“The pleasure is all ours.” Papa bowed respectfully.
Lord Winfield gave a slight tip of his head to Papa. “I trust your journey was uneventful?” His words came out gravelly and rough, and he cleared his throat with a cough.
“Indeed,” Papa said, and I was grateful he didn’t mention how unwell I’d been.
The two men continued their conversation, something about the condition of the roads.
Lady Winfield moved forward to greet me. The skin around her eyes had softened into permanent lines—a testament to her good nature—and her hair now held more gray than blonde. I’d always liked Lady Winfield. Her warmth and elegance reminded me of my own mother.
“Hannah.” Lady Winfield stood in front of me for a long moment, observing me.
I couldn’t tell whether she approved of me or was appalled, but I must have looked a fright. I relaxed my shoulders and attempted a small smile, wanting to appear a lady in composure if not in truth, wanting to be a credit to Mama. “I’m afraid the journey was rather long, my lady.”
Lady Winfield blinked. “Oh no, my dear. I was only amazed at what a beautiful young woman you’ve become. You look so much like your mother.” Lady Winfield wrapped her arms around me in an embrace, and it was as if my own mother’s arms were around me once more. Like Mama, Lady Winfield smelled of lavender and love. Too soon we parted, and once again, I felt the loss of Mama.
Damon stepped forward, and his watch key and seal—visible reminders of his status and self-importance—clanked together. He bowed. “Miss Kent.”
“My lord,” I returned with a shallow curtsy.
The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “I see someone has managed to make a lady out of the wild girl I once knew,” Damon said, and before stepping back in line with his mother, he met my eye and added, “A pity.”
My eyebrows pulled together in surprise.
“Do try not to scowl, Miss Kent. It will crease your lovely brow.”
“Damon Jennings,” Lady Winfield scolded. “You have been taught better manners.”
“My apologies, Mother. Teasing a beautiful woman is one of few things that has yet to be lectured out of me.”
I gaped. Never in all my life had a man spoken so casually to me. Damon may have grown into a man, but he wasnota gentleman.
Lady Winfield let out a weary breath. “I promise I didtryto teach him proper decorum, Hannah.”
“You must not blame yourself, Mother. I’m certain it was not the teacher, but rather the pupil, who is to blame.”
“Quite right.” Lady Winfield frowned at her son, and then turning to me, she said, “You have no idea how he tortured me as a boy.”
“Oh, but I do.” I raised my gaze to Damon, expecting to see a sheepish look on his face, but instead, he seemed . . . amused?
Odious man!
“Oh dear.” Lady Winfield grimaced. “How could I have forgotten how mercilessly he teased you?”
Remorse filled me. I’d not even stepped foot inside the manor, and already I’d managed to insult Lady Winfield, her parenting, andher son. Mama would haunt my dreams tonight to give me a scolding.
“Forgive me, Lady Winfield. I’m rather out of countenance from the journey.” I touched a hand to my middle, hoping to still my stomach. “Carriage rides do not agree with me.”
“Oh, you poor thing. Let’s get you settled into your room. Damon, please escort Hannah inside so I can speak to Cook about preparing a tray.”
He gave his mother the barest of nods, and she quickly ascended to the top of the stairs where Papa and Lord Winfield waited. The three of them walked into the entry hall, leaving Damon and me alone.
“Allow me to escort you indoors.” Damon offered me his arm.
I glanced at it. Although my head was spinning and my stomach still turning, it seemed to me that avoiding interaction with Damon was the wisest course. “No, thank you.” I moved to step away from him toward the stairs.
Damon blocked my way. “No, thank you?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I am quite able to manage on my own, my lord.”
