“How handsome he looks,” Lady Foxworth murmured. Moving away from the window, she told Mary to do the same so they could be ready for when the door opened.
It did so almost immediately, pulled aside by a footman while steps were lowered, allowing the ladies to alight. Lamont stepped forward, extending his hand toward Lady Foxworth. “Allow me,” he said, helping her down. As soon as she had thanked him, he turned to Mary. “A pleasure seeing you again, my lady.”
She dipped her head, acknowledging his greeting. “Likewise, Your Grace.”
Stiffly, he guided her down to the ground below. “I was not aware that you would be holidaying at Thorncliff. As it happens, I have just arrived here myself.”
“Have you visited the estate before?” Lady Foxworth asked with interest.
He shook his head. “No. I have meant to, but something always seemed to get in the way. This year I am determined to see what all the fuss is about.”
“If you are not too tired from your journey, I am sure that Lady Mary would be happy to show you around,” Lady Foxworth suggested as they started up the front steps. The door, which had been flung wide open, gave way to the towering foyer within.
“I would hate to impose upon His Grace since I am sure that—”
“Oh, it is no imposition at all,” the duke declared as he looked to Mary, the solemnity of his gaze hinting at a man who was burdened by too much duty. “It is a pleasant day, so if you think you can spare the time, I would be very grateful for your company, Lady Mary.”
Lady Foxworth beamed, her eyes like the fireworks Mary had once witnessed at Vauxhall Garden in London. Mary forced a smile, knowing how impossible it would be for her to escape the duke now, not only because it would be unconscionably rude of her to even attempt such a thing, but because she feared that her aunt might have a fit of the vapors if she did.
So she accepted the arm that the duke offered her, said good-bye to her aunt, and allowed Lamont to lead her forward. “The Indian Salon is just up ahead,” Mary said in an effort to break the stilted silence that followed. “Would you like to see it?”
“Certainly,” was his only response, save for the greetings that he offered other guests whom they passed along their way.
“Is it not marvelous?” Mary asked as they stepped inside the room, immediately transported to another world filled with intricately carved wood furniture, shimmering silk cushions in a vast array of colors, and ornate lanterns set in filigree cases.
Lamont’s eyes widened slightly—the only evidence that he might be just a little bit impressed. “Lady Duncaster has done a fine job of creating an authentic space for her guests to enjoy.”
“You speak as though from experience,” Mary said as she watched him inspect every detail.
He looked toward her, a slight twitch stirring the edge of his firmly set mouth. “I traveled to India once, years ago, on business.”
“What a wonderful experience that must have been!” He didn’t elaborate on that point, but moved toward the door where she was standing and offered her his arm once more. Continuing on their way, Mary said, “My parents are there right now.”
“I am aware.” Slanting a look in her direction, he added, “Your father was appointed Governor General a couple of years ago. By all accounts he is doing an excellent job.”
Mary’s lips parted in surprise. “You are well informed.” She instantly flinched in response to her foolish comment. Of course the duke would know who the Governor General of India was. Most people did. They just didn’t seem to have much interest inher.
Turning a corner, they approached the interior courtyard, crossing paths with Spencer and Sarah who were heading in the opposite direction. “Lamont,” Spencer spoke loudly by way of greeting. “I was not aware of your arrival. Good to see you though!”
“Likewise,” Lamont said as he and Mary stopped walking.
“May I present my wife?” Affectionately, Spencer drew Sarah closer to his side.
Lamont inclined his head. “A pleasure, my lady. Felicitations to you both.”
“We were just about to take a tour of the garden, but after that I have plans to meet Chadwick and my new brother-in-law, the Duke of Stonegate, in the smoking room for a game of cards. You are welcome to join us, if you like.”
“Thank you, Spencer,” Lamont said. “I should like to congratulate the duke on his new title—read all about it in the papers. But I was not aware that he had also gotten himself married. As I recall, he never seemed to have much interest in finding a bride.”
Spencer nodded. “My sister, the former Countess of Newbury, made him change his mind.” He looked to Mary, and then to Lamont once more. “So far, Thorncliff has proven itself to be quite an effective matchmaking destination. Don’t be surprised if you leave here with a bride of your own.”
Lamont did not look amused.
“I will see you later then,” Spencer said as he and Sarah continued on their way. “Five o’clock?”
Reaching for his pocket watch, Lamont glanced at the time. “I will be there, Spencer. Thank you once again for the invitation.” Resuming his progress, he pulled Mary along at a quiet pace until they reached the courtyard. “I am glad to see him settled,” Lamont said. “Indeed, he looks happier than I have ever seen him before.”
“You know him well, it seems,” Mary said as they made their way around the periphery of the courtyard while water splashed from the central fountain.
