AN ARRIVAL AND A HOMECOMING
Two days later, Bostwick townhouse, Park Lane, Mayfair
Led by George Bennett-Jones, David and Ertugrul entered the vestibule of Bostwick House to discover dinner was to be served at seven o’clock, giving the three train travelers a couple of hours to settle in and change clothes.
“I’ll show you to your room,” Elkins said to the new houseguest.
“Thank you,” Ertugrul replied, aiming a worried glance in David’s direction.
“You’ll be in a guest room very close to mine,” the Bostwick heir assured him. “Can you see to it hot water is brought up?” he asked of the butler as he handed his top hat to the servant.
Elkins gave a start. “Your father has seen to it Bostwick House features modern plumbing,” he replied drolly.
David blinked before he turned his attention to his father. “Oh?”
George arched a brow. “Do you really need to be reminded that you are the son of Elizabeth Carlington Bennett-Jones?” he asked with a smirk. He gave up his cape coat and top hat to Elkins. “There’s a private bath attached to the guest bedchamber.”
Giving a start, David aimed a grin in Ertugrul’s direction. “I suppose not,” he replied in a whisper. “When—?”
“About a month after you left on your Grand Tour,” George said. “Take a moment to enjoy the quiet before your mother discovers we have arrived,” he instructed. “Then be prepared for—”
“David!” Elizabeth shouted as she descended the stairs. The viscountess, garbed in a teal dinner gown with her mahogany hair dressed into a riot of curls atop her head, beamed in delight at seeing her son.
“—Your mother,” George finished with a grin. He watched as his wife rushed to embrace her oldest child. Chuckled when David had Elizabeth in his arms and was swinging her in a circle that forced both him and Ertugrul to step away lest they be upended by her skirts.
“Oh, David,” Elizabeth said as she stepped away and regarded her son from head to toe. “Well, you look as if you’ve been getting enough to eat,” she said with a grin.
“I have, Mother. Thanks to Aunt Charlotte,” he replied. He sobered. “Viscountess Bostwick, may I have the honor of introducing you to my friend, Emir Ertugrul Effendi, heir to the Ottoman Empire?”
Elizabeth quickly sobered, extracted herself from her son’s hold, and curtsied deeply. “Oh, of course. Your Eminence,” she said before she rose.
Ertugrul bowed deeply and reached for her hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Bostwick,” he replied. He kissed her knuckles.
Elizabeth beamed in delight. “Oh, and you,” she gushed. “Thank you for befriending my son. For seeing to it he’s had an avocation for the past few years,” she added as she angled her head to one side.
Exchanging quick glances with David, Ertugrul said, “It was my pleasure, my lady, I assure you,” he said.
“He was always interested in architecture,” Elizabeth stated as she took his arm and placed hers on top of it. She led them to the stairs. “Your tutelage has meant the world to him,” she added as they climbed the stairs. “Although the circumstances of your meeting were not the best, I assure you my very best friend in this world does not for one moment regret what occurred to lead to such an advantageous situation,” she went on as they moved onto the second flight of stairs.
David glanced over at his father. “He’s doomed,” he murmured.
George chuckled. “In the very best way,” he replied.
“I’ll see to it the footmen deliver your trunks to your bedchambers,” Elkins said as he lifted the viscount’s valise from the floor where George had left it. “And your correspondence is in your study, sir.”
“Very good,” George replied. He turned his attention on his son. “You probably want a bit of time to yourself after your travels,” he guessed.
David wondered at the comment. “Truth be told, I’m looking forward to being around English speakers again,” he said, “and attending the entertainments London has to offer.” Although he hadn’t missed some of the aspects of living in the capital, there were others, like privacy and anonymity, which he had whilst he was living in the sultan’s palaces.
George lifted a brow. “I’m glad to hear it, especially since there’s a ball tomorrow night. Your mother made sure to secure an invitation for Ertugrul. The Weatherstones are thrilled to be hosting him.”
Chuckling, David felt relief. “Happy to hear it.”
“Best you go on up and dress for dinner,” George suggested.
“I don’t suppose my bedchamber has the very newest in hot water plumbing?” David remarked.
Scoffing, George said, “Never underestimate your mother, young man,” he admonished. “And I look forward to your thoughts on taking a shower bath that doesn’t involve a footman,” he challenged with an arched brow. With that, George disappeared into his study.
