“Agreed. Tea, gentlemen?” Grace smiled back.
“I think something a little more warming for us, perhaps. What do you say, sir?” He turned to Mr. Muir.
Who raised an eager eyebrow. “An excellent notion, sir.”
Grace turned to Mrs. Muir. “When they start getting polite, you’ll discover brandy is involved.”
“Ah. That’s how it works, is it? Well I appreciate the hint, Mrs. Chaney. It will come in handy in the future, I’m sure.”
Perry sighed. “Parlour. Beverages. Fire. I have cold feet and a thirst. Shall we leave it at that?”
“Of course, dear sir.” Grace smoothly led the way. “I take it the excursion into the snowy battlefield was a success?”
“A complete rout. We had them out-gunned at every turn, right Muir?” Perry chuckled.
“Absolutely. Sir Peregrine’s aim was astounding.”
“Your stratagems were incredibly successful, too.”
Mrs. Muir looked at Grace. “They’ll go on like this for a bit, won’t they?”
“I expect so,” she sighed. “Perhaps we should take brandy instead of tea, as well.”
*~~*~~*
Perry found, somewhat to his surprise, that he was enjoying himself.
He’d anticipated doing so with Grace, but had everything gone according to plan, they’d be on their way back to London, if not be there already.
Depending on the success of their time together, he’d intended to suggest she join him for the concert, after making sure the ticket Max had obtained for his sister was close to the Hawkesbury box.
All very sophisticated and proper, and exactly what he thought would be the best way to further his intimacy with the reclusive Mrs. Chaney.
However, a cosy evening meal with just one other couple—the children having been tucked into bed by this time—had turned out to be a delightful experience, and now, in front of a blazing fire and with more brandy, he was content to sit and listen and laugh.
The Muirs might not have been listed amongst theTon, but their intellect was superior to that of many who were. They were charming company, and with the ice broken between them and their hosts, they freely shared amusing anecdotes about their lives in the country with five children to manage.
Grace joined their mirth and his heart warmed at her joyful laughter.
She was a beautiful woman, although she would never see that in her mirror. But he had a suspicion that if she could see herself now as he saw her, her face lit softly by firelight and candles, a half-empty snifter of brandy in her hand and a smile of delight curving those luscious lips of hers…well, she would be forced to admit that yes, there was beauty there along with so much more.
Mrs. Muir was winding down, he could tell. Her head leaned back against the couch more often, and her eyes were growing heavy.
Mr. Muir shot her a quick look, then turned to Grace. “Much as I hate to say it, Mrs. Chaney, Sir Peregrine, I fear both my wife and I are feeling the effects of a long day, a superb meal and an even more superb brandy.” He tossed off the last dregs from his glass.
Perry nodded. “I cannot express any surprise, sir. Only sympathy for your exhaustion.”
Grace rose. “After tonight, I have the utmost respect for any parent, my dears.” Those ripe lips curved once more. “Let alone those with five youngsters. I trust you will all manage to get at least a little sleep.”
Perry rose with the others. “I know Edward has set a good fire for you, but do not hesitate to ring if you need anything else.”
Mrs. Muir sighed gratefully. “You have been the pinnacle of kindness, both of you. I have no words to express my gratitude. Truly this has been an extra holiday for our family; unexpected and delightful. I’m sure we’ll rest well, never fear.”
With additional words of thanks and a brief curtsey from Mrs. Muir, they left the parlour.
Perry looked at Grace. “A few more minutes? I need to finish this. It is, as Mr. Muir said, a most excellent liquor.”
She readily agreed, taking the opposite chair to his across the hearth. “I did enjoy this evening, Perry. Thank you.”
