“I wouldn’t hold your breath,” Lord Merrifield said. “Those two are unlikely to marry, and both have reasons for that decision. They’re confirmed bachelors.”
Iris frowned. “Didn’t all of you say that once upon a time?”
Violet’s eyes widened. “You’re not still hoping...” Concern was etched into her sister’s eyes as she met Iris’s gaze. Iris barely held back a groan. She would have to ensure her sister she had no desire to trap the Earl of Hampstead into marriage.
“I’m not,” Iris interrupted Violet. She didn’t need her sister to put into words what she had once foolishly desired. “Reforming a scoundrel is the last thing I wish to do.” She shrugged. “I had thought though, that since all of them had believed they would never marry, how can your husband be certain the final two won’t.”
“Our reasons were not the same as theirs.” Lord Merrifield frowned. “I can’t tell you their secrets, but rest assured, they are profound. If they marry, I will be shocked to the core. Winchester, Lindsey, and I...we just enjoyed our freedom. Until we realized that there can be more to marriage if we opened our heart to it. Goodland and Hampstead...their hearts were shattered a long time ago. They have nothing left to offer a woman.”
Iris frowned. She wondered what had happened to them. Lord Merrifield seemed so certain that neither one would marry. Should she feel sorry for them? Perhaps, and a part of her did; however, that did not mean that her own demons hadn’t been excised. “That’s unfortunate for them,” she said softly. “It means they’ll never know true happiness.” Some days she didn’t think she would either.
“That is the fate some must face,” Lord Merrifield told her. “I’m fortunate, and thankful for it each day. If I could change things for them, I would. It would be wonderful if all my friends found the same happiness I have.”
“Yes,” Violet agreed. She met Iris’s gaze. “It’s what I want for you too.” Her tone was filled with so much warmth and love. Iris was grateful she had such a wonderful twin sister. She and Violet had always been close, and she had missed having her in the house.
“There is still hope for me,” Iris told her sister. “My heart hasn’t been destroyed. The right man will come into my life, and then the possibilities will be endless.” First she had to expunge a certain earl from her heart for good. If she still thought about him, that meant he still had a hold on her. It was past time she let go.
Violet smiled. “I hope so.” Concern was etched through her voice as she spoke. Iris couldn’t dwell on that. She had to remain focused. Violet had her husband to lean on, and she had to stop worrying so much about Iris. Somehow, she would make her sister see that.
With those words, the carriage came to a stop in front of the Lindsey estate. Lord Merrifield stepped out of the carriage and assisted Iris and Violet out. They all walked to the front door as the footman saw to their trunks. The Christmastide house party had begun. For Iris, it was the beginning of the future she hoped to seize. Tomorrow would bring her happiness. She would make sure of it, even if she had to reshape the longing inside her heart and every single one of her expectations to accept it.
Three
Iris wanted to hide in her bedchamber, but also realized she couldn’t do any such thing. Her sister had demanded she socialize with everyone that attended the house party. Most of them would not arrive for a few more days, but there were guests already in the house. Which meant Iris would have to stop hiding and pretend she was happy to be attending the Christmastide celebration.
She sighed and then exited her bedchamber. Francesca planned to have afternoon tea in her favorite sitting room of the castle. They had arrived too late to join them the day before for tea, but Iris could go spend some time with her friends now. She adored Francesca, and Adeline was due to arrive soon. It also helped that Violet was there. In truth, there wasn’t much reason for her to avoid tea time. It was unlikely that the one person she wished to avoid would join them. The ladies would be left alone, at least this early on. Once everyone arrived, there would be guests all over the house doing a variety of activities.
Iris could not escape so easily then...
Her footsteps echoed through the corridor as she made her way to the sitting room. When she reached her destination, she pushed open the door. The tea service had not yet arrived, but her friends had. Francesca, Violet, and a woman Iris hadn’t met sat inside the room.
“Iris,” Francesca called out to her. “Come sit,” she patted the cushion on the settee next to her. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Iris did as the duchess asked and sat next to her. “Have I missed anything?” She didn’t know what they could possibly be discussing. It seemed like a reasonable question.
“Not much,” the lady she hadn’t recognized said. “I was complaining about my overprotective brother.”
“Oh?” Iris didn’t have a brother, so she didn’t know what that was like. “Who is your brother?”
“The Earl of Hampstead.” The lady wrinkled her nose. “He’s being his usually tedious self.”
Iris froze and stared at the young woman. This was the earl’s little sister. She had been aware he had a sister, but she never expected her to be in attendance. Iris did her best to remain calm. It was his sister, not him. She could handle this. “What is he doing that is so atrocious?” At least the earl was unlikely to openly snub his own sister.
“To quote him,” the lady began. “Calliope, you’re to stay away from Lord Goodland. He’s not for you.”
Before anyone could respond, a maid brought in the tea cart. Francesca dealt with the maid, then poured everyone tea. Once they all had cups in hand, they returned to the conversation. It was Violet that responded to Lady Calliope’s remarks. “He is being protective,” Violet told her. “But he has a good reason for it. If anyone knows the viscount, it is your brother. You should heed his advice.”
Lady Calliope sighed. “It’s not as if I set my cap for him.” She took a sip of her tea. “I was being polite, nothing more. I won’t officially have my come out until spring.” She shrugged. “I don’t plan on settling down with the first man that I cross paths with. I plan on enjoying my season.”
Iris had to smile at that. “As well you should.” She decided in that moment she liked Lady Calliope. “And don’t let your brother prevent you from doing so either.” She hoped Lady Calliope gave her brother a troublesome time as much as possible. It was a bit mean of her to wish it on him, but she never claimed to be a nice person.
“It has always been a goal of mine to drive him mad,” Lady Calliope admitted. “He’s too serious most of the time.” She set her tea down. “Especially this time of the year. It would do him good to find something to smile about. I wish he would consider marriage himself, but he’s so...” She shook her head. “I’ve said too much.”
In Iris’s opinion, she hadn’t said enough. She was insanely curious. What was it about Christmastide that made Lord Hampstead especially grumpy? She was about to ask when the door opened and Adeline, the Countess of Winchester, walked in. “Oh, good,” she began. “I didn’t miss tea.”
Her blonde curls were pinned elegantly on top of her head, and her cheeks were tinged pink. Probably from the cold. Francesca stood and hugged her cousin. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Not as much as I am,” Adeline replied. “My husband has already gone off in search of yours.”
