Felix pressed his lips together, glancing between his sister and the imp beside her. If the two of them were to become fast friends, then he would have another problem on his hands. When she was much younger, Victoria had a bit of a wild side to her. Edith had been quick to quash that and transform her into a respectable young lady fit for society.
Stanton grinned like the cat who got the cream. “Miss Alden, I have heard stories of your arrival here and your opinions about Windham’s paintings. I must agree with you. London is rather dreary, but thetondoes throw fabulous balls. You shall see when you visit for the first time.”
Miss Alden’s cheeks tinged pale pink. “I hope I did not offend with my comments.”
“Offend Windham? Easily.” Stanton winked at her before taking a seat by the fire and pulling a book from the table beside him. “I am not as quick to take offense.”
Victoria laughed as Edith tutted and ushered Evangeline and Hyacinth out of the room, much to their irritation. As the door closed behind the two younger women and their governess, Edith faced Felix.
“The maids will bring in tea and scones soon. There will be several trays of little pastries as well, Windham.”
“Are you sure all of that will be necessary?” Felix stared at the trays of sweets as the maids brought them into the room and placed them on the long table by the massive windows. “There are only a few gentlemen who will be visiting us today.”
“People like to have a treat. Sugar always makes matters of the heart easier. Why, when your father was seeking my hand, he never arrived at Papa’s house without a box of my favorite apple blossom pastry.”
Felix sighed and nodded as the servants stationed themselves around the room, close to the powder blue walls in case they were needed. “Very well then. Let us meet the first round of suitors.”
Edith crossed the room and perched on one of the chairs near the white marble fireplace, her hands folded in her lap.
Miss Alden returned to the sofa with Victoria, all color drained from her face, although she forced what he assumed to be a mockery of a smile.
The doors opened as the butler stepped into the room, bowing low before stepping to one side. A man carrying a bouquet of wildflowers nearly two times the size of his head stepped into the room.
“May I present the Marquess of Westshire.”
Felix stepped forward as Lord Westshire bowed. “Lord Westshire, I had heard that you would be our first caller. Prompt as always.”
Lord Westshire beamed as if this was the highest compliment he had ever received. “Your Grace, thank you for welcoming me into your home. Once I heard of the talented and accomplished Miss Alden I knew I must pay you a visit.”
The quick remark that rose to his tongue was held back as the rules of society demanded. According to Lady Alden, her daughter was both talented and accomplished, but Felix had yet to see signs of anything other than a talent for needling him in a way no other woman dared.
Miss Alden stood and curtsied to the marquess. “Lord Westshire, it is my greatest pleasure to meet you. Victoria has told me of your estate and the bountiful crop of apples you have grown there.”
Felix resisted the urge to groan as Lord Westshire puffed his chest out with pride.
“I have brought these for you, Miss Alden.” Lord Westshire held out the bouquet as if he expected such a practical woman to fawn over flowers some children had clearly gathered for him.
The stems were jagged instead of slanted, and the ribbon tied around them had been done with haste and pulled a little too tight. If this was Lord Westshire’s attempt to impress MissAlden, Felix was entertained by the thought of how she would cut down the pretentious lord.
Stanton would have made a better suitor. At least he is as likely as her to say inappropriate things at entirely the wrong time.
Though, if Stanton did turn his interest to Miss Alden, there would be little in the way of worry. A quick wedding and the imp would no longer be his problem.
Miss Alden took the flowers with a smile, but it was hard to miss the slight wrinkle of her nose. “Thank you, my lord, but I am afraid I have quite the allergy to hollyhocks.”
Lord Westshire’s crestfallen look was well worth the scolding look Edith gave to Miss Alden. “My apologies, Miss Alden. I was unaware. You will have to forgive me, and I will be sure to bring you only roses at our next meeting.”
She gave him a comforting smile that was broken with a sneeze. “You needn’t bring me flowers.”
Felix frowned as he stood at the side of the room and leaned against the wall. Miss Alden sneezed again as the flowers were whisked from the room by one of the maids. It was only when she sat down and made a show of looking down at her hands that he thought she might be playing a game with Lord Westshire.
Has she already discovered that he is a loathsome man?
While Felix had permitted the lord to come calling, any offer of marriage would be turned down. He knew the kind of man Lord Westshire was and he would not doom even his worst enemy to a future with the man. The lord’s visit here was solely for the purpose of maintaining the image that the Dowager Duchess had taught him to present to the public.
Lord Westshire sat in the armchair across from Miss Alden. “What lovely needlework you have done, Miss Alden.”
She looked at the needlework cast off beside her. “Thank you, my lord, though I am afraid it is not my best work. The rocking of the ship on my journey here made it nearly impossible to get the little rosettes to match in size and shape.”
