Lex arched an eyebrow. “It seems that I can count on my sister to spill all my secrets.”
Tess’s cheeks turned rosy. “I’m sorry, brother dear. I really must think before I speak.”
“Nonsense,” said Basil with a grin. “You are a breath of fresh air and without artifice. Many young ladies of thetonare unaware of how to communicate effectively. All they do is flutter their fans and practice false intrigue, thinking that is how to capture a fellow’s attention.” He pantomimed the superficial young women he referred to, fluttering his eyelashes and exaggeratedly puckering his lips.
“Thank you, Basil,” Tess said, giggling at his antics.
He replied with a wink, which Winnie couldn’t help noticing brought a charming blush to Tess’s cheeks.
The dowager marchioness, Elizabeth du Priest, interrupted affectionately. “Do sit down, gentlemen, and let the ladies have a refreshment after their journey.” She patted the sofa beside her. “Lady Capel, please come sit with us. Lady Sinclair, let me pour you a cup of tea.”
“I am most appreciative, your ladyship. Though not a long journey, it was tiring for those of us getting on in years.” Felicia sat and took the proffered teacup from Elizabeth’s hands.
“I couldn’t agree more. I heard you were in London. It has been years since I last visited. I much prefer to remain in the countryside amid the beauty of our estate.”
“I concur,” Lex’s mother said. “The only thing missing from our idyllic house is the sound of children’s voices. Something I pray will be righted soon,” she added in a meaningful tone.
“I understand too well what you mean,” Felicia said. “I would not even consider venturing into the mayhem of London were it not for my wish to see Edwina enjoy the company of those of a suitable age.”
Winnie couldn’t help but feel an added pressure to make her grandmother happy. How strange her about-face just a few weeks back had been. Winnie had come to the realization that she had just as much of a duty to her family as she had to helping those in need. Indeed, marriage and children could only benefit society’s future generations. How could she have been so blind that she had not realized it before?
Basil sat on the other side of Tess. “I think it best if we dispense with formalities and address each other by our given names—if you don’t mind, Mother. I hope this will be a weekend of relaxation and amusement and that we shall all become good friends. The less formality the better, in my estimation.”
Tess turned. “Basil, although I am a capable equestrian, this will be my first foxhunt. Are there other guests who will be joining us?”
“Yes, Lord Waverly, his Countess Rose, and their son Marcus and daughter Anna. Marcus was at Eaton with Lex and me. He will also ride in the hunt. They live not far from here and will join us for breakfast. The Farnsworth twins, who reside in Bucks County, will arrive with their brother, Elliot, this evening. Elliot doesn’t ride, as he suffers from several ailments. However, the girls were raised in the saddle, so we can expect a good show from them. Their father, Lord Farnsworth, is one of the first officially recognized breeders of Thoroughbreds.” Basil winked at Lex. “We’ll have our work cut out for us keeping up with those two.”
“You ride, do you not, Winnie?” Tess asked with undisguised hopefulness in her voice.
“Oh, yes, I do, but I have never been on a foxhunt. I only wish I could have brought my mare Masquerade. She is an amazing jumper, and I would have given your Farnsworth twins a run for their money.”
“I’m certain Basil can provide you with a lively horse,” Lex said.
Winnie exchanged a smile with him and wondered again how foolish she had been to leave London in that way. She’d have to ask to speak with him privately. But not while on the hunt, for there would be too many people about. Nevertheless, she looked forward to riding beside Lex. It would be a new experience together, and it gave her a heady feeling.
“Fear not, Edwina, my stables will see that you are suitably paired with a steed that matches your prowess,” Basil said. “We are not without fine steeds. Racing is a passion of mine, as Lex knows. The auctions at Tattersalls commence in June, and I look forward to going.”
Tess sighed. “I have always wanted to attend the races.”
Basil winked at her. “It would be a great pleasure to make your wish come true.”
Tess clapped her hands. “Oh, Basil, that would be splendid.” Turning to her brother, she asked, “May I, Lex? May I attend the races with Basil?”
Ah…I wonder what we have here?Winnie thought. Basil was one of the wittiest and most charming men she’d ever met, and handsome to boot, with the most winsome light-brown curls and hazel eyes. He was slightly smaller in stature than Lex, but agile and every bit as fit. Winnie could see there was something in the way he looked at Tess that made her wonder if a romance would blossom between the two.
“Settle down, Tess. We’ll see.” Lex raised his brow in a disapproving arch, addressing Basil. “Now you’ve put me in a bit of a jam, old man. How do I say no? It will make me an overbearing ogre from a fairytale.”
Basil laughed. “I shan’t wish for that moniker. Better to allow Lady Tess a day at the races under the supervision of no one other than your trusted friend. You certainly are welcome to join us. It will be my pleasure to host.”
“I may take you up on that.” Lex’s gaze returned to Winnie, and he regarded her with that intimate warmth again.
“Am I to be the odd woman out?” she asked.
Lex beamed. “Your attendance, my dear, would be the icing on the cake.”
“Oh, yes,” rhapsodized Tess, “then Lex will surely not say no.”
“Grandmama, I’m sure Charles wouldn’t mind chaperoning me to the Royal Ascot,” Winnie said.
