“I have a dog too, Your Grace,” Mercy said tentatively. As she went to sit on the green sofa, she wondered what he would make of Wolf.
“D’you, my dear? I’m pleased you’re a dog lover. Not everyone is.” He turned to Grant. “What news? Heard anything more about Haighton?”
Grant came to sit by Mercy, a crystal glass of golden liquid in his hand. “No, Grandfather. I visited Jenny, but she was at a loss. She finds it hard to continue alone.”
“I imagine she would, poor woman.”
“Sir Ewan Snowdon has been advising her. He’s her closest neighbor.”
“I believe so.”
“Do you know him well?”
“Can’t say I do. Met him socially, of course. Flashy cove.” He winked at Mercy. “Made his fortune in the West Indies.”
“Sugar, wasn’t it?”
“Yes. The future doesn’t look so bright in Jamaica. But neither is the financial situation so rosy here. Snowdon would be astute about business, however. He might be of some use to the countess. But she does have excellent staff and lawyers to assist her.”
“Apparently, Snowdon didn’t think much of Nat’s staff. He’s advised her to replace some of them.”
“Can’t say I agree with that. He would have top notch employees working for him.”
“That’s what I thought.”
His grandfather frowned. “Surely she still has her steward? He was invaluable in caring for the tenants.”
Grant took a sip from his glass. “I don’t know. I imagine so.”
The duke’s astute brown gaze settled on Mercy. “Let’s not bore Lady Mercy, who has no idea of whom we speak. I hope you’re pleased to be spending some time beneath this roof, my dear. I can’t tell you how much it pleases me. I do like young people around me, and Arabella seldom visits now she’s in London for the Season. The beaus will be lining up to marry her. Is your Aunt Jane doing a first-rate job bringing her out, Grant?”
“She is, yes. I’ll keep an eye on Bella whenever I’m in London. I wish I could do more. I have asked Aunt Jane to keep me abreast of news, as will Father. Bella has promised to write often.”
Mercy was glad that Grant had not mentioned Arabella’s lapse of etiquette to his grandfather. His loyalty to his sister was admirable.
“It will be a pleasure to stay here, Your Grace,” Mercy said. “Thornhill is such a beautiful house, and the park is magnificent.”
“It’s most gratifying to have someone who appreciates it. These old legs don’t carry me far these days. And I don’t often entertain. We have an excellent stable. Do you ride?”
“I do. I should like to visit the stables.”
“Then Grant must take you there after tea.” He smiled. “It will give me a moment or two to rest my eyes before dinner.”
Two footmen entered carrying trays loaded with a silver service and delicate china bearing a gold crest. They unloaded the trays onto a low walnut table at Mercy’s elbow.
As she poured the brew from the silver teapot into cups and served the men, she felt suddenly different, as if fate had already changed her from the girl she’d been, her future uncertain, to a woman whose life was carved out for her. She should be alarmed, she was giving up her independence, but right at this moment, it was pleasant to sit with these two charming and interesting men.
She glanced across at Grant who’d taken a healthy bite out of a sandwich. She prayed they could make each other happy. Could she do as Honor had suggested and be vivacious and interesting enough to make him forget Lady Alethea? She was filled with doubts, knowing she could only be herself.
After a sumptuous tea of ham sandwiches, buttered crumpets dripping with honey and plum cake, Grant escorted Mercy over the grounds to the stables. “I must ride every day, otherwise I’ll get fat with the food served here. The cake was impossible to resist.”
“Take a groom with you while I’m away and please stay within the estate grounds.” A magnificent chestnut whinnied and thrust its head over the top of the box. Grant stroked the horse’s withers. “Meet my gelding, Ares. Johnson will choose a suitable mount for you.”
“I would hardly need to ride beyond the estate,” she said with a grin. “I believe a few thousand acres will be enough to sustain me.”
“Nevertheless, take Johnson. He will show you the better trails. Otherwise it’s easy to get lost.” He leaned his back against the stable wall and studied her with his clear observant eyes. “Promise me?”
“Goodness, you’re so serious.” She waved her hand. “Look at this glorious place. It’s heaven on earth.”
