Servants lined up to greet them, and after Honoria and Burwood welcomed Andrew, Alice, and the girls, Honoria reached out to take Anne’s hands as she approached. “Anne, I’m so glad you and your family could come. Juliana and Victor are here already, and of course, Charlotteand Simon as well.”
Anne flinched inwardly at the mention of their friends, all with husbands, even Charlotte! One glance at Burwood gazing adoringly at Honoria by his side was enough to predict how the entire house party would unfold with couples paired up.
Quick to sense Anne’s discomfort, Honoria added, “Of course, Miranda will be arriving with her brother and Bea. And we’ve invited Mr. Grey and Mr. Ford.”
Sparks of interest ignited in Anne’s mind. “Mr. Grey? Isn’t he the owner of the gaming hell?”
“He’s also my cousin,” Burwood added. “It took a great deal of persuading to get him to accept the invitation.”
“And who is Mr. Ford?” Anne asked. The name didn’t sound familiar.
“He was a dear friend of my Uncle Gyles,” Burwood said. “And like Miles, I consider him family.”
“Both are single, Anne,” Honoria said, a gleam in her green eyes. “Although Mr. Ford is too old for you.”
Burwood gave a strangled cough. “Yes. Well, why don’t we all go inside? I’m sure you would like to freshen up from your journey.”
“We received a shipment of fresh spices from India, Burwood, and I brought an assortment for your inspection,” Andrew said.
“Excellent. Supplies are dwindling from the last you sent. Things are beginning to taste rather bland.”
Andrew laughed and patted Burwood on the back.
Honoria led everyone into the house. “Alice, I’m so happy you brought the girls. My nieces are here, and Cassandra is the same age as Indira and Eleanor. My niece Elinor is a little younger, but I expect they will all become fast friends.”
Arms locked together, the twins gave a shout of glee and received a stern look from Alice.
“Girls, I expect you to be on your best behavior.”
“Yes, Mama,” Indira said.
“Two Eleanors?” Anne asked. “That will be confusing.”
“We call Colin’s daughter Ellie, if that helps.” Burwood’s voice came from behind.
Four young girls with their whole lives ahead of them. Not solong ago, Anne had been exuberant about life and the many promises of excitement and love that waited. But at that moment...well, she pushed the unpleasant thought aside. She would think about it tomorrow, if at all.
After a footman brought the trunks to their rooms and Anne had refreshed herself, she wandered around the enormous house and peeked into empty rooms. Where was everyone?
Soft giggles rose from the direction of the ballroom. Without the amber glow of candlelight and the glitter of crystal chandelier bobs, the room appeared forlorn, except for the two girls spinning in circles across the dance floor.
Indira stopped short, catching sight of her. “Aunt Anne!”
Anne pressed her lips together tightly to restrain her smile and summoned her sternest voice. “Did you ask permission to be in here?”
Eleanor cast a glance at her sister, her eyes widening. “You said they wouldn’t mind.”
“You were the one to open the door,” Indira shot back.
Unable to suppress her chuckle, Anne joined her twin nieces in the center of the room. “I’m sure it will be fine. However, you should have asked the duchess or your father. Your half-boots are scuffing the floor. Ballrooms require shoes with soft soles.”
“Will there be a ball?” The dreamy look in Eleanor’s eyes reminded Anne of her own dreams.
“Perhaps. But at nine, you’re too young to attend.”
“I can’t wait to be old like you, Aunt Anne.” Indira’s pronouncement did nothing to restore Anne’s already diminishing confidence.
“Well, before you are ready to resign yourself to the throes of spinsterhood, enjoy your youth while you have it. But”—she held up a finger—“outside of the ballroom.” She shooed the girls out of the room.
