“That will certainly improve the quality of misses coming into the Marriage Mart,” Liam said.
“I’m glad you agree.” David wrapped an arm around Liam’s shoulders. “You can help create the music lessons.”
“No, no, no. I have my own music students and need to prepare lessons for them.”
“I thought—”
Liam shook his head. “My primary student returned to town a few days ago and requested we resume his lessons.” He dipped his chin. “Justlessons. Apparently there is a widow he wishes to impress with his musical ability.”
David thought that was suspiciously convenient, considering Liam had practically twisted David’s arm to participate in the Catch Club competition so Liam could get a share of the prize money. Liam had worried he’d offended his patron and in doing so, cut off a large portion of his income. “Everything is well between you two?”
Liam grinned. “He has a new grandson. There were delays in getting the letter from his son in Northumberland, so he barely arrived in time for the birth even though he left London abruptly.”
Aunt Connie tucked her arm through David’s. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I’d like to borrow my nephew for a moment.”
David barely had a chance to swallow a mouthful of cider and set down his cup before Connie began walking. They strolled through the hall, nodding as they passed Templeton and Mansfield. Lydia and Diana beamed at him. If he was a suspicious person, he’d wonder what they were up to.
Connie led him all the way to the terrace in the small back garden. Birds chirped from their perch in the apple trees. Instead of heading to a bench in the dappled sunlight beneath the trees, Connie paused at the railing and rested both hands on his forearm. He was surprised to note a slight tremble in her hands.
“Your parents aren’t here so I’ll do my best to fill in.” She looked up at him, anxiously searching his face. “I’m not sure how much attention Sebastian gave you, what with teaching Philip to follow in his footsteps.”
“I never felt neglected. Father needed to train his heir.”
“Did he… That is…” Connie cleared her throat, then looked him straight in the eye. “Did he tell you what you need to know to take good care of your bride on your wedding night?”
David choked.
“Since Ashley’s parents are gone,” Aunt Connie blithely continued, “I hope her aunt is making sure she knows what to expect.” She tapped her chin with one finger, her ruby ring flashing in the sunlight.
David wasn’t sure if he should laugh, and hoped his cheeks weren’t blushing bright red. “I’m sure Aunt Eunice feels Ashley is adequately educated for her role as my countess.” He turned back toward the door. “Was there anything else?”
Connie tugged on his arm to hold him in place. “My father, your grandfather, was a good man, but he spent too much time with his music, in here,” she tapped her temple. “So much so, the estate was almost bankrupt by the time Sebastian inherited. Your father worked hard to restore the family funds and keep the tenants fed. He squeezed every penny before he spent it, kept everyone on a strict budget. Hired good people like Mr. Ogden. Still stuck his nose in every move they made. Practically every time a lamb took its first breath or a seed sprouted, he knew about it.”
She reached up to pat David’s cheek. “When Philip reached twenty-one and showed an aptitude for taking care of the earldom, Sebastian finally began to relax a bit. Played music. Composed new pieces again.”
David thought back to the pages of unfinished music he’d found in his father’s bedchamber.
“I trust that you will not be like your grandfather, living for his music to the detriment of all else. Nor should you be like your father, waiting decades before indulging your talent.”
“Who do you think I should be like?”
“You.” She patted his arm. “Forge your own path.”
Seeing Ashley through the open doorway, still animatedly speaking with her friends, he took one step toward the house. “That’s exactly what I planned.”
Aunt Connie tugged on his arm again. “You didn’t answer my first question.”
David thought through their conversation, and felt his cheeks heat. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I know how to take care of my bride. Every day and night for the rest of our lives.”
“Good boy.” Still holding his arm, she headed for the door. “I wasn’t looking forward to continuing that particular conversation,” she muttered.
Me, neither.
Connie drifted into the crowd. David retrieved his cup of cider from the sideboard.
Liam spoke quietly, tilting his head toward Connie. “Need something a little stronger after that?”
David scrubbed his face with his hands, then glanced at where Connie was gliding into the music room. “No, I think we’ll both survive.”
