“You are going,” Ianthe reminded him.
“That is because Grandmother has not given me a choice,” Damon grumbled. He’d rather stay on the nursery floor with his nieces than endure polite conversation with the many guests currently wandering about in the gardens below. He’d hoped that Courtland Hall was so far removed from civilization that few would wish to visit. Though, in truth, while Damon’s family lived a distance from London, Dover was less than an hour away by carriage.
With the Season drawing to a close, it was that time of year when thetoneither scattered to their estates or to more pleasant venues, such as Courtland Hall. Luckily, all their guests had taken rooms in Dover and wouldnotbe underfoot in the manor. Mother may enjoy entertaining, but overnight guests were prohibited and for a very good reason.
“It is not fair.”
Save him from pouting nieces! When they were unreasonable, they did try his patience and Ianthe had been doing so more often of late.
“You will not ever take me to Dover, and now I cannot attend thefête champêtre.You will not let me do anything.”
There was a very good reason why he didn’t take his nieces with him to Dover as it would be quite awkward to have them about while he was visiting with his mistress. However, that association had ended little over a month ago, shortly after his return from London, and he’d not returned to the coastal town since. His mistress had become demanding, whiny, and pouty because he’d been gone too long. It had set him on edge and any desire he’d once held for the woman quickly dissipated.
“I promise to bring you and your sisters treats. I will choose the finest biscuits and cakes.”
Ianthe tilted her head. “Do you promise?”
“I have never lied to you.” Then he took her hand and drew her to the window. “And you can watch from here.” He pointed to the back terrace where the guests were gathered. Others were strolling in the formal gardens or by the pond or sitting in chairs positioned beneath the trees.
“The ladies are wearing such pretty dresses.”
“Yes, they are,” he agreed absently because in most cases, Damon rarely noticed how a lady dressed. However, he idly wondered which of the females were here because his mother deemed her a suitable replacement if he did not settle upon Miss Perkins. “I will go do my duty and escape as soon as I know that I won’t be in trouble with your grandmother.”
Not that there was much his mother could do to him. He was an adult of seven and twenty, and heir to the Marquessate of Chandos, but life was far more peaceful when he did as she requested, with the exception of marry. It was also his assumption that she was holding thisfête champêtreat their estate because Damon failed to attend her in London.
Damon kissed the top of Ianthe’s head then exited her chamber. As soon as he reached the lawn, he glanced back to the window of Ianthe’s room. She plopped her chin in her hands and frowned.
Patience, he reminded himself.
Little had changed from one generation to the next. He remembered his sisters begging to attend entertainments and his brothers pleading to remain at home, and it wasn’t likely to change in future generations.
Damon greeted his mother so that she knew that he was doing his duty, then was quick to leave her side and walk the grounds before she could call an eligible miss over for an introduction. As he wandered, Damon nodded to some guests and stopped to converse with the ones he knew well, while avoiding those misses that he knew were in want of a husband.
“Damon, I was wondering if you would be joining us today.”
He turned to find Miss Vera Perkins approaching. They had known each other since childhood because of the friendship their parents shared. When he realized that they intended for Damon and Vera to marry, he had put distance between himself and the young woman and began addressing her as Miss Perkins. She still addressed him with the same familiarity from childhood. Her parents had died not long ago and ever since, Damon’s mother had become more vocal that Damon should marry Miss Perkins as she had no parents or siblings. If he were going to marry, it would be for reasons other than giving a woman a home.
“Are you enjoying the gathering?” he asked. Miss Perkins was quite beautiful with her midnight hair and grey eyes. But as charming and lovely as Miss Perkins was, he simply had no desire for her.
“Yes. It is a perfect day for afête champêtre.” She slipped her hand through his arm and pulled him away from those he had been speaking with.
Damon had not offered his arm and further, he did not wish to encourage Miss Perkins.
“It is a shame that we did not see more of you in London this past Season,” she said.
“I had responsibilities elsewhere,” he reminded her. “My nieces are of great importance.”
“They are also children, as we once were.” She drew herself closer to him, pressing her breast against his arm. “You are a gentleman who should also enjoy the Season and adult entertainments.”
Did she think to seduce him? Damon nearly laughed at the prospect. While he wouldn’t mind bedding a beautiful woman, and it had been nearly two months since he’d done so, he would not be lured in by the charms of an innocent.
“My brother entrusted me with their care.” He stopped walking and pulled away from her. “They are my only priority and will remain so.” Damon offered a slight bow. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss Perkins.” Then he turned and walked away, determined to have a very firm talk with his mother once all the guests had left.
Damon glanced back to the manor and noted that Ianthe was still at her window. He’d hoped that she’d found something else to amuse her, but perhaps watching the gathering was entertaining enough.
As there was little he could do, Damon continued to stroll and briefly visited acquaintances until he’d determined that he had remained long enough to make his mother happy. Though in truth, she’d be disappointed that he’d left early and would likely lecture him on duty, but he did not wish to be here.
Knowing that no matter what he did, he and his mother would have words, Damon made his way to the table where Cook had prepared a large assortment of sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, and every imaginable fare one might wish to enjoy with a cup of tea.
