Little Rosie Mavis stood in the door and smiled. At six years old, she could hardly reach the door handle. She beamed at him. Her chubby red cheeks always made him smile. She reminded him of someone from long ago who had the same red cheeks and a similar mischievous smile.
“Breakfast is served!” The little girl announced with cheer. “Alistair says you are not to dawdle, as daylight is a-wasting.”
“Well, if Alistair says that, then we will have to hurry, won’t we?” He chuckled and grabbed his morning coat, throwing it over the burgundy-colored waistcoat he already donned, paired with stylish buckskin trousers. He stepped up to the little girl and extended his hand to her before exiting the room.
As they rushed downstairs, the sounds of laughter and conversation drifted up the stairs. The moment they entered the dining room, Rosie let go of his hand and ran to her father, Baron Fernley, who was seated at the head of the table. The rest of the Mavis family was gathered around the table, indulging in their simple but delicious breakfast.
I am fortunate to have been able to find myself invited to be a part of a loving family such as this.
Indeed, he was blessed. His best friend since his Eton days, Alistair Mavis had made him a part of his family long ago. And what a family it was. While they were not rich in wealth, despite their title, they were certainly rich in love. For Baron Fernley and his wife found themselves blessed with no fewer than thirteen children, eleven of them living. Of those, Alistair was the oldest. Theirs was a home filled with love and warmth, something Daniel always craved in those lonely years at Eton, away from the only person he ever truly cherished.
Elizabeth Mavis, the Baroness Fernley, entered the room. “Good morning, my dear.” She greeted him with a smile and gave him a loving pat on the back. Then she saw his trousers and her eyebrows shot up.
“Daniel.” She shook her head and clicked her tongue, making her displeasure known. Before she could say anything further, she was interrupted by Alistair who entered the room with his brother, Francis, dangling over his shoulder. Setting the boy down, he kissed his mother on the cheek.
“Good morning, Mama.”
Lady Fernley gasped when she saw him, or rather his attire, for Alistair’s trousers were even tighter than Daniel’s. No doubt he’d soaked them the night before to ensure the best fit.
“Alistair Mavis. What are you wearing? Surely, you do not intend to leave the house dressed in such a manner.”
Alistair slid into the seat next to his father, who looked up from his paper with amusement. Daniel took a seat beside his friend just as Lady Fernley slipped into hers, next to her two youngest children, nine-month-old James and two-year-old Sarah.
Lord Fernley chuckled. “I see nothing wrong with the two young men’s attire. Personally, I would not be seen out of doors in such garments, but it is considered the height of fashion these days.”
“Thank you, Papa. You are right. This is exactly what Beau Brummel wore at Almack’s last Wednesday. I have even seen lords dressed in such a fashion at the Upper Rooms in Bath.”
His mother rolled her eyes. “That Brummel fellow,” she said with disdain. “That man is nothing but a dandy and a rake. And don’t you two smile. There is nothing honorable about being a dandy. It is nothing to strive for, certainly not for young men such as yourselves. An Earl and a future Baron. Peers of the realm dressed like a common rake.” She picked up her teacup and sipped from it while shaking her head.
Alistair and Daniel looked at one another and winked when Francis spoke up. “But Mama! Even Prinny wears his buckskins soaked!”
Daniel felt a laugh coming on and was surprised that it came on with such force that tears sprang into his eyes. Beside him, Alistair made no such efforts and laughed out loud. Even the Baron could not suppress a chuckle. Lady Fernley, meanwhile, nearly dropped her cup.
“Francis! We do not use such language at this table. He is the Prince Regent. Not Prinny. Let us have some respect for the Crown. As for how he wears his trousers, who told you that?”
Francis swallowed and cast an eye at Alistair who raised his hands. “Guilty as charged.”
His mother simply shook her head and rubbed her temples while Daniel sat back, a smile on his face. Yes, he was lucky to have found this family to make his own, he knew. Yet, a part of him still ached for the life he’d so long left behind. The life he’d led in Banbury, beside his dearest friend and the one his heart still longed for. Penelope.
* * *
“Take care! Do not be long!” Lady Fernley called as their carriage pulled into Park Road on its way to Oxfordshire.
Daniel leaned out of the carriage window, with Alistair draped over his shoulder, as both of them waved to the entire Mavis family, who had congregated outside their home.
When they sat back down, Daniel leaned back. “I shall miss them. It has been a glorious Season so far, has it not?”
Beside him, Alistair grumbled.
“Very right, it has. Such a shame it had to come to an end.” He turned to Daniel. “What a misfortune that your steward had to die right in the middle of the London Season. How very inconvenient.”
Daniel scoffed. “Yes, I am certain his family found it most inconsiderable of him as well, to pass away at such a time. Or at all.” He shook his head at the cruel remark. Even though he did not know him well, Henry Scott could only be described as an excellent estate steward. In charge of the Carlton estate since the death of Daniel’s father, he had ensured that the family fortune not only remained intact but grew, allowing Daniel the lifestyle he had become accustomed to. Yes, if not for Mr. Scott, he would not have had the freedom to live the life he thus far enjoyed.
However, with the man’s sudden, and entirely unexpected death—by way of a strike of lightning, no less—Daniel needed to return to his estate in order to find a new steward who could take the place of his trusted Mr. Scott. While he had received an excellent education at Eton, not much of it could be applied to the running of an estate. Not that he had any interest in running the estate on his own. That meant living in the country. Who would want to do such a thing when the exciting world of London was a much more attractive option?
Realizing Daniel’s shift in mood, Alistair raised his hands as if to surrender. “Yes, yes, I’ll admit it, my comment was a little unfeeling. I suppose I am simply a little vexed at having to depart at such a time. Especially after I have just met the most exquisite young lady.”
Upon hearing Daniel was to return to Banbury to attend to his estate, the Baron decided it would be a wonderful opportunity for his son, a future landowner himself, to learn. Thus, Alistair had been volunteered as a companion for the trip, much to his chagrin. It did not surprise Daniel that his friend had a lady he was leaving behind. Again.
