He was striking, if slightly weathered, with dark hair now silvering at the temples and a warm glint in his blue eyes that reminded her faintly of Theo.
April inclined her head. “Mr. Roth, welcome to Stone Hall.”
He beamed and gestured to the woman beside him. “My wife, Loretta.”
Loretta rose gracefully, the picture of elegance in a cream day dress, her pale blond hair arranged in an elaborate style that spoke of long hours before a mirror. Her eyes—forest green and coolly appraising—swept over April with unmistakable interest.
“What a pleasure,” Loretta said. “I admit, I never imagined Theo would wed a dark-haired woman. He has always had such a preference for pale haired beauties.”
How gracious,April thought, her smile fixed.
Gregory gave a short laugh. “Loretta, really?—”
She shrugged lightly though her eyes never left April’s face. “I suppose love surprises us all.”
April’s lips curved into a stiff smile. “Indeed.”
Gregory cleared his throat and clapped his hands. “Boys, come here.”
The two children halted in their play and bounded over.
“Samuel, Everett, this is your cousin’s wife, the Duchess.”
Samuel, the elder, bowed in the jerky way of a boy told to do something he did not fully understand. Everett gave a hurried bow before his attention returned to the room.
April was about to speak when a sharp crash sounded.
She turned. Her heart sank.
At the far end of the room lay a shattered jade vase—the one delivered that very morning. She had chosen it herself after weeks of waiting, its green luster catching the morning sun in the loveliest way. She had been so happy with it.
So much for loveliness,she thought bleakly.
Loretta sighed, looking vaguely toward the mess. “Boys, do behave.”
Her tone lacked any real scolding.
Gregory’s face flushed with embarrassment. “My deepest apologies, Your Grace. That was… not their finest moment. Loretta, take them to the nursery before they ruin anything else.”
“But I am hungry,” Everett announced as his mother pulled him away.
April’s smile thinned. “I’ll have refreshments sent to them.”
Gregory inclined his head. “You are gracious. Thank you.”
She reached for the bell, and Redmond entered a moment later. He paused when he saw the ruined vase and visibly winced.
“I shall tend to that at once, Your Grace.”
“Thank you. And please have a repast sent to the nursery, and tea brought here for Mr. and Mrs. Roth.”
Redmond bowed and vanished.
April lowered herself into a chair, her composure strained by the sudden invasion.
Just as she exhaled, the door opened again.
Theo entered.
