“Thank you, Caleb,” Aunt Joanna called as he exited the parlor.
It didn’t take him long to locate what he needed and as he returned to the parlor, he stopped a maid and asked that she retrieve shawls for the ladies. He’d just finished stacking the kindling when the maid entered carrying the requested shawls. Five of the lords leapt and rushed forward to retrieve one and hurried to Lady Lucinda. She selected the one that was hers and Lord H assisted in draping it across her shoulders. The other four were disappointed, but assisted Caleb’s aunts and Her Grace in a similar manner before taking their seats.
If they really cared for their comfort, one of them would have figured out how to build a fire.
Biting back a few expletives, Caleb left for more wood. If they were going to be in here all evening, there wasn’t enough to keep it burning into the night, and as the household was short of staff, the least he could do was make himself useful.
Three
While Lucindaabsently accepted the shawl from Lord H, her mind was on Mr. Copeland. Before he’d done so, she’d been about to rise to build the fire herself, as the lords in the parlor seemed to be helpless. Would they have pulled themselves from their seats if she would have done so?
“Lady Lucinda, you didn’t partake in any of the cakes or biscuits,” Lord H tsked. “Let me get you a plate.”
“No thank you,” she murmured, yet he ignored her wishes and crossed to the tea cart.
Oh, she did enjoy referring to them by the first letter and it reminded her of the gossip posts she enjoyed in London, where only initials were used to report the most titillating tales.
“Lady Lucinda, your tea is gone. Please let me refill it for you.”
“It’s really not necessary,” she responded, yet Lord F took the cup from her hand.
“I’d prefer brandy,” she murmured almost to herself.
Lord E laughed. “Such a wit.”
Lucinda simply lifted an eyebrow in challenge. It was possible she might drink an entire bottle in her chambers tonight.
“The fire has begun to warm the room,” Lord G observed. “It was good ofMisterCopeland to see to the chore.”
She took a deep breath and silently blew it out. This was only the first day and she had promised her father that she’d come to know the gentlemen and could only pray that the coming days were not as trying as this tea.
Mr. Copeland entered a moment later carrying a stack of wood. After he set everything aside, he added more to the fire, stirred the embers then brushed his hands free of ash.
“Now that we’ve all come to know one another, somewhat, and have enjoyed tea, it’s time to discuss why you are all here,” her grandmother announced.
Lucinda bit back a groan while she noted that Mr. Copeland stepped away from the others and returned to his place by the tea cart, as if he were a footman.
“You all know why you’ve been invited. You would not have accepted if you weren’t interested in courting Lady Lucinda with the hope of winning her hand.” She looked at each of the gentlemen. “During this ten-day visit, each morning following breakfast, one of you will have the opportunity to spend time with Lucinda, properly chaperoned, of course. As for the afternoon, there will be group entertainments for anyone who wishes to attend. Nothing has been planned for the evenings. Lady Lucinda may wish to spend more time with you as a group or an individual, or she might wish to be alone to contemplate her decisions. During the times that you are not in her company, you may make use of the billiards room where a card table is also available, as well as the usual beverages young lords enjoy.”
Lucinda’s eyes grew wide. She didn’t know this is what had been planned.
“Under no circumstances are you to bother His Grace unless he requests your presence,” her grandmother continued. “It is Lady Lucinda you must win, not her father. If, however, either she or you determine that you will not suit, you may leave or will be asked to leave and will not be required to remain for the duration of the house party. Are there any questions?”
Stunned silence pierced the room.
“Lovely,” her grandmother beamed. “I’m certain that we are all going to have a wonderful holiday.”
* * *
Caleb chuckledas he made his way back through the kitchens, glad that he wasn’t truly a selected guest.
“Mr. Copeland, what are you doing in my kitchen again?” Cook demanded.
He’d been in here earlier when he had inquired about the coal and firewood. “I came to see if you are in need of firewood or coal.”
“We’ll get what we need ourselves,” she answered.
“You are also severely short of staff and I don’t mind being of service.”
