He narrowed his eyes. Ordinarily, his comments would have produced a series of counter arguments, but apparently today that wasn’t going to happen.
“Well then.” She settled into the cushions, relaxing in the sunshine. “Perhaps you might like to tell me about this place. Myrtle Manor. It seems charming. You’ve walked the area, I’m sure…knowing your preference for tramping through the woods…”
Since his mother seemed set on a course of pleasant conversation, he leaned back as well and answered her questions, telling her of Harry’s stable, and how pleased he was to be able to be here, thanks to his friend, in the peace and quiet of the rural countryside.
“In truth, Mama, London got to be a less than agreeable experience.” He sighed and ran a hand idly through his hair. “I enjoy my friends. I enjoy a ball now and again, and I certainly enjoy meeting new people. But there was a sense of urgency, almost desperation, in so many of those I met this past Season. It was…” he paused, searching for the right words, “uncomfortable.”
“I’m sad to hear that.”
He shrugged. “It wasn’t your fault. Probably mine. But I was not at all sorry to close up the town house—Martin sends his deepest regards, by the way and will ensure all is in readiness for our return in the autumn, he assures me—and so here I am, amidst the loveliness that is England in the summer.” He waved his hand in the direction of the gardens.
“I have trusted Martin since I was a bride,” smiled his mother. “That’s one thing I never have to worry about. I remember my Mama telling me that a good butler is worth more than the crown jewels.”
“Indeed,” agreed Garrett.
Silence fell, broken only by the songs of the birds outside, and for a few moments, mother and son simply sat at ease with each other, sharing the pleasure of the moment.
Then he sighed. “Mama, you know lots of people.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I suppose you could say that, yes.”
“At any time, do you recall meeting someone by the name of Trease?”
“Trees? Like forests? Woods?”
“Well, that’s how it’s pronounced…”
“Wait…” She held up her hand. “Trees. Trees…” She turned to him and grabbed his arm. “Trease? T-R-E-A-S-E?”
“Possibly.”
“Oh heavens, yes. Yes. Hazel Newthorpe, one of my very best friends from when I was young, married a man named Trease. I think he was a Viscount.” She frowned in thought. “Give me a moment. Hawthorn. That’s it. Lord Hawthorn Trease. I always thought how delightfully apt it was that Hazel and Hawthorn wed, given their names.”
“I see.”
“Wait…I believe their eldest son was in London recently. Got himself engaged to an absolutely lovely young woman. That wasquite a story…” She chuckled at the memory.
“Would his name be Ashe?”
“Why yes. Yes, it is.” His mother stared at him. “Did you meet in London?”
Garret shook his head. “No. I met his sister this morning, here, in the woods.”
“Goodness, I’ve lost touch with Hazel, but I would adore meeting her once more. Do they live nearby?”
He sighed. “Not only do they live nearby, but apparently they own most of the beautiful forest you commented on.”
“Oh, how simplymarvellous.”
Garrett closed his eyes as he realised the enormity of the mistake he’d just made.
“Wemustvisit her, darling. I’d never forgive myself if I was this close to Hazel and didn’t pay her a call.” She laid a hand on his arm. “Can we? Could we do it today? I can’t imagine that she’d be anything other than happy to see me…”
Unable to resist the plea in his mother’s eyes, Garrett nodded.
“We’ll find out, Mama. I’ll ask Mrs Smithee if she can have someone send a note. I don’t know where they live relative to here, but she will. It wouldn’t do to just arrive on their doorstep, would it?”
“No, of course not, but I ampositivethat if Hazel is in residence, she’ll welcome us with open arms.”
