“Please wait here,” the butler instructed. “I’ll announce your arrival to Lady Chandos.”
Cordelia didn’t mind that they were left to cool their heels as she used the opportunity to take in all that she could see. Before them was a wide, stone staircase, though the railing was made of wood. The white and bright polished marble floors were nearly blinding as light danced off them and she idly wondered if the girls living within often took off their shoes to slide across the open floors in their stockings as one would do on a frozen lake with blades attached to boots.
“This way, please,” the butler announced as he returned then escorted her family down a corridor. Cordelia glanced into the different rooms as they passed, noting that each was white and gave the illusion that they were huge with few pieces of furniture to fill the vast space. The sitting room that they were led to was no different. The only colors within were the bolder blue of the draperies and deep red of the upholstery, which complimented the oak tables. One would think that with such stark walls and limited furniture, the manor would be cold, but there was still a warmth within, even without rugs.
The original Drakos family had moved from Greece centuries ago, which was clearly what had inspired the design of the manor.
Then she saw Bentford standing next to Lady Chandos and her stomach did that odd little flip again, especially when she wondered how he would appear standing within this Greek-inspired home wearing only a tunic.
Her cheeks heated once again, and Cordelia quickly chastised herself for being so fanciful. If she didn’t retain a modicum of decorum, she’d likely make a ninny out of herself.
Chapter 7
Damon waitedin the formal sitting room with his mother for the arrival of Viscount Lynwood, Miss Cordelia, and Mr. Edward Vail. They’d accepted their invitation but had sent the regrets of the viscountess. In time, Damon was certain that he’d meet her, but the person he was truly looking forward to seeing was Miss Cordelia. His mother thought their visit today would be brief and never happen again. Damon was not of the same mind. There was something about Miss Cordelia that pulled him to her, though he couldn’t begin to understand why. He knew several beautiful women but hadn’t felt the desire to seek out any of them since he’d become a guardian of his three nieces.
“I’m ready for tea,” Ianthe announced with a smile. Her hair was curled with a bow tied in the back and she wore one of her best dresses, usually suited for Sunday. Given how badly she’d wanted to attend his mother’sfête champêtreless than a month ago, no doubt his niece had spent the day preparing.
“You look very nice, Ianthe,” his mother said. “Now be certain you pay close attention to what I do because one day you will be the hostess.”
His niece nodded obediently, anxious to grow up. Thankfully, he still had five years until he was forced to take her to London. The idea of presenting Ianthe, Nephele and Clio to society was enough to make any gentleman nervous, but if all three were present and unmarried at once, that would be quite terrifying. No wonder his father’s hair had turned nearly white after the youngest of his sisters made her debut.
“Viscount Lynwood, Miss Cordelia and Mr. Edward Vail,” the butler announced.
“Please escort them in.”
Damon tugged on his grey spencer jacket and fought the urge to run a finger between his tightening cravat and neck. Why the bloody hell was he nervous? He knew Lynwood, Edward was just a boy, and since when did a miss set him on edge?
The three were escorted into the formal sitting room and Damon’s eyes were drawn to Miss Cordelia and he nearly forgot to breathe. Golden curls cascaded over her left shoulder and her blue eyes danced with merriment, a delightful smile upon her rosebud lips. She did not resemble the stern miss who was chastising her brother yesterday, but a young woman eager to be out. Her pale blue dress was quite complimentary to her eyes and complexion, and it hugged her bodice in the most delicious manner.
Damon cleared his throat and took his eyes from Miss Cordelia and wondered when the hell he had noticed what a woman was wearing? He’d never done so before, unless it had been his mistress, and then it had been designed to tempt him. Miss Cordelia’s gown was quite modest and certainly not intended to tempt a gentleman, yet he was definitely enticed.
Except, he wasn’t in the position to be enticed by anyone at this juncture in his life, especially by an innocent miss who had no experience with witches.
“Thank you for coming,” his mother said with cool formality.
“Thank you for the invitation,” Lynwood returned almost cautiously.
Damon also knew that his mother didn’t intend for this to be a pleasant tea. His intentions were not the same.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Chandos,” Miss Cordelia offered pleasantly. “Might I inquire after your daughters? My sister, Adriana, had hoped that Lady Larisa had accompanied you.”
“They remain in Kent and are doing well,” she answered. “Larisa may join us later.”
May? His sisters were going to be here within a month. Why had his mother lied?
“Adriana would like that very much. She is a dear friend.” Miss Cordelia was being pleasant, his mother, however, was barely amiable.
“Yes, I know,” his mother clipped. “Those two spent most of the season with their heads together and whispering behind their fans.”
Had his mother not approved because Larisa should have been searching for a husband, or did she fear that Larisa was sharing secrets with Adriana because she was from Bocka Morrow and believed her to be a safe confidant?
Miss Cordelia’s smile grew tight before she shifted her eyes to Lynwood.
“Lynwood, it is good to see you again,” Damon finally managed to say. “You as well, Miss Cordelia, and Mr. Vail.” At least he would be hospitable even if his mother was being difficult.
Damon frowned when he noticed that the lad was holding flowers. They were a haphazard collection of wildflowers that could be picked anywhere between here and Bocka Morrow, yet Edward had done so and brought them to the manor.
Edward stepped forward and held out the small bouquet. “Miss Ianthe, I’d like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I was rather mean.”
