Page 33 of A Gifted Earl

“If that is the case, then you had best inform me of it, forthwith, so that I can begin to adjust to whatever it is that you are about to convince me to do.”

“Convince you? Surely you will go along with my suggestions, just to please me, as any good son would do for his mother?”

There was laughter in her voice, and he grinned at her.

“I reserve the right to resist, at least a little.”

She sighed dramatically, and tried to look put upon, but spoiled it by losing the battle against laughter. A few minutes passed before she contained her mirth, then she spoke, with a more serious tone.

“As to the loneliness, it seems obvious to me that the best solution is to arrange company. But as to the things you did not speak about, the only solution for that is to arrange the company of specific people… “

Internally, he flinched. He was quite sure that those words meant that she had detected his feelings about Lady Venetia. He did not know how, but she had always been most astute, so he must have given himself away, somehow.

“So far that sounds sensible – although I don’t quite see how ‘arranging company’ can easily be done?”

“There is one very simple solution. You must hold a house party - perhaps a week or so before Christmas – and invite those people you found most convivial in London – male and female. The women will obviously need to come with parents or chaperones, but I am sure that they will be glad to attend. And you can invite the members of the aristocracy and the landed gentry who live not too far distant – they are sure to be curious about you, and attend. This house is enormous, so space to accommodate them shouldn’t be a problem.”

Morgan swallowed, hard. The thought of having his home invaded in such a way was not, at first, appealing – which was no doubt the reaction she’d expected from him. So before he spoke, he considered the idea carefully. If it was only for a week, surely he could bear it that long? And it would provide company, as well as allowing him to get to know various people better. And… the concept of a house party attended by women, as well as gentlemen, did hold appeal.

Yes, said his thoughts, especially if Lady Venetia is one of those women.

He met his mother’s expectant gaze, and smiled.

“I think, perhaps, that is actually a good idea.” She looked startled, and he smiled, pleased to see that reaction. “Mind you, I have absolutely no concept of how to organise such a thing, so you would need to assist – a lot.”

She waved a hand.

“Of course. That won’t be a problem, and the staff here know how to do everything that is required, as well. All that you will have to do is decide upon the guest list, and write the actual invitations.”

He nodded, his mind turning over rapidly, suddenly full of possibilities. He still wasn’t used to having the number of staff that they had now, nor was he used to having the financial resources which the Earldom provided. Perhaps this would not be so difficult as he’d first thought it might be.

“I believe that I can manage that. Although… deciding on a guest list may well tax me extremely. Leave me to think about that, please. But if you could set everything else in motion, with the staff and the like, I would be most grateful.”

“I can do that, most decidedly. I must say, I think that is the easiest that you have ever agreed to one of my suggestions – either I am getting better at this, or you are mellowing as you age!”

Morgan snorted with laughter.

“As I age? I don’t think I’m quite doddering yet!”

*****

“Not quite what I’m looking for, my Lady, I’m sorry.”

“Of course, my Lord. If you know of anyone else who might be interested, do please let them know.”

The man bowed.

“I will, be assured. Good day to you, Lady Hardenwell.”

He turned and left, and Venetia came down the steps to where her mother stood on the forecourt, watching the gentleman ride away. She slipped an arm around her mother and hugged her gently.

“Someone will want to buy it, eventually, I am sure. It is a very nice carriage…”

Lady Hardenwell sighed.

“I certainly hope so. Come, let us go inside and have some tea whilst we consider our next moves.”

They went in, and said nothing more until they each had a cup of tea in hand.