The Earl chuckled, “Well, perhaps we ought to pay you a visit there one of these days.” Christopher wasn’t sure if the Earl simply remembered their circumstance or if it was their sullen expression, but he instantly looked horrified.
“I am ever so sorry for my misstep. It escaped me for a moment that you are no longer in possession of the home.”
Christopher swallowed, working hard to retain his composure.
I must appear confident. I must ensure that he knows I intend the rebuild my lost fortune. Otherwise I have no chance with Lady Rowena.
“Please, do not feel badly for us. We will soon be the owners of Havisham House again. It has been the London home of the Dukes of Westmont and it will be again,” the Earl smiled and nodded.
“I am glad to hear your determination. Well, perhaps this vineyard of ours will help make that a reality. A new line of exclusive wines might just give you the boost you need. I have heard Havisham House is a rather grand home, and I should like to see it one day. When it is firmly back in your hands.”
Just then, something, or rather someone, caught the Earl’s eye and he rose.
“My Dearest, I am ever so grateful you could join us.” Christopher turned and saw Lady Hazelshire walking through the doorway. She was dressed in a fine-looking promenade dress, adorned with carefully stitched flowers.
“I hardly made it back in time.” She turned to Christopher, her sapphire-colored eyes scanning him from head to toe. “Excuse my appearance. I was called away this morning to my son’s residence.”
She extended a hand to him so he might kiss it as she curtsied before him.
“You look lovely, my Lady. And I hope all is well with your son. No bad news, I trust?”
Before she could answer, the Earl broke in. “No, quite the opposite. Our daughter-in-law is with child, our first grandchild. She is simply–”
“My Lord, it is no topic to discuss before dinner,” Lady Hazelshire said, softly but with determination.
I see she is the one who adheres to the strictest of social regulations, while he appears mellower in his approach. I wonder where Lady Rowena fits in.
He looked past Lady Hazelshire, who was speaking to his brother. Where was Lady Rowena?
Suddenly a terrible thought came to him. What if she was not here? What if she was out, being courted by that dastardly Thornmouth? Given that Parliament was not in session on Wednesdays, the day was often favored by young couples for their courtship.
The thought of her alone with him and just a chaperone made him want to expel his breakfast.
He swallowed hard at the mere thought of sitting through dinner without her. As if she had noticed his distraction, Lady Hazelshire smiled at him graciously.
“She will be here shortly, Your Grace. My daughter has been looking forward to seeing you again ever since the ball.”
Christopher broke into a wide smile at the encouraging, yet surprising words.
“As have I, Lady Hazelshire.”
The lady of the house was clearly very pleased to hear this for she focused her attention entirely on him, leaving Henry to converse with Lord Hazelshire.
“Catherine is a very refined young woman, skilled in music and the arts. She is a wonderful conversationalist, as you maybe have gathered at the ball.”
“Lady Catherine?” Christopher had almost completely forgotten about Lady Rowena’s younger sister. As well as the Earl’s desire to make a match of the two of them. It was Catherine her mother had been talking about, not Rowena. Of course not. Her parents certainly did not know about the conversation at the ball nor about his intentions toward her.
Quickly he recovered his wits. “Lady Catherine is a lovely young woman, indeed. Wonderful dancer.” He knew he should stop speaking, but he could not help but continue, “As is your other daughter, Lady Rowena. Will she be dining with us as well?”
Lady Hazelshire’s eye twitched for a moment and her smile became tight. “Both our daughters will join us. A rare pleasure that I am sure to miss, once Rowena is wed to His Grace, the Duke of Thornmouth. Do you know him well, Your Grace?”
Christopher shook his head. “Not well. I have met him on several occasions. But of course, his reputation proceeds him.”
“Indeed, it does,” Lady Hazelshire said with pride.
“I have not seen His Grace since your daughter’s coming-out ball,” he added, his eyes traveling to the door once more in anticipation of seeing her.
“Faith, I remember now. You were quite gallant and offered to save our dear Rowena from humiliation when Duke Thornmouth ran late. It was ever so good of you. I know Catherine was very impressed by your kind gesture. She was lucky that the Duke arrived in time for the minuet and saved the evening, however.”
