“I wouldn’t recommend the one just outside Temple Ewell. It’s a poorly run place. And there’s nothing else for miles,” Gerard said. “But it’s of no consequence; you are most welcome to stay with me at Foxworth.”
“Is there a posting-house? Perhaps I can travel by stage to London.” Leonora gazed hopefully at her parents. “I could still attend Lady Frodsham’s ball.”
“You shall do no such thing,” Mama said. “Thank you, Gerard, we’d be most grateful to spend a night under your roof.”
Gerard nodded. “I’ll be pleased to escort you there. I’ll send for your carriage.”
After Gerard left the room, silence descended.
Mama gazed at Harrison her forehead wrinkling. “I do hope we find you in better spirits tomorrow, Cousin.”
Harrison waved a hand airily. “I don’t expect to be in better spirits ever again. But call tomorrow if you must.”
“Well, I never,” Mama murmured as they crossed to the waiting carriage. “He never suffered from a surfeit of charm, but I declare he’s become most impolite. A positive recluse.”
“I thought he looked quite well,” Father said in an annoyed tone. “Apart from the blasted heat in that room which made us all break out in a sweat.”
“Don’t swear, dear,” Mama said, as he assisted her inside.
Father winked at Harriett. “Harrison would make an archdeacon cuss.”
♥♥♥
Gerard rode his roan along the country lane ahead of the Edgerton carriage. He’d been uneasy about their visit, but welcomed having family around him again. It made him realize that he’d cut himself off from society of late. It was some time since he’d gone to an assembly. He looked forward to the evening. He liked Lord and Lady Edgerton and it was agreeable to have two pretty ladies to entertain. The girls had grown up since he’d seen them last.
He mustn’t get ahead of himself, for what could he offer a wife, when he was barely earning enough to keep his estate functioning and his tenants’ roofs over their heads? Not to mention the other business, that rendered him patently unsuitable to be a husband. Once confronted with a vision of feminine beauty, however, breathing in her fragrance, and listening to the delightful peel of her laugh, made him yearn for a different life. He had to keep a cool head, and resolutely dismissed any romantic notions. That would have to wait until the situation changed and matters improved. Lord Edgerton had his own financial concerns. He would want to see his daughters better settled.
