“In the drawing room, Your Grace. She’s been quite anxious about your absence this evening.”
Aaron suppressed a sigh. Cecilia would have a thousand questions about?—
“Aaron! There you are!”
The Dowager Viscountess Merrow swept into the entrance hall in a rustle of lavender silk, her silver hair gleaming in thelamplight. Behind her padded her enormous black dog, its tail swaying like a weapon capable of clearing side tables.
“Aunt.” Aaron moved to greet her, but she’d already spotted Louise and Emily.
“Oh, my.” Cecilia’s hands fluttered to her chest. “And who are these lovely creatures?”
Before Aaron could make proper introductions, the massive dog bounded forward. Emily shrieked, not in fear but in delight, as the Newfoundland skidded to a stop before her, tail wagging furiously.
“Buttercup, mind your manners! Oh, what will our guests think!” Cecilia scolded, but her words were without heat.
The dog responded by lowering his enormous head to Emily’s level and giving her face an enthusiastic lick. Emily giggled, the first genuine joy Aaron had seen from the child all evening.
“He’s so big!” Emily’s small hands disappeared into Buttercup’s thick fur. “Is he really called Buttercup?”
“But of course!” Cecilia beamed at the child’s laughter. “He initially was supposed to be a hunting dog, but he’s entirely too sweet for such pursuits. Aren’t you, darling?” She scratched behind the dog’s ears, earning a contented groan that shook the floor.
Aaron cleared his throat. “Aunt Cecilia, allow me to introduce Lady Louise Burrows and her sister, Lady Emily. They will be staying with us for a time. Lady Louise has agreed to serve as your companion.”
Louise stepped forward, dropping into a graceful curtsy despite her obvious exhaustion. “Lady Merrow, we’re very grateful for your hospitality.”
“Burrows?” Cecilia’s eyes sharpened with interest. “Lord Sulton’s sisters? Oh, my dear child, what has that foolish boy gotten up to now?”
Louise’s composure wavered.
Aaron intervened smoothly. “Lady Louise has agreed to serve as your companion, Aunt. You’ve been saying you needed help with your correspondence.”
“Have I?” Cecilia’s knowing look suggested she understood perfectly well what was happening but would play along. “Yes, of course I have. Oh, how delightful! And Lady Emily will stay as well?”
Emily had seated herself on the floor with Buttercup’s massive head in her lap. The dog’s eyes had closed in bliss as small fingers stroked his ears.
“If that’s acceptable, my lady,” Louise began carefully.
“Acceptable? It is wonderful! This house needs more life in it.” Cecilia moved closer to Louise, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Between you and me, dear, it’s been far too quiet. My nephew barely speaks at dinner, and Buttercup is a rather poor conversationalist. Though he does have some strong opinions on the proper placement of roast beef.”
“I can hear you, Aunt.” Aaron watched Louise’s lips twitch, fighting a smile.
“You were meant to.” Cecilia patted his arm. “Now then, you both look exhausted. Mrs. Hammond, some hot soup and bread sent up to their rooms, I think. And perhaps warm milk for the little one?”
“Right away, my lady.” The housekeeper curtsied and bustled off.
“Can Buttercup come too?” Emily looked up hopefully.
“He’ll certainly try.” Cecilia’s eyes twinkled. “He has a talent for appearing wherever he’s not supposed to be.”
As if understanding, Buttercup’s tail thumped against an unfortunate side table, sending a porcelain vase wobbling.
Aaron caught it before it could fall.
“Case in point.” He set the figurine safely aside.
Mrs. Hammond reappeared. “The rooms are ready, Your Grace.”
“Excellent. Lady Louise, Lady Emily, Mrs. Hammond will show you up.” Aaron gestured toward the stairs.
