When Violet stepped back, she said, “Mama, I haven’t been a child in a long time.”
Lavinia nodded. “I know. You’re a woman grown now, but you’ll always be my child. When you have your own children, you’ll understand that what I say is true.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Lavinia curtseyed. “Lord Alesbury, delightful to see you.”
Alesbury bowed. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Edgerton.”
“Come into the parlor. I’ll have a tea cart delivered. You must be parched from your journey. How long will you be staying?”
Emma chuckled. “Mama, I’m sure Violet will answer all your questions once you’re settled. I’ll go and order the tea tray.”
“Thank you, Emma,” Lavinia said, linking arms with Violet. “Come, my dear. Tell me all about your trip.”
On the way to the kitchen, Emma knocked on Edgerton’s study door.
“Come.”
She opened the door and poked her head inside. “Violet and Lord Alesbury have arrived. They’re in the parlor with Mama.”
Edgerton looked up. “Excellent. I’ll be there after I collect Courtney.”
Emma then made her way to the kitchen. “Mrs. Spencer?”
The cook was at the stove and looked over her shoulder. “Miss Emma, what may I do for you?”
“Please send a tea tray to the parlor. Lord and Lady Alesbury have arrived.”
Mrs. Spencer smiled. “That’s wonderful. I’ll have Millie bring the tray in shortly.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Spencer,” Emma said, returning to the parlor.
When she entered, Violet was telling her mother about their visit to the Lake District. “It was so beautiful,” she finished.
“I hope to visit there someday,” Emma said, taking a seat opposite her sister. “I’m so delighted you’re here.”
“So am I. It feels like we were gone an age,” Violet said. “I’ve always loved this room.” She looked about appreciatively and noticed the bath chair in the corner. “Why is there a bath chair in here?”
Lavinia’s lips thinned into a grim line. “There was an accident.”
“Oh, no! Was Julia hurt?” Violet asked.
“No. Lady Charlotte was thrown from her horse last month and has been recovering here ever since,” Emma explained. As if she’d conjured them, Richmond walked into the parlor just then, carrying his sister in his arms.
He stopped in the doorway when he noticed Lord and Lady Alesbury in the parlor. “Alesbury! It’s been an age,” he said, striding into the room.
Emma jumped up and pushed the bath chair closer to the seating area.
Alesbury stood. “Richmond.”
Richmond turned and gently set Charlotte down in the chair. “I decided to stay with Charlotte while she recovered,” he said, extending his hand to his friend.
Alesbury grasped it in a firm shake. “I didn’t expect to see you again until Parliament reconvenes.”
“Yes, well, plans change. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. The estate’s very beautiful, and I must say, I’m quite partial to a certain stallion.”
“Richmond, you may not have Hercules,” Edgerton said with a chuckle as he and Courtney walked into the parlor.
