“And then you, of course, being the lady that you are, introduced yourself?”
“Well…sort of.”
“And?”
“He laughed, Mama. He thought our name was funny. He even asked if I had a brother named Fir.” She let out a growl of anger.
Lady Hazel tried hard to hide her chuckle, but failed, earning herself a stern frown from her daughter. She held up her hand to stem the outrage that was obviously quivering on those young lips.
“Darling, if I had taken offence at every jest involving our name, I would have missed most of the laughter in my life. Yes, Trease is going to lend itself to humour. You know that all too well. We throw it off. It’s what we do.”
“Along with selecting Christian names for your children that continue the theme.”
“Of course. By doing so, sweetheart, we play the game first. We’re the leaders in the game of Trease, don’t you see? Very few jests can match the deliciously amusing gathering of Trease family names.”
“Have you explained that to Willow and Holly?”
Lady Hazel rolled her eyes. “I can’t explain anything to your sisters at the moment. They’re at that particular stage when they’re trying to decide whether dresses, young gentlemen, or kittens are more important.”
“And I would hazard a guess that a holiday in Devon with Aunt Cornelia might help direct their attentions away from that stage?”
“Beaches, the ocean, good food, and lots of exercise,” nodded Lady Hazel. “Worked for me, and for you.”
“What worked for Ashe?”
Her mama grinned. “Your father.” She thought for a moment. “Also a ferocious stallion, a clearance project, and several terrible hangovers.”
“You’re talking about Justice? The sweetest ride in the stables?”
“Even horses have a stage. We got him out of his, too.”
Cherry sighed. “I will not apologise to that man, you know. Not because I’m in any sort of stage, but because he was in the wrong, and shouldn’t have teased me about my name.”
“You’re quite right, my dear. Think no more about it. I doubt you’ll see him again, anyway. People only stay with Harry for a few days. Too quiet for most of them, I’d think.”
“Thank God,” muttered Cherry.
“Excuse me, my Lady.” A footman peered around the door, holding a salver with a neatly sealed note on it. “This just arrived. It’s directed to you.”
“Oh? I wasn’t expecting anything…thank you.” She rose from her desk and unsealed the paper.
Then gasped. “Good heavens.” She placed a hand on her heart, her eyes wide.
“Mama? Are you all right?” Cherry hurried to her side. “What is it? Not bad news, I hope?”
Her mother smiled widely. “Not at all. Wonderful news, in fact. One of my oldest and dearest friends, who I lost touch with too many years ago, has asked if it is convenient to come to see me this afternoon. Apparently, she is visiting Myrtle Manor as well.”
Cherry blinked. “Really?”
“Yes. If I’m agreeable, she would like to arrive around two o’clock, she says.” Lady Hazel glanced up at Cherry. “With her son…”
Chapter Four
In Which the Power of Motherhood Surpasses Expectations
Garrett sat in the carriage opposite his mother and tried to focus his thoughts.
She seemed to be enjoying the short ride, exclaiming at the views, expressing her pleasure at the sunshine, and her excitement at seeing her dear friend once more.
