If I come back in one piece, I hope to see you later this afternoon.
Yours, etc.
Peter
“You are smiling, so I hope it is good news,” Mary said as she laid out a white dress on the edge of my bed.
“Is Clara still out?” I exchanged Peter’s note for the cup of tea, which was delightfully delicious. Sweet with a touch of bitter.
“With Mr. Wood and Georgiana, yes. They left an hour ago.” Mary fussed with the sleeves of my dress, and I took her hint to hurry with my morning preparations.
After dressing and savoring my blackberries and Peter’s tea, all while Mary managed my hair, I tugged on slippers and swiped my bonnet from its perch.
I’d reached the top of the grand staircase when voices reached me. When I rounded down to the second floor, I recognized Lady Demsworth’s voice, but it wasn’t until I was in full view of the foyer that I saw who she was speaking to.
“Miss Moore, what perfect timing! Mr. Pendleton has arrived for the day and was expressing his excitement to meet you.” Lady Demsworth’s smile could’ve reached her ears.
I’d stopped halfway down the staircase, looking between Lady Demsworth and a thin, smart-looking gentleman with a topper hanging loosely in a hand at his side. His smile was full of effort, and though his eyes were kind, they were weary and exhausted. I measured my heart, which was still and unaffected, and took the remaining steps to greet him.
“Mr. Pendleton, I am pleased you could make the journey so soon.” I curtseyed. “It is wonderful to meet you after hearing such compliments on your character from your aunt.”
Mr. Pendleton bowed. “Likewise, Miss Moore.” His voice was deep, firm. Not nearly as carefree or lively as Peter’s.
Lady Demsworth clasped her hands together. “Your things have been sent to your room, David. Might I suggest a walk to stretch your legs after your ride? I can have tea set out for when you return.”
I dared not tell her I’d just had a late cup.
“Thank you, Aunt. That will do.” Mr. Pendleton said, a more genuine smile touching his lips.
Lady Demsworth turned to leave, and I felt the full awkwardness of the situation before me. A man and woman meeting for the first time to determine if they could force a marriage and make it amiable enough for both parties. A business transaction, I told myself. This was not like my afternoons with Peter. This was different. This was practical.
“Shall we?” Mr. Pendleton held out his arm to me, and I took it gently.
He was nearly a foot taller than I, and I noted the squareness of his jaw, the point to his nose, and the hazel in his eyes. He was, as Lady Demsworth had said, quite handsome. But something was missing. A brightness, it seemed. I wondered what he saw in me.
“How was your journey?” I asked as he led me along a gravel path at the southern end of the house.
“Not terribly long,” he answered. “My country house is about a day’s drive from here.”
“You are right then, that is not terribly long.” I bit my lip. Unlike Peter, conversation was not my strong suit.
“And your stay so far? How is it measuring up?”
“Quite well. My sister is enjoying herself very much, and the Demsworths have been excellent hosts in keeping us all busy and entertained.” I smiled up at him, but he only looked forward, moving at a steady pace.
“Demsworth has always been a playful fellow. Easily agreeable.”
“And you? Are you playful, Mr. Pendleton, or more of a quiet sort?” I asked. He should know right away that I wanted to waste no time in getting to know him. If we were going to make this work, he needed to know me as much as I him.
He glanced at me with a look of surprise, before half-smiling as he’d done earlier. “Depends on the day, I suppose. You, though, I would guess are more playful.”
“Depends on the day,” I agreed.
“My aunt tells me that your family is ... broken.” Mr. Pendleton surveyed the scene before us.
“Quite. As is yours, I’m told.”
“Yes.” His voice was full of regret. “In a different way.”
