Page 23 of The Earl and His Lady

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, Thomas and Christine, all stood in the entryway, hopeful smiles on their faces.

“Congratulations,” they said in chorus, obviously having rehearsed the single word in advance.

“Welcome, Lady Annesbury,” Mrs. Gilbert said, coming forward to put her arms around Virginia. For the first time that day, in the embrace of a mother, Virginia’s eyes filled with tears. Could anyone understand her better at this moment than a woman who had borne children?

Almost as if she’d heard Virginia’s thoughts, Mrs. Gilbert whispered, “You’ve done the best thing for them, love. It will turn out all right.”

Virginia returned the embrace whole-heartedly and sniffed back her tears. “Thank you, Mrs. Gilbert.”

The older woman stepped back, her own eyes looking wet, smiling broadly. “Oh, you have flowers. Lovely. Here, let me take them.” She took the flowers, which were beginning to show signs of wilting. “Let me press the bouquet for you, as a wedding gift.”

Virginia barely had time to nod before Christine stepped forward and embraced her. “I am glad you’ll be in the neighborhood for part of the year. We needn’t even say goodbye.”

“Not at all.” Virginia laughed. “I will be a very bothersome neighbor, too, always returning to gossip with you.”

Christine snorted. “As if I knew how to gossip. But we shall go on rides together, and you will have to bring the boys for their riding lessons.”

Her gaze darting to Phillip, who had his arms folded and his eyes turned to the ground. Virginia nodded her assent. “Most certainly. We will come for lessons as often as you will give them.” She had the pleasure of seeing Phillip look up, surprise on his face.

Had she not told him those would continue? Virginia’s heart fell. Perhaps that was one reason for his surliness.

Thomas took her hand and bowed over it, murmuring his congratulations. His father did the same. In another moment, they were outside. The boys were helped into the barouche first, then Lucas climbed into the driver’s seat before reaching down to lift her inside.

A different sort of conversation must now be had, for the children. The drive to their new home, though short, she hoped to pass pleasantly.

Before she could say a word, however, Lucas began talking.

“I’m looking forward to having you fine young gentlemen at Annesbury Park. I spent most of my growing-up time there, and it isn’t the same without boys running about the place.”

Virginia turned sideways in her seat to see how this line of conversation went over. Phillip, with his arms crossed, glared down at his feet. Edward stared at the back of Lucas’s head curiously.

“Did you like growing up there?” Edward asked.

“I liked growing up at Heatherton Hall,” Phillip said before Lucas could answer his brother’s question.

“I’m certain it is a wonderful place. Someday soon, I hope you will give me a tour. But for now, will you allow me to share my home with you? And would it help matters if I told you there is a secret passage in the second floor?”

Edward’s eyes went as round as pie tins and Phillip’s gaze lifted briefly.

Virginia folded her hands in her lap and raised her eyebrows at her sons.

Phillip narrowed his green eyes. “Is there really a secret passage?”

“There is. In fact, I don’t think I’ll show it to you. Half the fun of a secret passage is hunting for it, after all.” Lucas glanced her direction and dropped a slow wink. “I will show you everything else. We will confine ourselves to the house today, but there are gardens, stables, a lake, and a grove of the most magnificent trees.”

When the boys said nothing, the earl added, a trifle absently. “There’s plenty for boys to do.”

“What will Mama do?” Edward asked, regarding his mother with an almost pitying expression. “None of that sounds like what she likes.”

Virginia folded her hands in her lap and answered with a cheerful tone. “I will do as I always have. I will tend to you, the house, and my own amusements.”

Edward looked unconvinced. But then, sewing, hostessing, and playing the pianoforte did not rank high as amusement for children.

“You’ll want to pay attention now,” the earl said, turning to speak over his shoulder. “We’re turning into the drive.”

They turned off the country road and onto a lane. There was an open gate, with a small gatehouse nearby. Though Virginia barely glimpsed the ironwork, she could see the curls and twists were intricate. The lane itself, hard-packed earth, was lined with mature chestnut trees, stretching out every which way without ever quite touching their neighbors. They created a pleasant canopy over the path.

A gradual bend in the road brought them out of the last of the trees and laid out, all at once, a sloping grassy hill. At the top of the hill sat the house, tall and stately, as though it surveyed all the rich green land around it with a sense of pride.