But she had no right to keep Thomas away from his father. And Tess had told her that Nicholas was visiting the nursery at least twice each day, shooing Tess out so he could be alone with his son. He did accept Thomas as his, it was just doubtful he would ever get around to acknowledging that to Reggie.
She sighed deeply. Hadn’t she once said it wouldn’t matter how her marriage turned out just so long as she didn’t have to go on hunting for a husband? How foolishly naive!
“My dear, you have a visitor,” Eleanor announced as she came into the room, Lord Dicken Barrett right behind her. “George—? Oh, dear. I don’t remember.”
“George Fowler,” Lord Barrett supplied.
“Oh, yes, Fowler,” Eleanor agreed. “Sayers put him in the waiting room, what with the house so full.”
Sayers was standing in the doorway, and Reggie frowned to hide her surprise. She stood up. “The waiting room is no place for George. Put him in the library. It should be empty at this hour. And have tea sent in.” She dismissed Sayers with a nod, then turned to Eleanor. “You should have slept later, Ellie, if you’re still tired.”
“I’m fine, dear. We did have a late night of it, but I enjoyed myself.” Her eyes met Lord Barrett’s briefly. “I’ll be wide-awake once I have my tea. Do you know your caller?”
“Yes,” Reggie replied. “But I can’t imagine what he’s doing here.”
“Well, you had best see to him. Dicken and I will just have a little something to eat before going on our ride.”
Eleanor, riding? Imagine! “I didn’t know you enjoyed riding, Ellie.”
“Oh, my, yes. But it’s so much nicer when you have someone along for company.” She leaned closer, adding, “You and Nicholas must try it.”
Reggie answered noncommittally and left the room.
George Fowler stood up the moment she entered the library, coming forward to bow over her hand. She had forgotten what a pleasant-looking young man George was, with his mop of sandy brown curls and neatly trimmed mustache, his dark green eyes and well-cut figure. He was a little on the short side—no, not really. She mustn’t compare every man to her husband.
“I fear I’ve come at an inconvenient time,” he apologized. “The fellow who took my horse grumbled that there wasn’t room for even one more in your stable.”
“It’s a bit of a squeeze, but I am in no way inconvenienced.”
“But you have guests to attend—”
“Not at all,” she assured him. “This is my mother-in-law’s gathering, planned before we arrived. Mostly her friends—and my husband’s—and only a few are up at this hour. Do sit down, George.” They seated themselves facing each other. “You’re welcome to stay, too, if you like. You probably know most everyone here, and I’m sure we can find you a place for the night, if you don’t mind sharing a room.”
He grinned happily. “I would accept, if I hadn’t already received a summons from my mum. She’s on holiday down in Brighton and I thought I would stop by to see you on the way, see how you’re getting on.”
Reggie smiled at him. He had gone far out of his way in order to see her. “It has been a long time, hasn’t it?” She opened the subject happily, remembering how charming he could be.
“A deuced long time,” he emphasized.
Hallie brought in tea, and Reggie poured.
“How is your mother, George?”
“As well as can be expected, considering her disposition.” He said this with a grimace, as if he expected quite a drubbing when he arrived in Brighton. “The whole family’s well. Speaking of family, I saw your Uncle Anthony at the club last week. He seemed in the boughs over something. Nearly came to blows with another fellow just for bumping into him.”
Reggie knew what that meant. A week ago would have been the time Anthony learned that Nicholas was back.
“Uncle Tony has his moods, though fortunately he doesn’t have them often.”
“And do you?” His expression was suddenly serious.
“Have moods, George? Don’t we all?”
“You don’t mind being buried out here in the country? I would perish within a week.”
“I love Silverley. I always did prefer the country.”
He seemed disappointed. “I thought perhaps you…weren’t happy here. One does hear things.” He coughed. Was he embarrassed?
