“And Summerhaven is my favorite place to visit always.”
“I’m sure Lady Winfield would not mind at all if our little piece of country became your more permanent residence.” Lady Rumford shared a private smile with Lady Winfield.
“I would love to return to visit Summerhaven,” I said, “but I hope to make my home in the north.”
Lady Rumford raised a knowing eyebrow. “Winterset Grange, perhaps?”
My eyes widened in embarrassment. In stating my preference to make my home in the north, I’d inadvertently revealed my desire to marry Ollie and make his future home my own. Oh dear. How impertinent I must sound.
Lady Winfield must have sensed my embarrassment, for she kindly interceded. “I must thank you for extending the invitation to attend your ball to our dear Hannah. We would like to repay the favor. Would you and your daughter do us the honor of joining us for tea in two days’ time?”
“I would like that very much. Speaking of my daughter . . .” Lady Rumford turned and pulled a young woman away from her conversation and into our circle. “Miss Kent, my daughter Miss Amelia Atherton.”
Miss Atherton had fiery red ringlets, fair freckled skin, and a discerning gaze.
As we curtsied in greeting, the matrons turned to greet a nearby friend, leaving Miss Atherton and me to converse in private.
“How do you find the country, Miss Kent?”
“Most agreeable. Thank you.”
“Do you miss London?”
“Not at all. The country air is most refreshing.”
“I entirely agree.” She nodded. “I’m sure your host has been most genial.”
“Indeed. Lord and Lady Winfield have been very kind.”
“And Lord Jennings?” Miss Atherton used Damon’s courtesy title to not so subtly ask after my interest in him.
“I confess, I am fonder of theyoungerof the brothers.”
Miss Atherton looked at me curiously, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
I’d made another social blunder. I grimaced. Mama always said feelings were like the rain, better outside than in. I believed in the sentiment, but it proved easier to live by in London—where speaking more openly was acceptable—than here in the country. I needed to watch my tongue; my tendency to be outspoken would reflect poorly not only on me but upon the Jennings family. And even more important, I wanted to be a credit to Mama in every way.
“Mr.OliverJennings?” Miss Atherton asked, and her head tilted to one side, her curls resting on her shoulder.
I nodded. “We’ve been friends since childhood.”
“Well then.” She righted her head with a genuine smile. “We must be friends then.” She then quietly added, “We may be family one day, you know.”
Miss Atherton andDamon? Did they have an understanding? It couldn’t be. Damon hadn’t even wanted to dance with anyone tonight. If they had an understanding, even a private one, he would have been eager to stand up with her for a set.
“Miss Atherton—” I began at the same time as the first set was announced.
“Excuse me,” she said. “I must stand apart so Lord Jennings can more easily claim his dance.” She took a step forward and locked her gaze on the card room door where Damon no doubt hoped to hide all night. Poor Miss Atherton. She had no idea how much he did not want to attend this ball much less dance tonight.
I searched my mind for possible topics of conversation to distract her from Damon’s absence; no woman should be snubbed at a ball, let alone a ball held in her own home, but I hardly knew what would interest her.
Couples began gathering in the center of the room. My anxiety grew. Perhaps I could pretend to feel faint or suggest we take air on the balcony?
Finally, at the last possible moment, Damon appeared at the card room door. Lord Winfield stood close behind him as if ready to catch him by the collar should he decide to run.
Damon’s lips pressed into a thin line as he surveyed the crush.
I glanced at Miss Atherton to see if she noticed how miserable he looked, but no, she only smiled as Damon made his way toward us.
