Willoughby shifted on his seat, careful not to wake Althea. When he glanced out the window once again. He was surprised to realize they’d already driven as far as Mayfair. They’d arrive in mere minutes now.
“Wake up, lovelies.” He reached across and shook Eloise gently. “We’re home.”
Mothers and Sisters
“Willoughby, I expected you to arrive yesterday.” The greeting came as no surprise. Placing one hand on each of his daughters’ shoulders, he gave an encouraging squeeze and then ushered them into the darkened drawing room.
“Hello, Mother. Make your curtseys to your grandmother, girls.”
Eloise stepped forward first and dropped into an exaggerated curtsey that she’d obviously practiced.
Althea backed up and seemed to have frozen in place.
“Step forward, girl.” His mother bit out the command. “I still don’t understand why you bring them to London with you. They’ll likely only prove to be a nuisance.”
Jasper bent forward. “You can do it.” He whispered into Althea’s ear before nudging her forward gently. Her curtsey lacked all of the flair of Eloise’s, but managed to pass muster none the less.
“We’re to meet with a possible governess for them, as I already explained in my letter.” He hated that he had to explain this in front of his daughters. He didn’t want them to think he would have preferred leaving them in the country to be cared for by servants. He caught Althea’s watchful eyes and winked. “And I promised to take them to Gunter’s.”
“Nonetheless,” his mother reached for the bell pull, “I’ve had the nursery aired out and brought in two nurses to keep watch of them. You’ll be in far too great of demand to be waste time playing nursemaid.
“Did I tell you that Marvelle’s daughter is having her come out tomorrow night? Promises to be a crush. Lady Elaine is such a lovely young woman. The duchess has invited everyone who is anyone. She asked if you’d like to reserve the first dance. An honor to be certain. Shall I send your request around in the morning?”
Jasper blinked as he attempted to follow his mother’s train of thought. A maid appeared in the open doorway.
“Take the children to the nursery now, Bates.”
His daughters glanced over at him quickly. He really was going to have to curtail his mother’s... suggestions. Lifting a halting hand toward the maid, he crouched down to his daughters’ level. “There’s piles of toys upstairs, if I remember correctly. I’ll be up to help you get settled in after I’ve talked with your grandmother.” He knew his mother all too well. If matters were left to her, he wouldn’t see his daughters again until they were at least six and ten. “And then we’ll all take supper together.”
“Willoughby–” his mother began.
“Please, allow Miss Bates to assist you out of your travelling dresses into something fresh to dine in.”
Althea bit her lip and nodded, but Eloise continued watching him skeptically. That look caused a sharp ache in his heart.
The servant efficiently took both girls hands and led them out of the room. When the door closed behind her, Jasper ran one hand through his hair and sighed. “It’s been little more than a year, Mother.”
“They’re not infants.”
The darkness of the room clawed at him, and unable to stand it a moment longer, he crossed to the other side of the room and swept open a thick and heavy curtain. His mother turned her head away. “You know how I hate the glare.”
But now he could see his mother’s face. He hadn’t seen her properly in three years. She’d never visited Warwick Place, not even once since his father’s passing. Jasper had chosen to remain in the country after Estelle had become ill.
The powder and paints failed to conceal the lines and creases that had developed on his mother’s face. She’d always been a harsh woman, and the lines about her mouth provided further evidence of it. Almost all of her hair had turned white. Nearly seventy now, she’d given birth to him late in life. She’d refused to give up in her efforts to provide his father with an heir despite several miscarriages earlier on.
And yet she did not appear frail. His mother would never appear frail.
“How are you, Mother?” Did he wish to know? Would she tell him anything besides the obvious?
“Delighted, now that you’ve arrived. I’ve done nothing but worry that you’d remain hidden away in the country. You’re a young man, my darling, but you are also Willoughby. You cannot forget your responsibility to provide for the future of the Earldom. Estelle was a beautiful girl, but she was never the same after the twins were born. Likely, her illness was something of a blessing in disguise.”
“You’ll never utter such sentiments in my daughter’s presence, and you’ll do well to not do so again in mine as well. She was my wife.” He had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from saying more.
“And I am your mother.” She made a tutting sound. “Now come sit down. I’ve several invitations to go over with you. And also, my list.”
“Of festivities you wish to attend?”
She laughed. “Of course not, Willoughby. I’ve already decided which of those you’ll make an appearance. No, my list of prospective wives for you. I’ve vetoed the unhealthy-looking ones, the ugly ones, the ones with controlling mothers, and those who might be trouble. You’ve absented yourself from London for far too long. You’ll do well to take my advice.”
