Page 45 of A Match Made On Duchess Square

“And look there,” he said as the carriage neared the house and the glistening sea came into view. “That’s our cove. We share it with Fiona’s estate.”

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured. “No wonder you love it here.”

“I hope you will love it, too.”

She nodded. “I know I will.”

The boys leaped out of the carriage as soon as it came to a halt in the courtyard.

“Harting, we’re home!” Jordan cried as their butler opened the door and could plainly see they had arrived without the boy’s need to announce it.

“Master Jordan! Master Robert! It is so good to see you again,” the elderly, but still vigorous, man cried with genuine delight.

Several footmen also spilled out of the house with cheerful greetings and hastened to bring in their trunks.

While the boys tore into the house, James assisted Gwendolyn down from the carriage and introduced her to his butler. “This is Lady Gwendolyn Carstairs, one of Duchess Fiona’s dearest friends. She is here to help me plan a house party, Harting. What do you say to that?”

His butler chuckled jovially. “It is about time, my lord.”

James next introduced Gwendolyn to Harting’s wife, who was also his housekeeper. “Welcome, Lady Gwendolyn! Duchess Fiona has told us all about you. Oh my. How she went on about how lovely you were. May I say that you are just as pretty as she described. I can already see that it will be a pleasure to have you with us.”

Gwendolyn laughed. “I hope I do not disappoint.”

Mrs. Harting shook her head. “You? Never. One can easily see what a pleasant lady you are. Besides, His Lordship would never have brought you home if he did not find you worthy. He is an excellent judge of character.”

“I like to think so,” James intoned. “Mrs. Harting and I will show you to the rooms you and Agatha are to have, and then I’ll show you around the rest of the house. That is, unless you would rather rest and refresh yourself first.”

“Oh, no. This morning’s ride was short and easy. Quite pleasant, really.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Even though Jordan and Robert would not stop bouncing in their seats?”

She laughed. “I did not mind. They were so obviously happy to be coming home. And I am eager to see whatever you wish to show me. You’ve described Milbury Hill to me in loving detail for weeks now. But I did not appreciate how truly beautiful it is. I’m so glad you insisted I join you here.”

Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at him.

After settling her and Agatha in their assigned bedchambers, he quickly strode to his own in order to wash up. He removed his jacket, cravat, and waistcoat, for he and his boys preferred to dress informally when at home. He had mentioned this to Gwendolyn during the carriage ride this morning. and she had not seemed to mind.

Fiona, when first describing Gwendolyn and insisting he retain her services to find a wife, had said she was sweet natured. This was true. Even when chiding him for dismissing every lady on her list of prospects, she could not bring herself to be harsh with him.

Exasperated, yes. A screeching harpy, no.

Gwendolyn’s door was open when he returned to take her on a tour of the house. She and Agatha were attending to the chore of unpacking their trunks. “I hope you like your accommodations,” he said, after giving a light knock at the door to alert them of his presence.

“We love them,” Gwendolyn assured him.

Agatha nodded enthusiastically. “They are beautiful, my lord.”

“Good. I had Mrs. Harting place you both in east-facing bedrooms because they catch the morning light.”

“And the view of the water is splendid,” Gwendolyn remarked.

“You’ll get cooling breezes off the cove waters in the afternoon.”

She smiled. “It is kind of you to give us these beautiful rooms. We feel like honored guests.”

“Which you are,” he assured her.

“But you have been more than generous with me,” Agatha said. “I did not expect to be treated so kindly. Are you certain I have not been assigned the wrong room?”