Picking up a clean plate from the sideboard, he lifted the silver lid off the first chafing dish.
“Coddled eggs or scrambled?”
“The first, please.” Brilliance went to join him.
“Bacon or sausage?” he asked upon lifting the second lid.
“Why not both?” she asked. “Otherwise, I might not make it until dinner.”
“We don’t want you passing away from hunger,” he said, matching her teasing tone before placing two rashers of bacon and two sausages on her plate.
“There are sweet onion tarts, too, and creamy potatoes,” he added as they strolled along the sideboard.
“Perhaps if I have room,” she said, taking a seat beside the one he had vacated. “Thank you.”
She helped herself from the chocolate pot, proclaiming it, “Superb.”
“Everything is of the finest quality,” agreed Lord Fincham, whose name she remembered because his face reminded her of a bird.
“Especially the guests,” said Lord Patterson, nodding at her. “I am happy to be among so many nice people.”
Brilliance approved of his friendly disposition. She hoped he would return her best friend’s interest. If possible, she would help matters along.
“I am glad to have your company, my lord, as my lovely and very sweet friend Lady Martine must still be abed. Were you introduced to her?”
“Indeed, I was. The lady with the mole on her neck,” he said.
“The same,” Brilliance agreed. “I think it is a pretty birthmark.”
“I suppose it can be considered such, by some.”
Brilliance wasn’t sure he sounded all that approving.
“Your clear complexion is deemed far more desirable,” the gentleman added.
Oh, dear.She had no interest in the golden-curled lord. She must take his attention off herself.
“What is the first item on our day’s schedule? Lord Fincham, do you recall? Silly me, I forgot to look.”
“For the gentlemen, nothing more taxing than strolling down to the stream, although undoubtedly carriages will be offered, too,” Lord Fincham responded. “We are fishing.”
“And the ladies?” she asked.
“I believe you ladies will have the opportunity to paint,” said Lord Patterson. “For my part, I would be happy to watchyoupaint for hours.”
Noooo!“That sounds dreadfully dull for you,” Brilliance said.
Luckily, Martine entered. Again, both gentlemen rose. However, with the footman having returned, Lord Patterson didn’t need to play the server this time. Regardless, Brilliance had hoped he would wait upon her friend as he had done for her. He did not.
“I didn’t realize how late the time was,” Martine remarked, taking a seat. “I vow I sleep more deeply and longer in the country than I ever do in Town.”
“It’s not all that late,” Brilliance said. “I think the majority of people are still abed.”
“That’s a relief.” Martine took a sip of chocolate. “My, that’s delicious. And restorative. In any case, I thought it was later because Lord Hewitt is already practicing in the conservatory.”
Brilliance sat up straighter. The man was dedicated, indeed, if he would play before breakfast.
“Lord Patterson tells me we are painting this morning.”
