Her brother’s eyes widened.
The Duchess tilted her head as she considered her statement. “One of those children like that boy Rose said she talked with yesterday?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “However, I would be more inclined to adopt a girl. Or perhaps a young brother and sister?”
“I think I missed something in this conversation,” Lakehurst said, his brow furrowing.
Gwinnie laughed. “Not much. Grandmother was merely attempting one of her guilt ploys for great-grandchildren.”
“Ahh!Then that was a splendid chess move, Gwinnie! Your turn, Grandmother.” He turned an earnest expression toward the Duchess.
“Bah,” their grandmother said, waving her hand dismissively. “You two are no fun.”
Gwinnie and Lakehurst laughed.
“You taught us well!” Gwinnie said, her eyes twinkling. “Now tell us how it went this morning. I assume that is the reason for your summons.”
“Yes. It is obvious Mrs. Tidemark married above her state. And for reasons I could not fathom, her husband—the son of a marquess, mind you—caters to her.”
“Perhaps it was a love match. Those occur you know, as you have seen within our family,” Gwinnie countered, “and sometimes without reason as well, if one considers Aunt Catherine and Lord Candelstone’s marriage.”
Grandmother tilted her head consideringly. “True.”
Lakehurst snorted with aborted laughter. Grandmother glared at him.
“The worst about that woman was she ate the ice we sent to Alex yesterday.”
“She what?” Lakehurst exclaimed, jolted out of his teasing attitude.
“Ate Alex’s ice!However, from my understanding, Mr. Tidemark arranged to get a replacement ice for Alex this morning.”
“An ice in the morning? Who has an ice in the morning?” Lakehurst grumbled.
She shrugged. “I assume it was to ensure he had his treatbeforeI arrived,” she explained.
She waved her hand impatiently. “That is irrelevant at the moment. Do either of you know a Raymond Stillworth or a Harrison Farrow?” the Duchess asked them.
“I don’t know the Farrow fellow; however, I have run into Stillworth a time or two at evening entertainments. Likeable gentleman. I gather he has a modest income, and he is not part of the gambling set. Pretty much invited everywhere. Hostesses use him to make up their numbers. A low-key type of person compared to his cousin, the late Marquess of Darkford,” Lakehurst said.
“Evidently, this Mr. Farrow is Mrs. Tidemark’s brother,” their grandmother explained.
“So why are you asking about them?” Gwinnie asked.
“Because I invited them to accompany the Marchioness and the Tidemarks to dinner here tomorrow night. We’ll have Ellinbourne and Ann as well.”
“Why?” Gwinnie asked.
“To see that you all go to Baydon Castle for a house party while I take Alex to Versely Park.”
“What? Why?” Lakehurst demanded. “No!I can’t leave London now. I have a book to finish, you know.”
“Take your papers with you. I’m sure there will be much inspiration for you in that area, being in the Mendip Hills,” the Duchess tossed out.
Gwinnie compressed her lips and shook her head. “But why? We know you, Grandmother. What is your thinking?”
“Several things. First, Lady Darkford remains terrified of that place. It is her son’s patrimony, so she needs to get over that for his sake. Second, the Tidemarks don’t believe her explanation of events. They did not go to Baydon after the Marquess died, insisting the Marchioness and her son come to them. It was Ellinbourne who went to get them and escorted them to London. I’m certain the Darkford townhouse staff will hear about the stories of that night through the staff at Baydon, and through them, the Tidemarks will learn what they haven’t bothered to listen to from Lady Darkford or anyone else. And lastly, and most importantly, I want you to find out what really happened that night.—By the way, I was quite put out. The Tidemarks insisted on referring to the Darkford London townhouse as ‘theirs’and I had to call them on their statements on several occasions. Please ensure they do not do that at the castle as well.”
“How can you be so sure they will agree to this venture?” Lakehurst asked.
