No, she and the small party Miss Primm had sent along had arrived right on time.
“We had good weather.” Priscilla sat frozen.
He turned his hand so that his palm faced up. “Come. Allow me to introduce you to my mother and sisters. We aren’t monsters, I promise.” He winked. “At least most of us are not. The twins, however, have their moments….”
How could she not relax in the face of his easy charm?
Despite two sets of gloves, hers a soft lambskin and his a thicker leather, his touch affected her. But knowing Chloe was watching, Priscilla dropped his hand when her feet landed on the gravel.
“Thank you.” Her voice came out breathless, and he laughed.
Did he feel the attraction too?
His fingertips touched her elbow this time, leading her toward the ladies who stood together watching her.
“Mother, allow me to present my betrothed, Miss Allison Meadowbrook, and her chaperone and teacher at Miss Primm’s, Miss Chloe Fortune.” Chloe had followed just behind them and therefore been included in the introductions. “Allison, Miss Fortune, the Countess of Hardwood.”
Chloe and Priscilla dropped into curtseys, and the countess nodded, sending her son a reprimanding glance. “You mustn’t mind my son’s presumptuousness. But such ardent dedication is admirable, don’t you agree?”
Priscilla was stumped to find a response. Allison’s father had made promises, after all. Thankfully, Chloe lacked Priscilla’s ambivalence.
“He is overconfident,” Chloe said. “Miss Meadowbrook has no intention of marrying at such a young age. Instead, she wishes to experience a few seasons and perhaps travel to the Continent before settling down. Women have choices these days, you know.”
Which, Priscilla conceded, strained the nature of the female condition considerably.
Widows, perhaps, or wealthy and independent married ladies. But not single ladies who’d ruined themself. And most definitely, not schoolteachers.
“Foolishness. Why bother with a season when one can settle into marriage without it?” The countess sounded matter of fact rather than argumentative. And then a soft smile stretched her mouth. “Even if Emerson weren’t my son, I’d champion him. I only hope my own daughters find a gentleman half as honorable and distinguished.”
This was the signal for Lord Hardwood to commence introductions to his sisters. He had not exaggerated when he’d told her the three elder girls resembled him and one another—nor in that the twins were quite the opposite with their fair hair and light blue eyes.
Priscilla also learned that the two other gentlemen present lived on neighboring estates—Viscount Bloodstone, a man who could almost be described as beautiful, with golden hair, and violet eyes. And then there was Captain Edgeworth, a handsome unsmiling man, who was second son to the Baron Dartmouth.
Priscilla’s blood ran cold for an instant. Were either of them friends of her brother? But neither so much as blinked, showing no recognition.
Thank heavens.
“But let’s go inside, now, shall we?” This from the eldest of his sisters, Lady Eloise, whose light green eyes had narrowed suspiciously when Lord Hardwood introduced her to Priscilla. She came across as extraordinarily clever. Was she going to be the one to expose their charade?
Icy fear slid down Priscilla’s spine. Because surely, they couldn’t fool all of them.
Could they?
Lady Isadora stepped forward and linked her hand through Priscilla’s arm in a friendly gesture. “Come inside. I know Hunt has been anxiously awaiting your arrival, but first, you must take tea in your suite where you can freshen up. And,” she winked, “so that we can tell you all his secrets.”
“We’ve put you in the Jade Suite. It’s nearly as lovely as mother’s.” Mary Grace skipped along on Priscilla’s opposite side. “I want to hear everything about Miss Primm’s. I’ve always wanted to go away for my schooling, but my father never allowed it. With him gone—”
“Could you at least wait until she’s unpacked before airing your grievances, Mary?” Lady Eloise tightened her lips. “My apologies, Miss Meadowbrook.”
“There’s a trundle for your companion. Unless you’d prefer we she room in the attic with the other servants?” Lady Isadora drew Priscilla through the open door, held wide by an unusually tall butler whose striking blond hair made one think of a Greek God rather than household servants.
“I prefer to keep Miss Fortune with me.” Priscilla was horrified at the idea of the two of them being separated.
“The Jade Suite is lovely by itself, but that isn’t what makes it so magnificent,” Mary Grace explained as they all fell into line to climb the winding stairs.
Priscilla couldn’t help but feel sorry for the footmen who would be hauling up their belongings—especially since she’d loaded her trunk so full that both Beatrice and Addy had had to sit on the lid for the clasp to latch properly.
“You cannot imagine how happy we were to hear that you were coming. Most of Mother’s guests are positively ancient.”
