After a fanfare from the orchestra, Jason joined Helen and her parents on the dais. Kinsey, at his most effusive, addressed the guests. “My wife and I are thrilled to announce the engagement of our beloved eldest daughter, Lady Helen, to Jason, Captain Lord Peyton. A better fellow for my daughter I could not have found should I have searched the kingdom.”
“I thought you were searching the kingdom, and a good deal more besides, Kinsey,” called Lord Liverpool. It was followed by good-natured laughter.
As they stepped off the dais to tumultuous applause, Charlie came to slap Jason on the back. “I approve, Jas. Helen is lovely. You’re marrying into a splendid family.”
Jason watched as his brother smiled at Diana and she smiled back, revealing those fetching dimples. Charlie was returning to Oxford not a moment too soon.
Lizzie kissed them both. “I’ve always wanted a sister, and now I have two.”
“I hope you will come to stay with us at Peyton Grove after the wedding,” Helen said. “Our door will always be open.”
Lizzie turned to him. “Don’t worry Jas, I shall leave you two alone for a decent period.”
“After our honeymoon trip, Lizzie.” He suspected Peyton Grove would be constantly filled with those seeking respite and some mothering from Helen. Was it unreasonable of him to want to have her to himself?
“What trip?” Helen asked, surprised. “You haven’t mentioned it.”
“Haven’t I? I believe a waltz has been announced, Lady Helen.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I believe it has, Lord Peyton.”
He led her to the dance floor and swept her into his arms.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“You’ll need light muslin dresses and broad-brimmed hats.”
“Somewhere hot?” Her eyes sparkled. “It can’t be England.”
“I’ll arrange a trip to Egypt, for a few weeks after our wedding. I’d like us to spend some time at Peyton Grove first.”
She laughed up at him. “Jason! I believed my seeing Egypt was as likely as going to the moon.”
He smiled at her. “I would give you the moon if I could, sweetheart.”
Chapter Nineteen
Diana yawned as she plaited her hair before the mirror. “Did you see some of the debutantes’ faces when your engagement was announced?”
Helen looked up from tying the ribbons on her nightgown. “No.” She had seen only Jason.
“They and their mothers looked fit to burst,” Diana said gleefully. “Many had hopes in Peyton’s direction.”
“It’s ever such exciting news, Lady Helen,” Mary said as she put away their dresses. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Mary. You must sleep late tomorrow. I don’t expect to see you until luncheon.”
Mary grinned, bobbed, and left the room.
“I didn’t know Peyton had a younger brother,” Diana said when she and Helen climbed into bed.
Helen blew out the candle. Breathing in the light scent of smoke, she lay down. “Yes. He’s very likeable.”
“He is even more gorgeous than Peyton. And much younger. Peyton is almost middle-aged.”
Helen grinned into the dark. “And therefore, perfect for a spinster of advanced years like me.”
“I am so happy for you, dearest,” Diana said for the umpteenth time. “I knew Peyton would not take no for an answer.”
