But not anymore.
Henry entered the townhome laughing loudly. The alcohol and good company had made all his cares seem less important. He had to admit he missed Karrington, and even Windchester. It had always been the three of them together throughout the years. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed them.
“Finally, you all have returned,” Livie said, coming down the hall. “The hour is getting late and you all will need to dress. Windchester, your valet arrived and set you up in your usual room.”
“Darling, you look ravishing.” Karrington walked over to his wife and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Livie giggled, her cheeks heating with color at the attention. “Are you in your cups, Your Grace?” She gave him a stern gaze that transformed immediately into a girlish giggle when he ran a finger down the apple of her cheek.
Henry and the other gentlemen scurried into the parlor, leaving the happily married couple alone.
“That Karrington really is a lucky man. I think I should like to settle down in London once I locate my sister.” Elijah stumbled into an armchair, slumping down into its soft cushions.
“Out of all of us, I never thought he would be the first to marry.” Windchester walked over to the sideboard, leaning heavily to one side.
“He wasn’t the first to marry. You were.” Heartford eyed his friend and wondered for the millionth time if Windchester had a drinking problem. Although they all were slightly inebriated, the earl continued to drink, and continuously.
Windchester shook his head vehemently. “I do not count that mishap. Thank goodness, it’s all behind me now.”
“Step away from the sideboard, Windchester,” Karrington’s stern voice demanded as he entered the parlor with Livie by his side.
“Emily is finishing up her piano lesson and I do not want you greeting her inebriated,” Livie emphasized her words with her hand. Her face was set. Henry was sure that the children instantly behaved when faced with this version of the duchess.
“Livie,” a husky voice with an Irish lilt called out before a striking tall redhead entered the room.
She was beautiful to be sure, with thick red hair that was barely contained in a chignon. She wore a simple green dress that brought out the green in her round eyes.
“Not a moment too soon, Caitrín. You must go and ready yourself for the dinner. Allow me to introduce you to our guests of honor.” Livie intertwined her arm with the newcomer.
Henry and Elijah stood as Windchester stared dumbfounded at the chit. She was beautiful, if you liked women as tall as yourself. Henry liked his women small and petite.
“Lord Heartford, Mr. Edwards, allow me to introduce Miss Caitrín McCarthy, Mr. O’Brien’s niece.” Livie smiled from the gentlemen to the girl who could be no more than twenty.
“It is wonderful to meet you both. I look forward to the dinner tonight,” she said, nodding her head slightly.
“Allow me to introduce you to Emily’s father, Lord Windchester.” Livie spread her hand out toward Windchester, who was now openly gaping like a fish out of water. “Caitrín has been Emily’s piano teacher these past two years.”
Caitrín’s face turned cold as she looked at Windchester. She gave him a curt nod before dismissing him. “We are done for the day, Livie. She did splendidly, as usual, and Teddy joined us again. He’s incredibly talented.”
“Oh, did he? I am trying to convince His Grace to allow him lessons as well.” Livie side-eyed her husband. Henry had the distinct feeling it was an ongoing disagreement.
“I suppose he can join if he’s going to keep sneaking in when he should be learning his letters,” Karrington agreed.
As if the children heard their names, Emily and Theodore ran into the room, the yapping dogs running behind them.
“Lucy gave us biscuits!” Emily announced, wrapping an arm around one of Karrington’s legs as Teddy did the other.
“Caitrín, I’ll show you out. The carriage will take you back home.” Livie guided the long-legged woman toward the door.
“Oh, Livie, you know I don’t mind taking a hackney—”
“Nonsense. You will take one of our carriages.”
The ladies left the parlor. Karrington lifted Theodore, kissed his cheek, set him down, and then repeated the process with Emily.
“Look who has joined us.” He turned her around and pointed to where Windchester stood staring at his daughter.
Emily looked up at her father, a shy smile on her face as she hid behind Karrington’s leg. “Hello, Father,” she whispered.
