Josephine took a deep breath. ‘You can guess at what my letters said, following your assertions at our last meeting,’ she whispered rapidly. ‘You stated your position about marriage very clearly, that you marry for duty. But to be told you’d rather do anything but marry, and then be subjected to suchmonstrousbehaviour? It is beyond everything! More importantly, it is quite clear, sir, that you keep many secrets.’ She tried to gain control of her quivering voice, aware those closest were glancing at them. ‘It is your choice, of course, except they mask a truth that could free others from heartache. And I might guess at your need to travel,’ she concluded icily, ‘when you keep such old friends abroad!’
For a moment Huntingly stared, his jawline tightening at her reference to Pellham, yet the letters had all but convinced her of George’s innocence, and Huntingly’s unpredictable turn of mood seemed more suspicious with every passing second.
‘And now, dear brothers, sisters and close friends,’ Thomas boomed at that precise moment, ‘it is time for us to go in to supper, but I do have something of import to say, as many of you already know, and I see no reason not to confirm the happy news ahead of the Grand Ball announcement tomorrow!’
Startled, Josephine swung her head back to her jubilant brother, who was standing at the drawing room fireplace, a glass of champagne in his hand. Then he smiled in a way that extinguished every hope that she might put this fateful moment off any longer.
‘Some of you will know I had some reservations about this day ever occurring, but it goes to show that none of us should ever make assumptions based on history,’ he began. ‘What matters is the future, and I’m delighted to confirm with you all that Josephine, our beloved sister, has lately agreed to become the new Lady Huntingly! Yes, it is wonderful news!’ He nodded at the low murmur of congratulations. ‘And I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that they make a very handsome couple indeed!’
He beamed widely at the select company, as Josephine gazed at them all. There were so many animated reactions to the confirmation of her news– delight, curiosity, relief– until she reached Phoebe and Matilda. Both were in the shadows near the window and looked as serious as she felt. She swallowed. ‘Now then,’ Thomas continued, holding forth his glass, ‘I believe Benson has brought around some very goodPiper-Heidsieckthat I selected on my last trip to Reims, and it would be a terrible shame not to put it to good use!’ He paused to acknowledge the murmur of agreement. ‘So, without any further ado, I ask you all to raise your glasses to Lord Huntingly and our own dear Josephine! Congratulations to you both and may your union be blessed!’
Josephine had no choice but to accept Lord Huntingly’s arm amid the fresh blur of congratulations, yet it was only as they turned to follow Thomas that he inclined his head to reply.
‘I had hoped your brother might temper his enthusiasm tonight,’ he murmured as they turned into the dining room, ‘so we might enjoy a little time without attention, but clearly itwas not meant to be.’ He nodded at Aunt Higglestone, who was dimpling with pride from a seat further up the dining table. ‘But I would like to answer your earlier charge, if I may, Miss Fairfax, and clarify that Ikeepvery fewfriends, as I’m sure you have already guessed, and it was business that took me away, not pleasure.’ He paused beside Josephine’s chair, while she took her seat. ‘In truth, while I accept your admonishments and apologise for them,’ he added intently, ‘I hope to nurture one very particular friendship in the future, with far fewer secrets.’
He made his way to his seat then, between Matilda and Captain Damerel, while Josephine awaited the first course feeling even more confused than before.
How could he talk to her of fewer secrets when he kept more than anyone she knew? And why did he think that she would be remotely interested in friendship, when he couldn’t even be honest with himself?
‘You are certainly very quiet for a newly betrothed young lady,’ Sir Francis murmured beside her. ‘I hope you are contemplating new beginnings… or perhaps missed opportunities?’
Josephine glanced across at his athletic figure, his eyes reflecting the deep Prussian-blue of his evening coat, and wondered again why the universe seemed so intent on putting them in the same space.
‘I’m not sure why you might imagine I am considering either,’ Josephine replied tersely, nodding to a footman bearing a tray of crayfish, ‘when there are so many delicious entrées for the first course and my favourite pastries among the puddings.’
Sir Francis’s eyes danced with amusement. ‘As I said many weeks ago, Miss Fairfax, I believe you are the enigma of the family. Every other Fairfax says what they think when they think it– you, however, are like an untitled book, and I do so like to know what I am reading.’
Josephine suppressed a frown, conscious of both Miss Isabella’s and Miss Amelia’s misty-eyed gazes from the bottom of the table.
‘Do you believe every young lady should be available for perusal, Sir Francis?’ She smiled politely. ‘Or should they be entitled to choose their own readers?’
‘Smart, Miss Fairfax! Very smart! I don’t believe even your dear brother has your presence of mind, but my question is coloured by my experience, you see– I’ve never met a young lady who hasn’t wished to be reada little… until you.’
Josephine paused, noticing the same gleam in his eyes as the night of the Hampton Ball. ‘Then perhaps, sir, it is beneficial that you have found a favoured book with whom you yourself are contemplatinga new beginning,’ she replied, accepting a slice of roast pigeon pie.
Sir Francis looked quizzical as he took a sip of wine, yet was prevented from responding as Sophie’s light voice suddenly rose above the rest.
‘Do you plan to reside in Somerset, Lord Huntingly, once you and Josephine are wed?’ she asked brightly. ‘Or will you reopen your townhouse? I understand it is but a stone’s throw from Grosvenor Square.’
‘What our dear sister is actually asking is whether Josephine will be on hand to babysit her fair charges whenever she is in need?’ Henry chortled from further down the table, his cheeks a little too pink.
‘Henry!’ Matilda chastised like an old maid. ‘You’re in your cups already and we don’t even have our puddings!’
‘Matilda Fairfax!’ Aunt Higglestone remonstrated in turn, her eyes wider than Josephine thought was probably good for anyone. ‘What would your dear mama say! She’d say I hadn’t taken enough care of you all, that’s what!’ she lamented.
‘Thank you for your kind enquiry, Lady Rotherby,’ Lord Huntingly replied smoothly, coming to Matilda’s rescue. ‘You are kind to ask, but the truth is that I am keen to restore Huntingly Manor to its former state now I am returned, so I imagine much of our time in the foreseeable future will be spent in Somerset– with your sister’s agreement, of course.’
Josephine watched his attention swing back to herself, his eyes guarded as they flickered past Sir Francis to meet her own.
‘So, you don’t plan to hold any fashionable parties, or venture to the continent for your honeymoon?’ Phoebe enquired. ‘Alexander and I had the most wonderful honeymoon in Rome and Florence when we visited, and I’m sure Josephine would very much enjoy all the history and culture there.’ She smiled at the Viscount Damerel affectionately. ‘The view from the top of the Duomo really is quite something,’ she added.
‘Don’t give away all my secrets!’ Viscount Damerel exclaimed in mock alarm. ‘It took me years to compile a list of exciting locations with which I could impress my dear, headstrong wife!’
A ripple of amusement echoed around the table as Josephine glanced at Lord Huntingly.
‘Parties and honeymoons are not terribly high on my agenda,’ he replied, after a beat. ‘And Italy does not hold any great romance for me. I prefer the moorland on our own doorstep, truth be told.’
‘Oh, so do I!’ Matilda exclaimed impulsively. ‘There is nothing better than a dawn ride with the sun just reaching over the hills. It’s always my favourite time!’
