Page 55 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

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Two weeks later, Eugenia and Devon climbed out of their carriage after arriving at Lord Barrymore’s hunting party. Her shoulder still ached from time to time, but for the most part, the worst of the pain was gone. Because she’d spent so much time in bed and then wandering around the house, unable to do more than stroll in the garden, she had insisted she was well enough to travel, even though Devon had vigorously disputed it.

Although he generally rode horseback to these events, the steady drizzle had driven him inside for the entire trip. They’d passed the time in pleasant—if innocuous—conversation about the weather, recent ton gossip, and who would be present at the party.

Lord Barrymore and his spinster sister, Lady Agnes, greeted them as soon as they entered the home. “We are so pleased you were able to make it, my lady, my lord.” Lady Agnes offered a gracious curtsy. Lord Barrymore took Eugenia’s hand and bowed over it. “I hope your journey was not too tiresome.”

“Not at all,” Eugenia said, walking alongside the couple toward the staircase.

She took in her surroundings, never having been a guest at this estate before. Barrymore had been married for a brief time in his youth. He had never sired any children, and once Lady Barrymore had been laid to rest, he’d announced to all and sundry that his one go at marriage had been sufficient for him.

He’d named his young cousin as his heir, moved his sister into his home, and continued with the life he found fulfilling for him.

Given the décor, it was obvious he’d given his sister rein to run the household. Either that or Lady Barrymore’s brief role as mistress of the house had been carried forward. The watered silk wall coverings had been selected with care and a feminine eye. The floors and woodwork gleamed with polish, the carpets’ dust beaten out.

Lady Agnes led Eugenia up the stairs to the bedchambers, all the while chatting about the activities she had planned for the ladies while the gentlemen hunted, and for the couples as they gathered in the evenings.

Eugenia had always liked her hostess and never understood why the charming, attractive woman had remained single. Since her brother had disavowed marriage after Lady Barrymore had died, she couldn’t help but wonder what their upbringing had been like.

The room where she was led had been decorated pleasantly in green and rose. Flowered paper covered the walls, and the light green carpet brought out the chromatic color in the blossoms. White lace curtains and heavy velvet green drapes that had been drawn back to let in the light, covered the two windows, which showcased a lovely garden and a riding path.

Lady Agnes pointed to the door on the east side of the room. “Lord Devon’s room is right through there. I’m afraid there is no sitting room, but I expect we will all be busy.”

“That is quite all right, my lady. I am looking forward to what you have planned.”

“Excellent. I will leave you to freshen up. I have tea in the drawing room, since the weather does not allow any outdoor activity today. I hope we are not plagued with rain all week.”

Lady Agnes left the room, and Eugenia began to unbutton her pelisse. Sally and Jake had traveled in a carriage behind her and Devon so, until her maid arrived, all Eugenia could do was wash the dust off her and do the best she could with her hair. Within ten minutes her ablutions were complete and she left the bedchamber.

Devon was just leaving his room, so they walked the corridor and downstairs to the drawing room together.

Twelve or so people stood and sat around the drawing room, drinking tea and eating small sandwiches and cakes from a tray held by a footman. Devon leaned down and spoke into her ear. “I would prefer a brandy, myself, but tea will suffice for now.”

“Lord Devon!” Lady Abernathy, a recent widow who apparently had no concern for the customary mourning period, hurried up to them, a look of intent interest on her face. She held her hands out to Devon. “How lovely to see you.” She turned toward Eugenia. “And Lady Devon, as well.”

Eugenia curtsied. “Lady Abernathy. So nice to see you.”

Before the conversation went any further, Lady Abernathy linked her arm in Devon’s and walked him away, chatting merrily, leaving Eugenia standing there with her mouth agape. “Be careful with Lady Abernathy. She is a devil in disguise.” Lord Appleby leaned in close to Eugenia, his deep voice rumbling next to her.

She turned to regard his mirthful eyes. “Is that right, my lord?”

“Indeed, ’tis true. I have it from knowledgeable sources.” He bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you, my lady.” He extended his arm. “Since your husband has deserted you, perhaps you will take a turn with me around the room?”

There was a time during her first season when she’d thought Lord Appleby had an interest in her. He had called a few times, partnered her at dances, and escorted her to the theater. Then he had received word that his father was gravely ill and left for his estate in northern England. That had been the last she’d seen of him until after she and Devon had been married a few weeks.

&nb

sp; He was a handsome man—although not as handsome as her husband—with a charming personality that placed him at the top of every marriage-minded mama’s list. Since he had inherited his father’s title as the Earl of Appleby, his esteem had risen even higher.

As they made their way around the room, strolling past guests taking tea and chatting, he kept up a lively stream of conversation, telling stories about the people they passed that made her cover her mouth to keep in the laughter. “I believe, my lord, you have made up more than half of these stories.”

He leaned back and placed his hand on his chest, his handsome face alight with merriment. “Not at all, my lady. For example, do you see Lord Gilroy over there next to Mr. Stephenson? I have it from the best sources that he has one particular hunting dog that sleeps in his bed with him every night. In fact, his valet told his wife, who happens to be lady’s maid to my sister, Lady Branford, that he cannot sleep if the dog is not cuddled next to him.”

She laughed at his antics until her gaze swung across the room to where Devon stood with Lady Abernathy. The woman leaned against him, her hand resting possessively on his chest, gazing up into his eyes.

…

“That looks fine, Jake,” Devon snapped, as he waved his valet away. He was preparing to go to dinner and after only a few hours at the house party he was already irritated. One whole week of Lady Abernathy draped all over him, making suggestive comments while his wife stood in the same room was a bit too much. He’d seen Eugenia casting glances at him while she spoke with Lord Appleby.