“Let me assure you, Lady Hazelshire, now that we have a plan for the future, you will see the property in new eyes. Especially now that we have settled on so beautiful a name for the wine,” Henry was quick to dispel the Countess’ doubts.
“I assure you, Mother, the property is quite beautiful, now that I can think of it without dread anymore. While the operation itself will require a lot of work, the property it sits on, and the house that goes along with it, is breathtaking.”
This appeared to appease Lady Hazelshire. In fact, she appeared to grow fond of the idea, for her eyes lit up as a thought took shape in her mind.
“Parliament will be on recess a fortnight from now. We ought to go then. Perhaps we will have a ball, and a dinner party. We should get to know the neighboring landowners.” Suddenly she clapped her hands together in delight. “Let us invite His Grace, the Duke of Thornmouth. Rowena will be delighted to have her future husband come along with us.”
Christopher’s stomach turned and he wanted to strongly protest. However, the young Viscount, Charles, did it for him.
“I am afraid that would not do, not for this trip anyhow, Mama. While Parliament is in recess, the Duke has volunteered to be on the Special Commission to deal with the rioters in Cambridgeshire. He will be occupied with the matter for weeks, if not months.” His wife, Margaret, leaned into him and whispered something in his ear, before leaving the group.
“Of course, of course,” the Earl said and faced Christopher. “You see, Your Grace, your fellow Duke bears no grudge over your suggestion; indeed, he has embraced it.”
Christopher wanted to sneer, for he knew Thornmouth only wanted to be part of the Special Commission to remain in control. However, if it kept Thornmouth away from Rowena, he was all for it.
He glanced toward the lady of his heart and found that she had at last broken away from Thornmouth. The Duke stood a few feet away from her, holding court with a few of his most loyal followers.
Rowena, meanwhile, was deep in conversation with Lady Margaret Burton. He noticed with distress that she’d paled, and her mouth was set in one thin line as she listened. Then, suddenly, the two women linked arms and walked toward the shade of the church. Beside him, the rest of the group was engaged in lively chatter about the upcoming trip.
“Once more, I find myself faced with a merry group of Burtons. What a jolly family I am to marry into,” a voice suddenly broke in. Christopher looked up and took in a gulp of air when he realized who the owner of said voice was. None other than the Duke of Thornmouth, who’d freed himself from his group of admires.
“Your Grace, I had hoped you would be able to join us,” Lady Hazelshire said with a wide smile as she fell into a deep curtsy.
“As did I. However, as you well know, once one is in a certain position of influence, one’s attention is always requested somewhere,” the smile on Thornmouth’s face made Christopher want to land his fist directly on it. However, he knew that would be a terrible idea. He curled his twitching fingers into a ball and blinked at the man.
“It must be ever so vexing to be so important,” the sarcasm was thick in his voice, but if he noticed it, Thornmouth ignored it.
“It is, my Lord Duke, it is. It is quite tiring to be so in demand. Perhaps one day you too will experience it.”
“I had a good taste of it in the House of Lords, just a few days ago, if you recall. And I must say, I am quite pleased you decided to take my advice and assist in the formation of a Special Commission.”
The young Duke scoffed. “I am sorry to inform you that a Special Commission had long been considered before you so rudely brought the matter up during my speech. I know you are still becoming accustomed to the ways of the House of Lords, so I will not hold your ignorance against you.”
Once again, Christopher fought the urge to lunge at Thornmouth. He was as arrogant as he was cocky.
I would love to plant a facer on him. It would make my entire year.
Alas, he knew he could do no such thing. His entire plan to win Lady Rowena relied upon him showing the Earl that he was the better man, and the better match for his daughter.
To his surprise, it was the Earl himself who stepped in to diffuse the unfortunate discourse which had erupted between them.
“Now, I would say that the Duke of Westmond had a splendid idea, previously considered or nor. And I am certain that under Your Grace’s leadership the Special Commission will be a smashing success.”
Christopher swallowed, wanting to say more but knowing he could not. To his delight, it was Henry who stepped in.
“I am certain Lord Hazelshire is correct. However, it is ever such a pity that His Grace will not be able to join us at the vineyard with the rest of the Burton family.”
Henry shook his head, keeping his eyes on Thornmouth who’s mouth twitched and dark eyes grew ever darker.
“The vineyard?” he asked, his attention turned to Lord Hazelshire.
“Indeed, Your Grace.We will be making use of the recess to visit the vineyard and show it to the family. It is a pity you cannot make it.”
Thornmouth’s nostrils flared, knowing he was trapped. If he excused himself from the Special Commission in order to attend, he would look as though he did not take his duties seriously. If he went, he would hand a win to Christopher.Who could not help but smirk?
Although, as he soon found, he’d smirked a little too soon. It only took Thornmouth two clicks to recover himself. With a bright smile, he turned to Lady Hazelshire.
“It is ever the pity that I cannot accompany you. This time. But I am certain there will be many occasions in future. We are to be family soon, after all.”
