She nodded and crouched down to the little girl. “I have to go now, Ann. But I’ll come back to visit you again.”
Ann threw her arms around Becca’s neck and placed a noisy kiss on her cheek. The obvious and open affection between Becca and the child touched his heart. There was no doubt in his mind that she would make a wonderful mother should they ever be so blessed. Like he had been, their child would be assured of its parents’ love. It was a shame that Ann did not have that certainty.
They left the nursery and went back downstairs.
Geoffrey took Becca’s hand as they reached the main floor. “I probably won’t return until after tea time.”
She placed her hands on his chest and kissed him lightly. “I’ll see you then.”
After taking lunch, she joined Lady Margaret and Patricia in the parlor. The two women were busily working on their needlework, so Becca set about painting the fire screen she’d been decorating. It wasn’t very large, but the design she painted was quite intricate. She wanted to use it in her and Geoffrey’s chamber and chose a design of flowers to offset the masculine furnishings.
The three ladies passed the afternoon and when tea time was nearly upon them, Patricia suddenly sighed irritably.
Becca looked at her sister-in-law in surprise. “Is something wrong, Patricia?”
Patricia set her needlework aside and stood. “Yes,” she answered, full of pique. “My husband has been out all day and I have need to speak with him.”
Becca blinked at her. She looked to Lady Margaret, who simply gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. Becca turned back to Patricia. “I’m certain he’ll be back soon.”
A smile curved Patricia’s lips. “And where is Kane?”
“Geoffrey had to take care of some matters on the estate,” she answered easily. “I don’t expect him back much before dinner.”
Becca’s calm response seemed to only make Patricia more irritated. With a swish of her skirt, she left them.
“I wonder what made her so angry?” Becca asked.
“Patricia is used to getting her own way,” Lady Margaret answered. “Don’t take it personally, dear.”
Becca nodded and returned her attention to the fire screen. She would not give Patricia and her prickly behavior another thought. Instead, she focused on how pleasant it was to pass the time without that woman in the room.
She was just filling in a lovely pink tulip on the screen when Geoffrey strode into the room. She was focused on her work, biting her lip in concentration.
“Hello, love,” he greeted her from the doorway.
She looked up, startled. A smile slowly curved her lips as she took in his appearance. He’d indeed been working on the estate. He’d removed his jacket at some point and his shirt was open at the collar. It was rumpled and soiled, and his breeches were dusty. His hair was tousled and dirt was smudged on his face. He looked absolutely gorgeous to her, like the plainly-dressed man she’d first met at Raven’s. He affected her as he had that very first day, causing her heart to trip and her breath to catch.
“Geoffrey, what have you been about?” Lady Margaret asked.
“Seeing to some repairs, Mother.”
“You look a fright.”
“Oh, I disagree,” Becca intoned. “I think he looks like quite the rogue.”
Geoffrey smiled, his eyes twinkling. He crossed to her and kissed her lightly. He pulled back and looked at her, suddenly grinning.
“What is it, husband?”
He reached out a finger and rubbed her nose. “I’m afraid I left my mark on you, wife.”
She shooed him out of the room and watched him as he left. She turned to Lady Margaret, noting the laughter in the woman’s eyes. She smiled at her mother-in-law and once again bent her head over her work.
Chapter 19
Awaiting dinner in the dining room, John and Patricia discussed the upcoming event. Lady Margaret hadn’t yet joined them, so they talked freely.
“Heaven help us, John,” Patricia began, rankled. “All of Kane’s friends will be here. The place will be overrun.”
“I disagree, my dove. I, for one, am looking forward to the hunting. It’ll be pleasant to have some spirited competition.”
“But what of the ball tomorrow night? Yet another evening devoted to the earl and his ‘ravishing’ bride.”
“Careful, careful,” he gently chided. “Do I see the green-eyed monster peeking out from your beautiful blue eyes?”
She sighed irritably. He chuckled then and grasped her hand. “Rebecca is quite stunning. But she can never outshine you in my eyes.”
Patricia let his words convince her of his loyalty.
John turned his attention to the doorway just as Geoffrey and Becca entered the room. He stood as they entered. “Kane, where have you been all day? I could have used your company on my outing. The pub was a dreadful bore, I daresay.”
“I had work to see to, brother,” Geoffrey replied. “Something you are always welcome to help me with.”
“Now why ever would I do that, brother?” John shrugged. “You’re the earl and therefore the work must be yours to shoulder just as the rewards are yours to reap. I am merely the second son.”
“You’ve had plenty of rewards, John,” Geoffrey retorted. “Father left you well taken care of.”
John gritted his teeth and then shrugged. “Perhaps.” He effectively dismissed his brother by turning to Rebecca, with a charming smile. “Good evening, Rebecca.”
“Hello, John,” she answered in a small voice, apparently uncomfortable as his gaze raked over her emerald green gown.
She nodded to Patricia and sat down next to her husband’s place at the head of the table. Apparently, the good earl hadn’t missed John’s lustful glare or Becca’s blushing response to it. Geoffrey looked from one to the other, a speculative look on his face. Finally, he took his place at the table just as Lady Margaret joined them. John took his gaze off Becca and greeted his mother ambiably.
Dinner was filled with talk of the guests due to arrive on the morrow. “Most should be at Kanewood by tea time, love,” Geoffrey said. “That should leave them plenty of time to settle in and ready themselves for the ball tomorrow evening.”
Becca nodded.
“When will your father be arriving, Rebecca?” Lady Margaret asked.
“He should be here the same time as the others, I presume.”
Lady Margaret looked to her eldest son. “Geoffrey, are you ready for the revelers?”
Geoffrey chuckled at his mother’s choice of words. “I suppose so. I trust that your friends’ unattached daughters will be coming? Those scoundrels Chester, Leed and Roberts will be here, you know.”
Lady Margaret smiled slyly at her son. “Perhaps there will be another wedding or two to celebrate by the time the Season rolls around again.”
“I can’t see Roberts settling down with one woman, Kane,” John said with a grin. “Those matrons had better lock up their daughters if they ever want to see them wed.”
Patricia stiffened beside John, obviously once more feeling left out of the conversation. The rest of them finished their meal in pleasant conversation, with Patricia nodding at all the appropriate places.
Shortly after dinner ended, Lady Margaret bade the others good night and retired for the evening. Using his hard work of the day as an excuse, Geoffrey begged off an after-dinner drink with John. He thanked John and led Becca upstairs to their chambers. John watched them go, the image of the delectable Becca readying herself for bed dancing through his mind. With a sigh, he turned to Patricia who was regarding him closely.
“Is something troubling you, John?” she asked
“Hmm?” he stalled. “No, my dove. Nothing.” He crossed over to her and took her hand. “Shall we follow their lead and make it an early evening?”
With a shrug of her shoulders, she acquiesced.
* * * *
After breakfast the next morning, Geoffrey told Becca that he had some matt
ers to attend to in his study. She reluctantly agreed, but only after getting his assurance that he’d join her for lunch. With a tender kiss, he left her in the capable hands of his mother.
Lady Margaret was very excited about the coming guests, and Becca found her enthusiasm catching. The two women went into the kitchens to reiterate some of the instructions the staff had been given. After being assured that all was as they had requested, they adjourned to the library. While Becca absently thumbed through a leather-bound book, Lady Margaret sat at the small desk, pen and paper in hand.
“Rebecca, dear,” she began, a thoughtful look on her face. “I was thinking that before the guests arrive, we might think of some possible matches.”
“Matches?”
“Yes. Although Geoffrey was merely jesting last evening, I believe we just might marry off some of the lovely young girls set to arrive today.”
Becca quirked a smile at her mother-in-law. “Lady Margaret, aren’t we getting a bit ahead of ourselves?”
“Perhaps, dear,” she conceded. “But we should still consider our guest list, at least for possible dinner partners.”
Becca nodded. “Well, we know that Geoffrey’s handsome friends will be here. What young ladies will be in attendance?”
Lady Margaret held up her hand for a moment, jotting down a few notes. “First things first, dear,” she instructed. “The Earl of Chester will be here, along with Viscounts Leed and Roberts, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Let me see, then. I know for certain that Lady Beatrice is bringing her daughter, Constance,” she said, adding to her notes.
“What is Constance like, Lady Margaret?”
“When last I saw her, she was a tiny thing, with white-blond curls. I’m sure she’s quite lovely now. Oh,” Lady Margaret added. “I believe Beatrice mentioned that her niece might come along. Sarah, I think her name is.”
“That’s two,” Becca said with a smile.
Lady Margaret nodded. “Lady Helen will undoubtedly bring her daughter, Michelle. Do you remember meeting her?”
“Hmm, I believe so. Didn’t she call after the accident?”
“Yes, she did. She’s around your age, I’d imagine.”
“And very pretty, with all that shining red hair.”
“Very comely, yes,” Lady Margaret agreed. “She’ll no doubt have them at her feet.”
Becca caught Lady Margaret’s zeal for matchmaking “Splendid! Any others?”
“Lord Henry will be in attendance. He and the late earl were dear friends.”
Becca caught the tone of melancholy in her voice and nodded in sympathy.
Lady Margaret straightened her shoulders and went on. “His daughter, Diane, was nearly betrothed to John.”
“Really?” Becca asked in surprise.
“Yes. If only …. Oh, never mind that.”
Becca knew that Lady Margaret wouldn’t speak of John’s and Patricia’s betrayal of Geoffrey, and wisely kept her own opinion of her husband’s brother to herself. If Lady Margaret knew all that John had been about of late, she’d surely be upset.
“What is Diane like?” Becca asked.
“She’s a very sweet girl, with pretty blue eyes and dark blond hair.”
Becca’s brow furrowed as she pondered the possible matches. “How will we know who to match with whom?”
Lady Margaret wore a sly grin. “When the guests assemble before the ball, we will simply watch the gentlemen for any signs of interest.”
“This could prove very fascinating, Lady Margaret. But how will we know so soon?”
“How long did it take you to fall for my son, dear?”
Becca blushed and Lady Margaret nodded sharply, her point made. For the better part of the next hour, the ladies discussed their opinions of which gentleman would prefer which lady.
It was soon lunchtime, so they set aside their discussion and adjourned to the dining room. Geoffrey wasn’t in the room, much to Becca’s disappointment. She told Lady Margaret that she’d return in a moment and went in search of her husband.
Becca knocked on the door to the study. Getting no answer, she opened the door and peeked inside. Geoffrey stood at the window, staring out over the grounds. She took advantage of the moment, letting her gaze wander over him. He certainly cut a dashing figure. A small sigh escaped her and he turned sharply at the sound. The brooding look on his face gave her pause.
His frown cleared quickly and a smile spread over his features as he crossed to her. “Becca.”
They shared a sweet kiss.
“What had you so absorbed, husband?”
He wrapped her in his arms. “Nothing, love.”
“Geoffrey, I saw the worry on your face when I came in.”
He looked at her closely, then shook his head. “Let us go in to lunch.”
“But I want to talk to you—”
“It’s nothing. Please don’t concern yourself.”
She let him lead her out of the room, vowing to herself to get some answers out of him. She wouldn’t let him fall back into the habit of keeping his worries from her.
After lunch, they went for a stroll in the gardens. They were quite lovely, divided formally into sections by low hedgerows. Geoffrey led her over to a large stone bench set off in one corner. He sat down, taking her with him. Becca saw the worry cross his face once more.
“Geoffrey, what is it?”
He shook his head again. “I was just thinking about how crowded Kanewood will be with all of our guests here.”
She quirked a half-smile at him. “Husband, we could have the entire House of Lords for a visit and Kanewood wouldn’t be crowded.”
He laughed at her, pulling her close. “I don’t want to share you with anyone, Becca. There will be so many people here, I fear I’ll get lost in the shuffle.”
She brought her hand up to his cheek. “No one could ever take your place, Geoffrey. I love you.”
He bent his head to hers. “I love you so much, Becca,” he said, his voice husky. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
His sudden intensity confused her. “Nothing will happen to me, husband. Not with you to protect me.”
He settled back against the bench, still holding her close. “Are you looking forward to tonight’s festivities, love?”
“Oh, yes. I do so love to see my husband dressed in his formal attire.”
“And what will you be wearing, wife?”
“That’s a surprise.”
“Hmm,” he said, scratching his chin as if in thought. “Please tell me you’re not wearing the pink gown again. I don’t want to throw any of the gentlemen off the estate for drooling over my wife.”
She gave him a playful nudge. “Oh, really. Well, perhaps I shall wear it just for you. On special occasions.”
“Woman, don’t tempt me when our guests are about to arrive,” he growled in her ear.
She laughed and kissed his cheek. “Very well, I won’t tempt you for the rest of today. But I cannot promise about tonight,” she quipped.
“Most assuredly, you will be free to tempt me all night long,” he whispered in her ear.
She gave a delicious shiver as he tipped up her face and kissed her deeply. Becca loved spending quiet time with Geoffrey. He was always so busy and preoccupied of late that even a stolen moment in the garden was a gift. But even while he kissed her, worry flitted at the back of her mind. She wished he would confide in her and share his burdens. But how could she convince him?
The sound of an approaching carriage pulled them from their interlude. He helped her from the bench and they walked out of the garden and out onto the cobblestone drive in front of the house.
* * * *
The remainder of the afternoon was spent welcoming the guests and getting them settled into their rooms. Becca herself showed Thomas Kingsley to his room. Her father couldn’t get over the size and grandeur of the estate, commending her—and himself, by extension—on making such a great match. With T
homas firmly ensconced in his room, Becca went down to tea.
Several of the guests took tea with the ladies in the parlor while the servants brought their belongings up to the guest rooms. Geoffrey’s male friends passed the time with him in his study.
John soon joined them. “Gentlemen, I fear the ladies will be watching you all very closely.”
Lord Chester arched a brow. “What are you talking about, John?”
“Well, my mother is intent on marrying off some of the young women who will be in attendance.”
“Wonderful,” Leed intoned dryly.
“What’s the matter, Leed?” Geoffrey asked with a grin.
“Kane,” Leed began, “just because you found marital bliss doesn’t mean it’s a desirable state for everyone.”
“Ah, but my brother has the lovely Rebecca.” John laughed.
“That’s right, Leed,” Chester added. “If she could change Kane’s mind about matrimony, perhaps there is hope for the likes of you and me.”
“Never mind,” Leed grumbled.
“I fear poor Leed is a bit shy around the ladies,” Roberts intoned.
Chester laughed. “Not all of us can be as charming as you, Roberts.”
“Yes.” Roberts grinned. “The ladies do enjoy my company.”
They talked a bit more, making plans to go hunting early in the morning. After a while, Geoffrey showed them to their rooms and left them to ready themselves for the evening. He walked down the hall to the wing where his and Becca’s chambers were located and found her in the little study off the hallway, bent over the desk. Sheets of paper littered the top of the desk, and she was busily poring over them.
He leaned against the door jam and watched her for a moment. “What are you about, love?”
“Geoffrey!” She gasped. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Just a short while,” he said, crossing to her. “What’s all this?”
She covered the papers with her forearms. “Oh, just some notes.”
“Becca.” He smiled down at her.
She laughed and showed him the papers. “They’re just notes about the young ladies Lady Margaret and I discussed this afternoon.”
He read over a few of them and turned to her.
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