“You’re leaving so soon?” The house party wasn’t supposed to begin for another sennight. “Why?” She ignored the last part of Violet’s statement. Iris had no intention of changing her mind about attending.
“Lindsey asked Zachariah to come early.” Violet shrugged. “I don’t mind. It gives me more time with Francesca before her hostess duties begin.”
“That is lovely,” Iris said. “How is Francesca?”
“She’s doing well,” Violet told her. “But you’re going to see that for yourself. We will be here in the morning to retrieve you.”
They were back to that again... “I told you I am not attending the house party.” She didn’t know why Violet was being so stubborn about it. “I don’t want to go.”
“Well,” Violet began. “As I stated earlier, I had hoped to change your mind.”
“You’re not going to,” she interrupted her.
“I don’t need to,” Violet said, then smirked.
Iris narrowed her gaze. She had to have heard her sister incorrectly. “I’m confused.” She tilted her head to the side. “If you don’t need to convince me to go, why do you seem so thrilled.”
“Because father is ordering you to attend.” She grinned. “I spoke with him before I came in here to speak to you. He agrees it will be good for you.”
“What?” She glared at her sister. How could Violet have done this to her? Lord Hampstead was going to be there. Iris could not see him again. At least not until she was happily married to another man and could pretend nothing had happened between them. “No. Just no.”
“It’s too late, little sister,” Violet told her. “I already told your maid. She is packing your trunk now. It’s going to be fun. Quit being so grumpy about Christmastide. It is time for you to remember how much you love this time of the year.” With those words, Violet stood. “I know why you won’t go, but you shouldn’t let him prevent you from doing something that will make you happy. Take back what it is important despite him.” She placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “You deserve happiness.”
She didn’t give Iris a chance to say anything else. Iris wanted to stay mad, but she couldn’t find the motivation to continue sulking. Instead, she resigned herself to her fate. She had no choice. The Christmastide party would be in her future, and Violet was right. Shediddeserve to be happy.
Two
The journey to the Duke of Lindsey’s country estate took them three days. Three cold, mind-numbing days... Daniel had almost enjoyed that part. It was far preferable to the head pain that he’d had to endure while going over the estate ledgers. The rest of the trip had not been as enjoyable. Calliope hated traveling, and the frigid temperature didn’t help her demeanor.
So, when they finally arrived at the Lindsey estate, Daniel had breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn’t wait to step out of the carriage and stretch his legs. When the carriage rolled to a stop at the entrance, Daniel did just that. He only halted long enough to assist his sister out of the carriage. Then he stomped up the front steps and banged on the door.
“So kind of you to wait for me to walk with you,” Calliope said as she caught up with him. “You’re quite the gentleman, brother.”
Daniel met her gaze and grinned. “Thank you,” he replied in an amused tone. “I’ve always prided myself on being a gentleman.”
Calliope rolled her eyes. “I would think most ladies consider you a scoundrel.”
“Thank too,” he agreed, then winked.
At that moment, the door opened. An elderly man with snow white hair and faded brown eyes stood in the entrance. “Yes?”
“I am Lord Hampstead, and this is Lady Calliope Andrews. Their Graces are expecting us.”
“Indeed,” the elderly man said. “Please come in. I’ll have the footman see to your trunks.”
Calliope and Daniel strolled inside. While still in the foyer, they removed their cloaks and handed them to the butler. After a few moments, the Duke of Lindsey strolled in. “Hampstead,” Lindsey said, in a jovial tone. “You’re the first to arrive. I was just going to look for my wife. I trust your journey went well.”
“Aside from the cold,” he said. “And Calliope’s constant petulant complaints. Indeed, it was most pleasant.”
His sister rolled her eyes. “Don’t listen to him, Your Grace.” She smiled. “He’s terrible to travel with.” She glared at Daniel. “We’re both happy to be here. Thank you for the invitation.”
The duke’s lips twitched. “I’m familiar with Hampstead’s dislike of travel. I understand it is a familial trait as well.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’m glad you were both brave enough to endure it and join us. Please follow me to the sitting room. The duchess should be there with afternoon tea. Unless you would prefer to be shown to your rooms so you can rest.”
“I’d prefer tea,” Calliope said. “I can rest later.”
Daniel wasn’t at all surprised by his sister’s choice. She was probably still a little cold and wanted tea to help warm her. He would prefer a stronger beverage than tea. “I don’t suppose you have brandy instead?”
Lindsey shook his head. “No, at least not in the sitting room. We can retire to my study later for a snifter or two.”
