Trevor studied the countess a little closer this time. It had been many years since he’d had the opportunity to speak with her, and now he wanted to know if she resembled his Louisa in any way. All he could see of her now was the side of her face.It appeared the women shared the same nose and oval face. Perhaps this was Louisa’s long-lost mother after all.
At first nobody noticed him or Lord Hawthorne, but soon, Trey’s gaze lifted and his eyes widened.
“Kenbridge, Hawthorne. What a pleasant surprise.” Trey smiled and moved away from the other men. “I did not know the two of you were invited to Mother’s dinner party.”
A gasp tore from the dowager, which directed Trevor’s attention toward her. “Mother, please forgive me for interrupting your gathering.” He stepped to her chair, bent and kissed her cheek, then moved to his sister-in-law and kissed her hand. “Judith, you are lovelier than ever. Motherhood looks good on you.” He winked.
She chuckled. “Always the charmer, my dear brother-in-law.”
“Oh, no. Your loving husband obtained that title quite a while ago.”
The group laughed.
Trevor bowed to the earl who now stood by his wife. “Good evening, Danvers. It is good to see you again.”
“As you, Kenbridge.” The earl returned a bow.
“Oh, Trevor.” His mother stood. “I—I had no idea you were coming. I should have Bentley set two more places at the table.”
“Already done.” Trevor gave his mother a wink then turned to the others. “Please, excuse my interruption. I fear my appearance is most untimely. I hope you don’t mind conversing with a boring lord such as myself.”
“Nonsense,” his mother said, flipping her hand.
“It is always a pleasure to converse with you.” Countess Danvers grinned.
Trevor looked at Wellesley and nodded. “It is good to see you again.”
“Your Grace,” Wellesley began, “may I introduce my fiancée to you? This is Miss Eliza Watson.” He motioned his hand toward the young woman.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Watson.”
She curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”
Eliza.Trevor knew he’d heard that name recently. As his mind scrambled to remember, Louisa’s voice echoed through his head.I recall Featherspoon was my friend’s uncle. Eliza was my friend from school…
Shock punched him in the stomach and he sucked in a quick breath. He’d wondered for a while if Louisa’s parents were the Danverses, and now as he gazed upon the countess closer this time, he realized her amazing eyes were as beautiful and green as Louisa’s. Hope sprang in his chest, making it hard to breathe.
Something didn’t make sense and Trevor’s head pounded with confusion. If Eliza’s uncle was Featherspoon, then she would have known Louisa didn’t drown as Wellesley had mentioned when referring to his cousin the other day.
“Miss Watson, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but I think I might know your family.”
Her face brightened. “Indeed?”
“Do you have an uncle by the name of Percy Featherspoon?”
Her face paled and eyes widened. “Umm… Well, yes, but my family disowned my mother’s brother many years ago.”
“Oh, then I apologize for bringing up the uncomfortable topic.”
She laughed, which sounded forced. “You did not know. There is nothing to apologize for.”
At that moment, Bentley walked in and announced dinner.
Trevor offered his arm to his mother, who took it graciously. Following them were Trey and Judith, the earl and countess, Wellesley and Miss Watson, and bringing in the rear strolledLord Hawthorne. Once everyone had been seated, Trey started the conversation by asking about the welfare of Trevor’s twins. Deep inside, he knew his younger brother was slowly getting around to the subject of Louisa.
“Thank you for asking,” Trevor said before taking a sip of his wine. “My children are flourishing well in their studies. Even better than before. Just recently, I have had to replace their nursemaid.”
“Mrs. Jacobs?” Judith asked.
