emma nodded. “It is indeed. I’ve always loved this room.”
“Let’s go see Violet. She must be missing our company,” Julia said.
“Julia, please. Let’s give Violet a moment of privacy. Why don’t you rest for a while? I know I could use some quiet time.”
Julia’s bottom lip pushed out in a pout. “Must we?”
“Yes. Come here and let me undo your laces. There’s no need to call a maid.”
Julia stomped over to her sister and presented her back. “I don’t understand why we must always rest. We’ve done nothing but sit in the carriage for the last two days. How tired could we possibly be?”
“With your nonstop chatter, I would think you’d be at the point of exhaustion,” Emma said, unlacing her stays as well.
Julia turned to see Emma grinning. “Oh Emma, thank goodness you aren’t serious. I was only trying to keep the journey lively.”
“I know, and it was most appreciated, but now I would like to rest a bit. Would you unlace me?”
Julia slipped her dress and stays off and went to help her sister. “I’m sorry if I’ve annoyed you, but there’s so much to see and talk about in the world, don’t you think?” She helped her sister step out of her dress and stays.
Without answering, Emma went to the bed and slipped between the cool sheets. “Come, Julia. Let your mind relax for a bit.”
Julia never wanted to rest, but she also did not want to bother her sister overmuch. She slipped into the bed beside her. The softness of the mattress and pillows cradled them, and before long, eyelids closed and they drifted into sleep.
EDGERTON PUT DOWN HIS quill and stood. He’d been cramped over correspondence and letters for hours, and it was time for a break. He slipped on his jacket and headed to the parlor to take tea with his family. Even outside the room, he could hear Julia’s incessant chatter.
“Violet, don’t you see? Maryanne Dashwood was passionate about everything around her. I feel such a connection with her. Elinor is such a boring character.”
“You’re missing the point of the story. Sometimes, restraint is called for, not emotionality. I admire Elinor Dashwood a great deal for her common sense.”
“And what are we discussing?” Edgerton asked as he strode into the room.
“Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen,” Violet said. “Julia and I were debating the merits of common sense versus too much emotion and passion.”
“Charles, you must agree with me that one needs to have passion in one’s life Otherwise
, what a dull existence we all would lead,” Julia said.
“I agree with both of you. A little bit of common sense combined with great passion is an ideal combination,” Edgerton said.
No further arguments on either point were discussed while Mary brought in the tea tray.
“Put it here on the low table, Mary,” Lavinia said.
Mary nodded, putting down the tray before exiting the room and closing the door behind her.
“Violet, will you pour tea?”
“Of course, Mama.”
Edgerton was surprised how much his younger sister had changed since he last saw her. She had always been poised, but there was something more intriguing about her character now. She moved with grace, and though she was petite, she had a presence about her. Her brunette hair was swept up in an elegant style, and he was sure there would be no small number of suitors clamoring for a chance to dance with his stunning blue-eyed sister. It was going to be a busy Season for him as he escorted her to various events.
“Mother, I wanted to inform you that Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Wetherby is back in London.”
“She is? What a wonderful surprise. I shall send a note around inviting her for tea. It would be wonderful to see her again.”
Edgerton turned to his sister. “Violet, I wanted to tell you that Her Grace’s daughter, Lady Courtney, is also here. She’s to make her come-out in the spring as well and I believe you both have a lot in common and could be friends.”
Violet finished handing out the tea and took a seat on the sofa. “Really? That’s such welcome news. I would very much like to have a friend by my side during the Season.” She turned to her mother. “Mama, can you send the note today?”
“Of course, my dear. I remember my first Season. Katherine and I were such good friends and enjoyed events so much more when we could enjoy them together. I’ve missed her these past years. I will send the invitation after tea. Shall we say tomorrow for tea?”
A smile lit up Violet’s pretty oval face. “Thank you, Mama. That will be perfect.”
Edgerton sat back and drank his tea as the lively conversation washed over him. He was glad his mother had insisted on traveling to London for Christmas. He had missed his family, and without them in Town, it would have been a lonely holiday indeed.
Chapter 10
COURTNEY SMOOTHED DOWN HER DRESS after handing off her bonnet, scarf, and gloves to one of the Edgerton footman. Her mother followed suit.
“Lady Edgerton is in the parlor, Your Grace,” the butler said. “Please follow me.”
As she followed her mother up the stairs, Courtney’s anxiety rose, and she bit her bottom lip. Would Miss Violet like her? She’d be ever so disappointed if she didn’t care for her. She’d never had a dear friend growing up, and she longed for one now. It would make the Season so much more enjoyable.
“Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Wetherby and Lady Courtney Darkin,” the butler announced.
Lady Edgerton and her daughters stood and curtsied. The viscountess came forward with outstretched hands. “Katherine, it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other. Have you been well?”
Katherine grasped her friend’s hands and bussed her cheeks. “Yes, I’ve been well. Oh, Lavinia. It’s so good to see you again.”
“And these are my daughters, Violet, Emma and Julia?” Lavinia said, stepping back from Katherine.
“Of course. Good day, ladies. And this is my daughter, Courtney.”
“Good day, Lady Edgerton,” Courtney said with a curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“I see you have inherited your mother’s beauty.”
“Thank you, my lady. You’re too kind.”
“Kindness has nothing to do with it. I speak the truth. Come, Violet has been most anxious to meet you,” Lavinia said.
Violet came forward. “Lady Courtney, my mother has the right of it. I hope we will become friends. It would be wonderful to have someone to share the Season with.”
“I was thinking the same, Miss Violet.”
The two young women took their seats on the sofa. Emma and Julia took a seat on the opposite sofa, and Lavinia and Katherine took the chairs.
“I would be ever so pleased if you would call me Courtney.”
Violet gave her a shy smile. “Then you must call me Violet.”
Courtney smiled at Violet’s sisters. “Miss Emma and Miss Julia, it’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
Julia’s eyes lit up. “We’re ever so glad to have a new friend. Have you been in London long? Have you been to the theatre? Oh, how I’d love to go to the theatre.”
Courtney chuckled. “We’ve been in London since September, and yes, my brother has escorted us to the theatre.”
Julia looked at her mother. “Mama, we simple must go to the theatre. Say you’ll say yes. It would be divine.”
“Julia, dear. Control your enthusiasm please. You’ll overwhelm our guests,” Lavinia said.
Courtney wasn’t the least bit overwhelmed. In fact, she enjoyed Julia’s passion for life and hoped to see more of her during their stay.
There was a soft knock on the parlor door.
“Enter,” Lavinia said.
A maid wheeled in a tea trolley loaded with cups, saucers, a teapot, and sweet biscuits. “Will there be anything else, my lady?”
“No, that will be all.”
The maid curtsied and left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Violet, would you pour?”
“Of course, Mama,” Violet said. She proceeded to make tea for everyone before fixing her own and claiming the seat next to Courtney once again.
“How was your trip?” Katherine asked. “I must say, this snowstorm came on quickly. I don’t recall there being such a fierce storm so early in the winter before.”
“It wasn’t the most pleasant of trips, but I was determined to come to London so we could all spend Christmas together.”
“I’m happy you did. It was such a wonderful surprise to receive your note yesterday.”
Violet turned to Courtney while their mothers chatted. “My brother tells me you have extraordinary skill on the pianoforte.
Courtney tried hard to fight off a blush at the mention of Lord Edgerton.
“Would you care to look over my sheet music?”
Courtney nodded and put her teacup on the low table. “I’d love to.”
The two young women walked to the other side of the parlor, and Violet spread out some of her sheet music for Courtney to look over. “I hope you don’t mind me taking you away from the group. My sister Julia can be overwhelming at times.”
“Not at all. I enjoy Julia. She has such passion for one so young.”
“That she does. However, I was thinking how nice it would be to talk privately. I hope we may become dear friends.”
“As do I,” Courtney said. “I admit I’m nervous about the Season. I’m glad you’ll be there with me.”
Violet smiled. “With you by my side and our mothers and brothers looking out for us, I’m sure we’ll have the best time.”
“Your brother will be escorting you?” Courtney asked, eager for any tidbit about the handsome lord. She’d been disappointed to see he wasn’t present for tea.
“Yes. I assume he will be attending some of the events. Will His Grace be escorting you as well?”
“I’m not sure. With Hannah only recently delivered of a healthy son, he may wish to stay by his wife’s side. My mother, of course, will be my chaperone.”
“My mother as well, but I’ll be sure to ask if Edgerton will be joining us.”
“That would be lovely.” Courtney picked up a sheet of music by Bach. “Have you played this composition yet?”
“To be honest, I’m struggling with it. Have you played it?”
&
nbsp; “Yes. It’s a difficult piece to conquer, but so beautiful.”
The two young women spent the rest of the visit discussing music and their hopes and dreams for the Season.
“My goodness, I’ve lost track of the time,” Katherine said. “Lavinia, it’s been wonderful catching up.”
“I agree. I’ll be arranging a small dinner soon and will send around the details.”
“That would be lovely.” Katherine stood. “Courtney, dear, it’s time to leave.”
Courtney hugged Violet. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“I as well.”
Courtney walked over to Lady Edgerton. “Good day, Lady Edgerton,” she said with a curtsy. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Emma, Miss Julia.”
Lavinia’s daughters stood and curtsied. “Your Grace, Lady Courtney,” they said.
Once inside the carriage, Courtney couldn’t keep her enthusiasm contained any longer. “Oh Mama, I’m ever so glad to have been introduced to Violet. I think we will become such close friends. She has as great a love of music as I do.”
Katherine smiled. “That’s wonderful, dear. It was such a pleasure to see Lavinia again. Being in London has become much more enjoyable.”
“I’m happy for you, Mama.” Courtney was beyond pleased that she and Violet were becoming friends. She’d been nervous at first, but Violet soon put Courtney at ease with her sweet nature. To find out that she also loved the pianoforte was an added bonus. The only thing that marred the visit was that Lord Edgerton had not joined them for tea. She’d been hoping to see him again.
A Viscount's Heart for Christmas (Book 5, Age of Innocence) Page 6
