“Y-yes.”
“Are you staying here, or in the lodge with him?” Sir Frederick raised his hand. “Don’t worry, we would not raise the rent!” He chuckled, and she managed a small grin in return.
She did not, however, answer his question.
When she said no more, he asked, “Did you travel somewhere pleasant?”
“Oh yes, we did. Bath, Brighton, Paris...”
“We ...?” His dark brows rose in expectation.
She swallowed. She shouldn’t be embarrassed to admit she had taken a position as lady’s companion, but she was. Did he already know? Rose or one of the Fenchurches might have mentioned it. Before she could reply, a second man swept across the hall to join them, a younger, fairer version of the first in immaculate gentlemen’s attire.
“Paris?J’adoreParis. So beautiful.” His gaze seemed to linger on her face as he said the words, but she was likely imagining it. He elbowed his brother. “Do introduce us, Freddy.”
Sir Frederick hesitated, then complied. “Miss Lane, I am not sure if you will remember my brother, Thomas Wil—”
“Tommy Wilford,” the younger man interrupted with a bow. “How do you do?”
Thomas was good-looking and closer to her age, but she had always preferred his older brother.
Frederick added, “Miss Lane’s father was our vicar and my boyhood tutor.”
The golden eyebrows lifted. “Ah yes! I am afraid I did notrecognize you, Miss Lane. You have grown up—and very well, I might add!”
Sir Frederick’s mouth tightened at Thomas’s flattery. He said, “You were at school for much of Miss Lane’s childhood and away in London a great deal in recent years.”
“That must explain it. And I did not know the legendary Mr. Lane as well as my brother did, as he had given up tutoring by the time I was old enough, but Freddy speaks of him often and fondly.”
Frederick nodded, then said, “Her brother, John, lives in the underkeeper’s lodge. Perhaps you have met him.”
The light of interest in Thomas’s eyes dimmed somewhat. “No, I have not had that pleasure.”
Sir Frederick turned back to her and explained, “We are staying here as guests this week. The house is undergoing renovations.”
“Ah. I see. I wondered why you would stay here when Wickworth is so close.”
“And you, Miss Lane?”
Two similar pairs of eyes regarded her curiously.
She dampened dry lips. “I may be staying a night or two as well. My brother is ... um ... busy writing, you see. I rather surprised him, coming to visit just now.”
“Well, whatever the reason, we are delighted to find you here. Are we not, Freddy?” Again, Thomas elbowed his brother’s side.
“Indeed we are. I hope we shall have an opportunity to talk of old times while you are here.”
“I would enjoy that.”
She nodded to each brother in turn, then made her way back to the desk. The same clerk stood there and did not look especially pleased to see her return.
“Yes, miss. How may I help you now?”
“I would like a room, please.”
“For one?”
“Yes.” Self-consciousness burned her ears.
