“Excellent idea,” Camden said as they walked away from the fencing area.
***
Later that afternoon, Mary heard the telltale sound of the hidden gate opening in the rear of her gardens. She waited patiently for Camden to announce himself.
“I’m told this is the loveliest rose garden in all of London,” came the whisper on the wind.
“Then you’ve been told correctly.” Mary said without turning around. “What news?
“Lady Sargent seems to have attached herself to Charles. She bares watching.”
“Has Charles learned anything that might implicate her as a killer?”
“Nothing of consequence yet, except that the young woman does not hold her wedding vows sacred.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Lord Sargent is a good and honorable man. However, impress upon Charles to act with utmost care. We do not yet know whether the killer is a man or woman or even a member of Society and I don’t want him to be careless over a pretty face.”
“I passed that message on to him this very morning.”
“And what of Lady Knightly?”
“She was a charming dinner partner, but nothing more. I didn’t get the sense that she was anything except a young woman enjoying London for the first time. What did you glean from her?”
“Only that she met Lord Knightly a year ago. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married and toured the Continent before returning to London.”
“I suspect the Knightly wealth had a hand in her decision to marry him,” Camden said
“I agree. Lord Knightly is obviously looking for a wife that will give him an heir, and for that, he’s willing to give his wife a Season. I’ve invited her to visit me. Hopefully, she’ll be more forthcoming about her life with him.”
“Good. If that is all, Lady Tisbury, I shall take my leave.”
Mary cleared her throat. “It is not all, Camden. I wish to speak with you about a most delicate matter.”
“A delicate matter, my lady?”
“Hannah.”
“What about Miss Richardson?”
“Camden, please do not toy with her. I saw her face when she came in from the garden last evening.”
“Ah, I see. Nothing is hidden from your sharp eyes, Lady Tisbury.”
“She is young and impressionable, and quite impulsive at times, but I would not care to see her hurt.”
“Miss Richardson nearly stumbled upon Charles and Lady Sargent. I had to occupy her somehow, but I assure you, on my honor, I am not toying with the young lady.”
Mary was still a moment, thinking of the ramifications of Camden’s last statement. “Thank you, Camden. It is not my place to question the actions of a duke; that is, unless they impact my family.”
Camden reached out and squeezed Mary’s hand. “Rest easy, Lady Tisbury. All is well. I shall see you at the Ashford ball.”
With that, Mary was left alone in her rose garden. The knot in her chest had not eased at all; instead, it had tightened more. The Duke of Wetherby was interested in her niece, that much was clear. She wasn’t sure if she should be delighted or appalled. In truth, it would be an excellent match for Hannah. The Duke of Wetherby was handsome, well mannered and one of the wealthiest men in England, but Camden’s line of work was dangerous, and as much as she admired him, she didn’t want her niece dragged into it.
She sighed as she started back to the house. “It is going to be a long Season,” she said to her favorite white rose bushes.
Chapter 11
The next morning, Camden strode into the dining room, looking forward to a hearty breakfast. His mother and sister were already seated at the table.
“Camden, what a pleasant surprise,” Katherine said. “I did not expect to see you this morning. You’ve usually breakfasted and gone by the time we come downstairs.”
He kissed his mother’s cheek. “Good morning, Mother.”
“I’m so very pleased to see you, Brother,” Courtney added. “You must tell me all about the Hunts’ dinner party.”
Camden smiled at his sister. “It was the usual fare, although I did meet an old acquaintance whom I’d not seen in a while. Knightly was there with his young wife.”
Katherine’s head snapped up. “Lord Knightly is married? He must have married in the country, or else I most surely would have heard about it. Honestly, I never thought to see the day that man took a wife.”
“Duty calls, Mother.”
Katherine nodded. “Of course, the business of getting an heir commands all gentlemen in the end.”
His mother’s subtle hint was not lost on Camden. He walked to the sideboard, loaded with eggs, biscuits and fresh fruit, and filled his plate. How surprised his mother would be if she knew he had his sights set on Miss Richardson for his future wife. He’d had no plans to court anyone this Season until he saw Hannah. There was something about her that stirred the deepest parts of him, and when he kissed her, he’d known that he wanted to pursue their acquaintance further. However, that delicious tidbit was best kept secret for now. First, he had to woo the young lady and make her his and his alone. Based on her response to his kissing her last evening, he had a long way to go yet.
He was returning to his seat next to his sister when the butler presented his mother with a stack of letters. He recognized the handwriting on the top one.
“From the morning post, my lady,” Mr. Hester said, holding out the silver salver.
Katherine took the letters and began to open them. “It’s an invitation to tea from Lady Tisbury. How lovely. Camden, I don’t suppose you’d agree to join us?”
Courtney squeezed his arm. “Oh, please do. It will be so lovely to spend time with you.”
“What day is the invitation for, Mother?”
“Tomorrow.”
Camden rubbed his hand over his jaw, giving his mother the impression he was giving her request some thought, when in fact, he had decided to join them the moment she asked. “I suppose I can move the appointment I have tomorrow. Yes, I will accompany you.”
Courtney threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Camden.”
“You are most welcome, my dear. Now, what have you and Mother planned for today?”
“We are going to the modiste. I am quite anxious to see my new gown for the Ashford ball. Wait until you see it. I hope you will be most pleased.”
Camden nodded, glad to see the sparkle in his sister’s eyes. “Anything you wear will please me.”
He worried about her—she was such a shy young woman, who had spent most of her life on the family’s country estate. Without any sisters to help and advise her along the journey to womanhood, she only had Katherine to guide her. His mother had been against coming to London this Season, claiming Courtney was too young to be subjected to the ton, but he had persevered and convinced Katherine that exposure to Society now would be good for Courtney. In a short two years, Courtney would have her own Season, and he wanted her to feel comfortable in London. Camden believed Katherine’s objections ran deeper, though. His mother was desperate to hold onto her only daughter as long as she could. He could understand that, but despite the death of their older brother, Courtney deserved to experience life to the fullest, and he planned to make sure that happened for her.
When he had sated his appetite, he put down his fork and stood. He leaned over and kissed the top of Courtney’s head. “Be sure to buy some pretty ribbons for your hair to match your new gown while you are out today.”
Courtney’s face split into a wide smile. “Oh, thank you! I shall indeed.”
“You are most welcome. I shall see you both at dinner. Good day, Mother.”
“Good day, Camden,” Katherine said.
***
The next morning dawned bright and sunny. The walk to Lady Tisbury’s home was pleasant enough, although Courtney became more and more anxious the closer they got to their destination. She held tight to Camden’s arm. “What if I make a bad impression?�
�
Camden put his gloved hand over his sister’s. “Nonsense, you are not capable of making a bad impression. I’m confident you will be fine and Lady Tisbury will be delighted with your presence today.”
“Truly?”
“Truly. You mustn’t worry.”
Mr. Watson opened the door when they started up the stone steps. “Your Graces, Lady Courtney,” he said, greeting them with a crisp bow.
Camden nodded and stepped aside to let his mother and sister walk through the door and into the foyer. Katherine and Courtney divested themselves of their bonnets and gloves and passed them to the footman.
“Please follow me,” the butler said. “Lady Tisbury is in the front parlor.” With a slight tap on the wood, Mr. Watson opened the door and announced them. “Her Grace, the Duchess of Wetherby, Lady Courtney, and His Grace, the Duke of Wetherby.”
Hannah’s head snapped up. No one had told her the Duke of Wetherby would be joining them for tea today. Her heart began pounding in her chest at the sight of him. What was he doing here? Her aunt had only spoken of the duchess and Lady Courtney coming for a visit. Was the duke coming to speak to her aunt about her following him out into the garden at the Hunts’ dinner? Hannah could think of no other reason for the duke to be in attendance. Today could very well be the end of her Season. She could hardly bear to sit still.
Isabel reached for Hannah’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before the women stood. “Courage, Cousin. All will be well,” she whispered.
“Your Grace, what an unexpected pleasure,” Mary said, sinking into a curtsy. A slightly arched eyebrow was the only sign of her surprise that Camden was joining them.
“The pleasure is all mine, Lady Tisbury,” Camden said with a nod.
Mary reached for Katherine’s hand. “Your Grace, so lovely to see you again.”
“Thank you, Lady Tisbury. It’s been some time since I’ve been back in London. I find that I quite enjoy country life.” She turned to Courtney. “You remember my daughter, Lady Courtney?”
“Yes, of course. Lady Courtney, you have grown into a beautiful young lady. I’m so pleased you can join us today.”
Camden kept a soothing hand on his sister’s back. “Thank you for your kind invitation, Lady Tisbury,” Courtney said.
“I don’t believe you’ve met my daughter-in-law, Lady Colby Tisbury, or my niece, Miss Hannah Richardson,” Mary said, finishing the introductions.
“Pleased to meet you both,” Courtney said.
Isabel and Hannah both sank into a curtsy. “Your Graces,” they said in unison. “Lady Courtney.”
“Lady Colby Tisbury, Miss Richardson,” Camden said with a slight nod.
“Please do sit down. Tea will be served in a moment. I’ve asked Mrs. Swain to bake her delicious apple tarts today,” Mary said, guiding Katherine and Courtney to sit with her on the sofa. Hannah and Isabel took their seats in the chairs opposite, and Camden stood by the fireplace.
Within a few moments, there was another knock on the door, and Mr. Watson opened it, allowing the maid to bring in the tea tray.
“Just put the tray on the table,” Mary said to the young maid.
“Yes, Lady Tisbury,” the maid said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
“Hannah, dear, would you be so kind as to pour the tea for our guests?”
“Yes, of course,” Hannah said, rising from her chair. She served the duchess, Lady Courtney, and her aunt, all the while trying hard not to look at the Duke of Wetherby standing tall by the fireplace. He was impeccably dressed in tan breeches that hugged his well-muscled thighs, a brown silk waistcoat embroidered with golden thread along the hem, and a hunter-green jacket that clung like a second skin to his broad shoulders. A crisp white linen cravat tied in a simple knot and highly polished black boots completed his look. Why did he have to look so handsome? Did the man look shabby in anything? With him so nearby, Hannah had no idea how she was going to pour tea without her hands shaking.
She took a deep breath and poured the tea for the duke. She had to get through this, or she would be terrified every time she saw him. “Your Grace,” she said, looking over her shoulder. “Would you care for a sweet tart?”
There was a gleam of deviltry in his eyes when he answered, “Thank you, Miss Richardson. I do enjoy sweet things.”
Hannah had taken a step toward him and nearly dropped the cup and saucer at his reply, but Camden reached out and grabbed them before they slipped from her hands.
To her utter relief, Isabel helped give the duke a tart and then poured the tea for the both of them. When they took their seats, Hannah whispered in her ear, “Thank you.”
“Lady Courtney, are you enjoying London?” Mary asked.
Courtney looked at her brother, who gave her an encouraging nod, before she replied, “Yes, it’s been quite lovely. Mother and I have been invited to many soirees and teas. It’s been a little overwhelming, meeting so many new people, but with encouragement from my brother, I have had a wonderful time.”
Hannah saw the look of love in Courtney’s eyes as she gazed at the duke. Hearing that he was taking a keen interest in his sister’s first foray in Society added another dimension to his character that she found appealing, and she stole a glance at him. It gladdened her heart to see how much he cared for his sister.
“Wetherby has promised to take me riding in Hyde Park sometime soon. Do you ride, Miss Richardson?”
Hannah snapped out of her reverie. “I do, but my horse is stabled at my brother’s country estate. I plan to spend some time with them when I leave London.”
“Lady Isabel, do you ride as well?” Courtney asked.
Isabel shook her head. “Not well at all, I’m afraid.”
Courtney looked at Camden. “Wetherby, wouldn’t it be lovely if Miss Richardson could join us? Surely we have a horse she may ride.”
Hannah cleared her throat. “I wouldn’t want to impose—”
Camden set his teacup down on the fireplace mantle. “Nonsense, no imposition at all. There’s a fine mare that would be perfect for you to ride, Miss Richardson.”
“Please say you will join us,” Courtney pleaded.
Hannah looked at her aunt, hoping she would not be agreeable. “Well, I must, of course, have Lady Tisbury’s permission for such an outing.”
“Hannah, if you wish to ride in Hyde Park, you have my permission. I know how much you enjoy riding,” Mary said. “I am quite sure the Duke of Wetherby would be a suitable escort for you two young ladies.”
Hannah saw a look pass between her aunt and the duke. She wasn’t sure what that was about, but she could see no way to gracefully decline the invitation. Perhaps all was not lost and she would finally have an opportunity to speak with him. Her nerves couldn’t take much more of not knowing how he felt about the slap she’d given him, although she found it hard to believe that the Duke of Wetherby would be willing to take part in an outing to Hyde Park if he was still terribly angry with her. Even though she did not fully trust him, a thrill raced through her at the thought of spending more time in his company.
“Good. It’s settled,” Camden said. “Shall we say tomorrow then?”
Hannah nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace. I shall be ready.”
The rest of the visit was spent discussing the latest fashions and, of course, the latest gossip. Hannah was only half-listening because she was daydreaming about tomorrow. Should she try to speak with him immediately when he came to call for her, or perhaps wait for an opportunity to present itself in Hyde Park, where she might have more time to explain herself and find out if he planned to discredit her? She certainly didn’t want Lady Courtney to know that she had kissed her brother most ardently when they were alone in the garden. There would be no keeping it a secret then, as Courtney would surely tell her mother about it. Once the duchess knew of her indiscretion, the whole ton would know of it. That was the last thing she wanted; the scandal would embarrass her aunt and uncle, and Aunt Mary wou
ld have no recourse but to send her back to her parents in the country. She could not bear to be sent home. She was enjoying her Season immensely and did not want it to end abruptly, especially not on the whisper of a scandal. She’d never be able to show her face in London again.
When their company had taken their leave, Hannah wanted to retreat to the solitude of the garden, but Mary stopped her with a question. “Hannah, you seemed quite ill at ease at tea. Are you feeling unwell?”
Hannah composed her face. “No, Aunt Mary. I am quite well indeed. I thought I’d take a stroll in the garden… unless, of course, you have need of me.”
Her aunt stared at her for several long moments before nodding. “Enjoy the garden, my dear.”
When Hannah left the parlor, her aunt and Isabel were deep in conversation. Isabel had promised not to share her secret, and she trusted in her cousin’s discretion. Aunt Mary would not understand Hannah’s reaction to the duke’s kiss, and it was best that she never found out about it.
As she wandered through the rose garden, Hannah inhaled deeply of the sweet scent floating on the air. She sat down on one of the many benches spread throughout the garden and closed her eyes, running a finger over her lips and remembering the feel of the duke’s kiss. It had been wonderful and magical and everything she could have ever hoped for in a first kiss. Would she ever feel his soft lips pressed against hers again? Could he overlook her horrid reaction? She sincerely hoped she could make things right because she dearly wanted the Duke of Wetherby to kiss her again.
Chapter 12
“He’s here, Miss Hannah,” Muriel said as she burst into Hannah’s bedchamber.
Hannah was sitting in front of the mirror, trying to tame a curl that had broken free of the pins. Her insides were tied up in knots, and she wanted to look perfect for her outing with the duke. “Muriel, can you help me with this? This curl seems to have a mind of its own and will not stay pinned.”
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 37