“Thank you, my lord,” said Don Joaquín, tapping his forehead with his handkerchief. The handkerchief showed small blotches of black. He quickly stuffed it back in his pocket.
“Your grace,” Lady Catherine said suddenly, addressing Ellinbourne, who sat to her left. “Did you bring your sketchbook with you this evening?” she asked.
Ellinbourne smiled at her. “Yes, I did.”
“After dinner, do you think I might see what you have drawn as others have?” she asked.
“Certainly. And perhaps you will allow me to do a sketch of you as well?”
“Oh! Oh!” She blushed. “That would be lovely,” she said, casting her eyes down. “Thank you.”
“Lady Blessingame,” invited the Duke, “tell us about this property you have in Richmond.”
“All I know is what the solicitors told Gwinnie and me. It was where Harry installed his mistresses until we married. At that time, Harry instructed the solicitors to lease out the house, and keep it leased for two years following his death.”
“And to keep the property a secret from you until two years had passed?” Lord Lakehurst clarified.
Bella nodded. “That is what they told me.”
“It has been over two years since Sir Harry died. Why has it taken them so long to contact you?” the Duke of Ellinbourne asked.
“Harry ordered work to be done on the house, repairs and modernization, none of which they could do until the tenants moved out.”
“They told her the house is empty, ready for her to furnish and decorate as she pleases,” Gwinnie said.
“Like a blank artist’s canvas,” observed Ellinbourne.
“Exactly. I’ll own that sounds both a daunting and an intriguing proposition to me,” Gwinnie said.
“That is how I feel,” Bella admitted.
“Now I am glad I said I would go with you tomorrow to view the house,” Lady Malmsby said.
“From the directions on the papers they gave me, it doesn’t appear to be far out, only just into Richmond,” Bella said. “My original plan when coming to London was to find a property to lease that I could share with my brother Andrew. I’m hoping this house is not too far out for him to reside there and fulfill his duties to his regiment,” she said.
“You are close to your brother,” gentle Ann said sympathetically.
“Yes,” Bella said with a smile. “He is not the smartest of fellows, but he is my brother and all I have. I have been watching out for him since we were children.”
“Pardon, Lady Guinevere, but the time—” interrupted Don Joaquín.
Gwinnie looked at the marquetry clock on the grand fireplace mantel. “Yes! We should be going,” she said, sliding her chair back.
“But we haven’t had dessert yet,” protested the Duchess. “And the concert is not for another hour-and-a-half.”
“True—however, as the musicians, we have to be there early. We are a little later than we should be as it is,” Gwinnie explained.
“All right then,” said Lady Malmsby, looking forlorn, but resigned. “I look forward to seeing you later at the Argyll. Don Joaquín, thank you for joining us this evening.”
“It has been a pleasure, your grace. Lady Blessingame, I wish you good luck with your new home.” The Don bowed and followed Gwinnie out of the dining room.
* * *
Later that evening,after her brother left, Bella returned to the Lady Margaret Parlor. She knew only herself, Lord Lakehurst in his writing eyrie, and the staff to be in the house. Ellinbourne had escorted Ann and Mrs. Hallowell back to their home. They’d only agreed to stay at Malmsby House until after the ball, so both were eager to once again sleep in their own rooms. Aidan—Mr. Nowlton, as she should refer to him—had returned to his townhouse, which housed his gallery on the ground floor and his living space above. The Duke went to his club to start his campaign for Candelstone’s overseas assignment. Lady Malmsby and Gwinnie were yet at the Argyll rooms, and likely would be for another two hours.
She liked the quiet of the house, still restlessness made peace elude her. She wandered out of the Lady Margaret Parlor and down the white-and-black marble-tiled hall, her hand delicately trailing against furniture and statuary she passed.
“Did you need something, my lady?” asked the footman, as he rose from his shadowed seat by the front door. His sudden, shadowed presence made Bella’s heart jump and race, but she swiftly recovered.
