Page 57 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

He leaned back and rested his foot on his knee. “Yes. I know you are not fond of these affairs, but we need to solidify our position within the ton, which will especially help my work in Parliament. It doesn’t have to be a large party. Just ten or so guests.”

Lord. Here she was about to ask to have them return to the country, and he wanted her to take on a dinner party with the very people she loathed.

She shook her head. “I do not feel up to a dinner party. Not yet.”

“When?”

Attempting to lighten the mood, she said, “Never?”

“It is your duty as a countess to see to our social calendar. That involves hosting parties ourselves.” He tugged on the cuffs of his shirt and added, “You always seem to have enough time to forage for injured creatures and attend to them.”

She raised her chin. “It so happens I enjoy the company of animals much more than the company of nasty gossipers always looking to find something wrong with me.”

The carriage rolled to a stop. “We will discuss this further when you are not so overwrought.”

“I am not overwrought.”

“Nevertheless, we will continue in the morning.”

She gritted her teeth. How she hated when he treated her like a child. She ignored his arm and proceeded up the steps ahead of him. With any luck, she wouldn’t ruin her exit by fainting again.

…

After two weeks of frantic preparations, Nash joined Arabella in the drawing room as they waited for their dinner guests to arrive. He’d been quite proud of how she had handled the upcoming event. Although she was nervous about hosting her first dinner party, it looked as though everything necessary had been done quite to perfection.

Once she’d consulted with Cook about the menu for the evening, she’d asked him to approve it, as well. For a woman who resented any interference from him on most things, it was rewarding and amusing that she would consult him on this.

He wandered to the side board and poured a brandy. “Would you care for a sherry, sweeting?”

“Yes, please. Perhaps that will help to calm my nerves.”

Handing the glass to her, he said, “From what I have seen, you have nothing to be nervous about. The table setting is perfect, and we can certainly count on Cook to present a wonderful meal. We have a nice variety of guests who will keep the conversation going. It will be fine.”

He didn’t add, since he wanted to keep her spirts up, but she looked exhausted the last couple of weeks. She’d been taking naps, but apparently early pregnancy—which she had yet to mention to him—was taking its toll on her body. In all fairness to her health, and the well-being of the babe, once this dinner party was over, he might suggest they retire to the country.

Quinn arrived at the drawing-room door. “Lord and Lady Templeton have arrived, my lord.”

The couple entered the room, followed shortly by Baron Cloverfield and Lady Cloverfield. Within less than twenty minutes, all the guests had gathered in the drawing room, awaiting the dinner announcement.

Nash was proud of Arabella. Even though he knew she was nervous and fatigued, she carried on conversations with their guests and circulated to each group to make sure everyone was comfortable. Even though she didn’t believe it, she was an excellent hostess, and so far, everything was going just fine. He would need to compliment her later on about how well she’d handled it all.

Quinn

appeared at the drawing room door and announced dinner in his usual perfunctory manner. The guests lined up in order of rank and strolled to the dining room. He had Lady Templeton on his arm, and Arabella was escorted by Lord Templeton.

The seating arrangement had been worked out between the two of them one night as they sat naked on their bed after a rousing session of lovemaking. He had Mrs. Talbot on one side, and Arabella’s friend Lady Lovell on the other side. The footmen began serving and pouring the first wine as the dinner began.

As the meal continued, he watched Arabella over the rim of his wine glass and couldn’t help smiling. Any residue of nervousness had left her as she had a lively conversation with Lord Lovell. From what he could hear, they were discussing the need for education for the underclass. He shook his head. His wife certainly had Whig leanings.

Before the fourth course had been served, Quinn entered the room and bent to Arabella’s ear and spoke softly. She blanched and appeared agitated.

Nash frowned. “What is it?”

She lowered her voice and said, “Apollo got out of the kennel and was run over by a carriage. He needs attention.”

“One of the dogs?”

She nodded, biting her lower lip. By this time, they had the attention of most of the guests at the table. Surely, she would not do this to him. Important people sat at their table. For God’s sake, they were hosting a dinner party! “I am sure one of the maids can handle it.”