“You had better not leave me with only Frederick for company.”
We parted with a quick goodbye, and I rejoined Henry and Georgiana, who were still conversing with Captain Bromley by the fountain, knowing that Damon and Ollie would be moving in the same direction to greet their host.
“There you are, Hannah,” Henry said. “I was wondering when you would return.”
“I was just saying hello to an old friend.”
“Old friends are the best of friends,” Captain Bromley said.
“Quite right,” I said, and I snuck a peek in Damon and Ollie’s direction. The brothers rapidly approached our circle, but they had yet to notice me.
I smoothed my dress and surreptitiously bit down on my lips to add a little color to them.
“Lord Jennings, Mr. Jennings,” Captain Bromley said. “Welcome.”
“Captain Bromley,” they both returned with a polite bow.
“Your timing is impeccable, gentlemen. We were just discussing the merits of old friends. I believe you both know Mr. Kent and his sister, Miss Kent,” he said, and I stepped out from behind Henry. “But have you met—”
“Hannah?” Damon blinked, and then as if remembering himself, he shook his head. “We are not friends, Captain Bromley. That is to say, you were correct in your original assertion; Miss Kent and my brother hold the association, not I.” And then to me, “Forgive me for speaking so informally, Miss Kent. It will not happen again.”
I managed a nod, but Damon’s words cut me deeper than a knife; gone was the man who had kissed me in the gazebo, who had held me and begged me to be his. This was how things had to be for the good of everyone, but I wished it could be otherwise.
Georgiana gingerly cleared her throat.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Kent,” Captain Bromley said. “Please allow me to introduce to you Lord Jennings, the future Earl of Winfield, and Mr. Oliver Jennings, the current Earl of Winfield’s second son.”
Georgiana curtsied to both men, looking more than a little pleased to make their acquaintance.
Ollie fully returned the courtesy, but Damon gave her the barest nod. “A pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. If you will please excuse me, I see someone I must greet.” Damon strode toward a distinguished-looking man and an elegant young woman.
Lady Margaret. It had to be. Her clothing was the latest fashion, and her jewelry whispered of wealth, and she held herself with an air of confidence. And why wouldn’t she? With hair the color of ravens’ wings and an ivory complexion, she looked every bit the daughter of a duke and future wife of an earl.
My heart clenched when he took his place beside her, and she smiled at him.
“You must forgive my brother,” Ollie said, pulling my attention back to those around me. “He lacks a certain social skill.”
Captain Bromley laughed. “House parties are not for everyone.”
Ollie smiled at me. “May I steal you, Miss Kent? Captain Bromley has a fine collection of French roses I think you would enjoy.”
“The Provence roses are most exquisite this time of year,” Captain Bromley agreed.
Georgiana gave me an encouraging nod.
“Thank you, Mr. Jennings,” I said. “I would be glad to walk with you.”
With one hand, he indicated the garden path to his left, and we continued that way, exchanging the expected pleasantries. We entered the rose garden through an arch, and I felt as if I’d stepped into the Garden of Eden. The English countryside was home to some of the most beautiful gardens on earth, but this was extraordinary. Low boxwoods were used to define arc-shaped planters in a circular arrangement, filled with varying heights and colors of French roses. The effect was nothing short of stunning.
“I knew you would like it.” Ollie smiled.
“I daresay you could bring any young lady here, and she would like it.”
“Perhaps, but I broughtyou,” Ollie said. “I hate how we left things, Hanny.”
“Me too.”
“I am glad you are here.” Ollie nodded, looking down at his Hessian boots. “I miss you, Hanny. So much.”
