“He is always very attentive to his staff, the Viscount. He will take care of her as he has all his governesses.”
This reply vexed her more than soothed her.
“How many governesses has he had? His children are still young, surely there can’t have been too many.”
The Duke shrugged, “Four or five, I believe. He has a need for…well, he goes through rather a lot of servants, it appears. He likes a change.”
“A change?” The words came out shriller and louder than she had intended. This appeared to take the Duke by surprise, and she noticed that several members of her party, Christopher included, turned to look at her.
“I meant, that is not good at all for Betsy. She is looking for a long-term position. She–” To her surprise, Duke Thornmouth smiled at her and placed a hand on her shoulder for a brief moment.
“Do not fret, Lady Rowena. Any friend of yours will be under my protection. I will speak to Louis and ensure your friend is treated well. I will let him know she is eager for a long-term posting. I’m sure if she proves herself, he will be keen to keep her around.”
Rowena studied his face. His regard for her, indeed his affection for her, was evident. She was not quite so sure about his sincerity.
Something about him was just not right. Something about his promises rang false. She cast a longing glance at Christopher, who was so close, yet so far. No, something about all of this was wrong.
Chapter 19
Christopher glanced at Rowena who looked as uncomfortable as he felt at the sight of the Duke of Thornmouth hovering over her. The Duke, it had to be said, looked as if he were entirely unaware of the discomfort he was causing the young woman. On occasion, she would sneak a glance at Christopher, and he smiled at her as encouragingly as he could.
“Isn’t it?” the young Charles Burton’s voice drifted to his ear. Christopher turned. He had found himself drawn into conversation with Lord Hazelshire, and their son and daughter-in-law almost as soon as he’d stepped out of the church.
The topic of conversation was of course the vineyard in Shropshire. To his great relief, Henry had joined the conversation after spending time fawning over the young Lady Catherine. Secretly, he relished in his brother’s new-found infatuation for it would give him much ammunition in their good-natured brotherly spats.
Henry had eagerly joined in the conversation, allowing Christopher’s mind to wander. It settled, of course, on Lady Rowena. She was mere steps from him and yet he could not be alone with her. There had to be a way. He was just coming up with a plan when he was drawn back into the conversation by her brother.
“Excuse me? I was lost in thought for a moment.”
The young Viscount smiled. “I see that. You are as enthralled with my sister as I was told, it seems.”
Christopher’s blood froze for a moment, until he realized that he was talking about Catherine, not Rowena. Christopher forced a smile on his face and nodded.
“The women in your family are all rather lovely. Your wife, of course, included,” he dipped his head toward Lady Margaret Burton, who stood beside her mother-in-law, who’d joined their group. The Viscountess had one hand over her stomach and breathed heavily while Lady Hazelshire fanned her with a small fold-up fan.
“And that brings me back to what I was just saying, Your Grace,” Lord Hazelshire said. “The name for the wine we shall be producing at our new vineyard. Three Roses Wines.”
Christopher smiled. He was not at all surprised.
“Yes, it is lovely indeed.”
Beside him, his brother’s face lit up. “And the wine will be a rosé, so it is even more perfect.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Lord Hazelshire looked more relaxed than Christopher had ever seen him. “Let us plan a trip to the vineyard. The three of us and you, Charles.” The Earl looked at his son, who eagerly nodded.
“Now that we have expert assistance, perhaps it will not be as vexing as it has been in the past.” Charles turned to Henry, “It has been rather the nightmare, I must confess. Especially now with my dear wife so close to giving birth.” He turned his head to Lady Margaret Burton and smiled.
Christopher felt himself both touched and envious at the same time. He wished he could look at Rowena the way Charles looked at his wife. So openly affectionate, so free to love her with all his heart.
While he found himself lost in thought again, Henry took the reins of the conversation and to Christopher’s surprise, proposed a rather ingenious idea.
“Why not bring your family along, My Lord? I understand Lady Hazelshire and your daughters do not enjoy your long absences, so why not bring them? While the vineyard is in need of assistance, it is beautiful, and the house is in good enough condition for an extended stay.”
Henry, who had traveled to Shropshire early on to survey he property, nudged his brother in the elbow and winked. Christopher found himself consumed by gratitude. Bringing the Burton family along would mean he would be able to spend time with Rowena without having to make excuses.
“What a splendid idea! Don’t you agree, my dear?” the Earl beamed at his wife who did not look as thrilled as her husband. She blinked; her sapphire eyes narrowed.
“To visit the vineyard? In Shropshire? My Dear, I am not so sure if–”
