Page 24

The carriage ride to Alexander’s estate was two hours long. Vivian, Penelope, and Mary were in the carriage. Somehow, probably Penelope’s doing, Vivian ended up sitting next to Alexander. She did her best to ensure enough distance so that their legs would not touch.

“High-society members would pay an eyetooth to stay in a beautiful country estate. They can host large gatherings there…” Penelope exclaimed. She’d talked nonstop, listing different ways Alexander could deal with his large home.

The entire time, Alexander listened, patiently not interrupting. “I plan to live in the house permanently,” he informed Penelope, who pouted.

Her sister, for some reason, would not give up the idea of Alexander being some sort of host.

“All alone in such a large home. It seems a pity not to share the space,” her sister insisted.

Vivian decided to rescue him. “Penelope, those kinds of…ventures are for the unfortunate sorts who cannot afford to keep a property.”

“We have arrived.” There was a hint of pride in his voice, and upon peering out of the carriage, Vivian understood why. Her breath caught as she gaped at the immense home. The gray house was lovely.

It was hard to tell if it was empty or not. The only hint that someone was about was a cart and horse beside what she assumed was the servants’ entrance.

“My goodness,” Penelope gasped, looking out. “It’s huge.”

Vivian smiled.

Within moments, they pulled up to the front door, and the coachman opened the door to allow them out.

They were greeted by an older man dressed as if he’d been doing some manual work. In only a shirt and trousers, he looked flustered as if not expecting company.

“Mr. Alexander, I apologize for my attire,” he stuttered.

Alexander waved his concerns away. “Do not worry yourself, Harold. You are on holiday, and therefore I beg that you carry on with whatever it is you are doing and ignore us.”

The man’s gaze darted to her and Penelope, and he bowed at the waist. Finally, with what looked to be great reluctance, he backed away and hurried off.

“Poor man,” Penelope commented. “Who is he?”

“Harold. He and his wife have worked for my family for a very long time,” Alexander replied. “Other than His Grace, Harold has been the solidest force in my life.”

Upon entering the mansion, a grand foyer once again struck them speechless. Their shoes echoed on the marble floors as they walked to a circular design in the center. On both sides of where they stood, stairways formed a semicircle. The rounded bannisters were a dark-colored stone.

Vivian itched to run up the stairs and begin exploring, however, propriety held her in place. She gazed down the hallway to the left, which seemed to go to a library. To the right, the door was closed.

A woman came from a side corridor. “I am sorry Sir, I wasn’t aware you were here.”

“Ladies, this is Moira, Harold’s wife. She is the estate housekeeper, who should be at home resting.”

Moira gave him an endearing look. “I will prepare some tea.”

Vivian’s companion, Mary, went with her.

“We will start with this floor,” Alexander said, looking to the right and then down. “This way.” He opened the door and led them through. It was a dim room that looked to be a study of sorts.

The room looked as if it had been uninhabited for many months. It wasn’t dusty or dirty, but by the lack of fresh air, no one went in there.

“This was my father’s study,” Alexander explained and looked to the desk. “I prefer to work in the solarium.”

“Better lighting?” Vivian asked as she walked closer to a family portrait. A younger version of Alexander peered outward, a rather amused expression on his face. His father and mother seemed to not be as entertained. “You favor your father,” she said. “The same eyes and nose.”

Penelope came to stand next to her. “I’ve seen your mother in London. She attended a social meeting hosted by Lady Barrow.”

“Mother enjoys charity events,” Alexander stated. “She’s always been one to do such things for the needy.”

Although many affluent families participated in such endeavors, Vivian couldn’t picture Alexander doing it. There was so much she wanted to learn about him, but of course it was curiosity and not interest in the man himself.