by Finch, Fanny
Lady Eugenia nodded vigorously. “Yes, Hestia. I am so happy. I hope both our dreams come true!”
She turned her eyes and looked at the footman, who had not left. He seemed to be waiting for a response from her or Hestia. “You may go. We will wait here. If we are needed, I am sure Father will summon us.”
“Yes, my lady.” The footman turned and went to the door, disappearing on the other side.
The two women looked at each other again, their smiles radiating like the sun on a bright blue morning.
“I wonder what they are saying? I wonder how Lord Price is approaching this?” Hestia murmured the questions, not really expecting an answer from Lady Eugenia.
“I just cannot wait to see what they decide.”
Hestia frowned. “I just had a thought. Do you think your father will take kindly to a gentleman caller that is more interested in the companion than the daughter of the house?”
Lady Eugenia’s eyes reflected concern but she slowly shook her head. “No. I… I am sure Father will not mind it. I will find a husband. I may have already.”
Hestia thought her friend’s voice sounded doubtful. Both girls looked at the closed library door.
Chapter 25
The two young women stood side by side for a few minutes. Hestia’s mind was whirling with the knowledge that Leander was in the house with her. He was here.
Whether the end result was good or bad, she knew he had come calling on her. It meant he had been thinking about her. And he was willing to risk humiliation by coming to see if he could be given permission to take her out.
She thought how odd it was that if Lord Callow approved of it, Lady Eugenia would probably volunteer as chaperone. Their roles would be reversed. She giggled at the notion.
Her laughter caught in her throat when she looked at Lady Eugenia. The young woman’s eyes looked nervous.
“Eugenia? Are you all right?”
“I am a little concerned, Hestia. Perhaps we should go out in the hallway and wait for Father to send for us?”
Lady Eugenia’s worried look dampened Hestia’s good spirits. She bit the inside of her bottom lip and looked at the door. “If you feel we should wait out there, I will stand beside you. I am your companion. I will go wherever you want.”
“I want to stand in the hallway.”
Hestia hurried after Lady Eugenia, who took off across the room at lightning speed. She made a beeline for the door and once she got there, she abruptly stopped. If Hestia had been directly behind her, she would have bumped into her.
She stopped just short of knocking into Lady Eugenia and stared at her friend’s face.
Lady Eugenia opened the door slowly and quietly. She stepped through softly and motioned for Hestia to do the same. Once Hestia was through, Lady Eugenia closed the door behind her and turned toward the parlor door.
Hestia followed the young woman as she walked directly past the parlor doors and went to a small round balcony on the other side. She sat on a bench and patted the cushion next to her. Hestia sat down.
“What are we doing, Eu…”
Lady Eugenia shook her head, putting one finger in front of her lips. She motioned for Hestia to look down towards a large vent on the wall behind the bench.
After a moment, the sound of men’s voices could be heard. Hestia’s eyes opened wide. She could not believe she was eavesdropping on a conversation. And was fully aware of what she was doing.
She stared at Lady Eugenia. How many times the young woman must have used this area to hear what was going on in the parlor. How many parties she must have listened in on.
“Your parents are not aware of this?” she whispered as softly as possible.
“I am sure they are not daft. They must be aware of it. If I am the only one who knows, I would be very surprised. But I do not think they remember when they are in the parlor because I am never caught.”
“I feel bad. I should not be eavesdropping.”
Lady Eugenia shook her head. “Nonsense. You are the topic of their discussion, I am quite sure. That gives you the right to know what is being said. I am right about this.”
Hestia wanted to think her young friend was right but she’d never been one to approve of listening in on the conversations of others.
The men were speaking in low tones and she was unable to catch most of what was being said anyway. She looked at Lady Eugenia once or twice to see if any knowledge was registering on her slender face. She kept shaking her head.
Finally, she looked at Hestia and said, “I do not suppose we will get much from this conversation. I cannot hear what they are saying.”
“Neither can I. We should move before we are caught.”
Lady Eugenia put a hand on Hestia’s knee to keep her from leaving. “Wait. I want to see if we can make anything out. I thought I heard your name but I also thought I heard my own.”
“Yours?” Hestia drew her eyebrows together. “Is it possible Lord Price knows a gentleman that would be right for you? Or does he speak to the Honorable David Wake very often?”
“I do not know the answer to either of those questions. I know he cannot be here for me. I would not know how to behave in a situation like that. I may have to slap him.”
“That would be a sight to see. I am sure there is an explanation.”
The two women fell quiet. Hestia strained her ears to make out and understand any of the words. She did hear what sounded like her name and the harsh tones made it sound like the two men were arguing.
Her stomach turned and she felt her muscles tighten.
If they were arguing, it could only be about one thing. Or one person, that is.
She immediately felt guilt layer the surface of her previous joy. The man she loved had come calling on her, a sure sign that she would soon be just where she wanted to be in life.
But her choice to become a companion could have put her reputation in jeopardy, as well as Leander’s and possibly Lady Eugenia’s because everyone would realize she let her companion take a husband before she did.
A servant was not to step over the master or in this case, mistress.
It was not as though she had done it on purpose. It was an accident. She had bumped into the man of her dreams…literally.
The corners of her lips twitched as she remembered how it felt to brush against his sleeve when they danced, how the touch of his hand sent pleasant tingles down her arm and into her chest. She found his presence to be so masterful and comforting, yet she was nervous and aware each time they were close enough to touch.
She held her breath when she distinctly caught her name being hissed by the Viscount of Culross. A feeling of dread swept over her. He had not said her name in a nice way. That was not a good thing. It cast a sense of foreboding over her and she looked into Lady Eugenia’s eyes.
Her friend reflected back a look of worry.
Once again, Lady Eugenia sprang to her feet. She held out her hand to Hestia, who took it and rose to stand next to her.
“We will go and see what is being said. I think it is the only way we will get the absolute truth.”
“I do not know if I want to do that.” Hestia stayed back a bit. She did not like confrontation with Lord Callow. He was normally a very jolly man. But Hestia had seen him perturbed once or twice and it was not a pleasant thing.
His normally pale face turned a bright red. It almost looked like the big man might explode into a million pieces when his temper was at its worst.
Hestia was glad she had only experienced that anger from him a handful of times since her arrival.
“But they are talking about us,” Lady Eugenia sounded offended. “I want to know what is being said. It is only right that they tell us what they are saying. It is wrong to hold back and not speak the truth to someone’s face.”
“I think your father has objected to Lord Price coming here to talk to him about me instead of the daughter of the house.”
Lady Eugenia frowned slightly. “Yes,
I think you are right, Hestia. As much as I do not want to admit it. I think we should stand up for Lord Price, do you not agree? I am willing to confess my part in this scheme. After all, I am the one who promised you I would help you win over Lord Price.”
She smiled, patting Hestia’s arm. “You see, my dear, I set up everything to go the way it did so that you would have some time to speak with Lord Price without any pressure. I knew your mother would be late. I planned it that way. She was to be delayed so you could have the first dance with Lord Price.”
Hestia tilted her head. “But what if Lord Price had not asked for the first dance with me?”
Lady Eugenia snorted softly. “Do not be a silly girl. Of course he would choose the first dance. He is not going to place himself second, will he?”
Hestia’s grin spoke volumes. “He should never place himself second to anyone. Least of all for me. But that shows the humility of the man. That is an admirable trait.”
“Ah, love,” Lady Eugenia teased, sticking out the tip of her tongue. “We see so many admirable traits in the beginning. But what is developed in time is what a woman should put her hopes in. That is what my mother has always said.”
“Your mother is very wise. I will take that advice to heart and remember it.”
Hestia looked at the closed door of the parlor. “What about Miss Drusilla? Will Lord Price’s father agree to a union between him and me?” She lost her smile, casting a worried glance at Lady Eugenia. “My family money woes may cause him to object.”
“I wonder if Lord Price would be here if he knew his father would object?” Lady Eugenia looked out in front of her thoughtfully, staring at the chandelier that hung over the balcony.
Hestia did not know the answer to the question so she remained quiet.
“I have nothing to say to that, Lord Price,” the Viscount of Culross’s voice came through loud and clear. The girls looked at each other.
Hestia felt a rush of adrenaline. His voice did not sound happy. Lady Eugenia’s face reflected Hestia’s worry.
Oh no, Hestia thought. He is unhappy Leander came here without the intention of courting Eugenia.
She twisted her hands in her lap, rubbing her fingers together nervously. What would happen now? It seemed there were so many obstacles placing themselves between her and Leander. Miss Drusilla being the most obvious. But now Leander had humiliated himself and hurt his reputation by asking to court the companion of a lady, an employee, a servant.
Hestia was dismayed. She felt like crawling into a corner and disappearing. She had not intended to ruin Leander’s reputation in society. It appeared that was what she had done by showing her attraction to him.
She took Lady Eugenia’s hand. “I do not want to be here right now, Eugenia. Let us find somewhere else to wait until the men are finished talking.”
“If we go to our rooms or outside, we might miss him when he leaves. We should stay close.”
“Perhaps. But I do not want to stay here. I want to go somewhere that is hidden from view when he comes out, not in plain sight.”
“Come with me, Hestia.”
She took Hestia’s hand and they both stood up. Lady Eugenia led Hestia around the corner of the small hallway and around to the front foyer. It was large and spacious. On one side, a tall bookshelf was filled with books of all sizes.
“I know you have seen all these and probably read some,” Lady Eugenia said. “But there is no harm in looking to see if there are any new books.”
Hestia drew her eyebrows together, giving Lady Eugenia a curious look. “What do you mean? I always know when…”
Lady Eugenia lifted her eyebrows, tilting her head. She pursed her lips. “Come now. Are you sure about that? It might take you a while, but you could look to see if there is anything new.”
Hestia realized her friend was telling her to pretend to examine the books as they waited for Leander to come from the other room.
“Oh,” she said. Lady Eugenia laughed and they both turned to the bookshelf, staring blankly at the many titles.
Chapter 26
“It is good to see you, Lord Price,” the Viscount of Culross stood up when Leander entered the room. They bowed to one another and the viscount held out one hand in the direction of a chair near him. “Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Lord Callow.” Leander sat, moving the tails from behind him so that he did not sit on them. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.
“I trust you enjoyed the party?”
“I did, yes. I am impressed with what you’ve done in the garden. I hear Lady Eugenia had a hand in that.”
“Yes, she did. My daughter is very creative. She enjoys colorful things.”
“I am sure.”
“She has been raised to take care of a family and to make intelligent decisions.”
“I did want to mention how impressed I am with your book collection, Lord Callow.” Leander swept his hand around the parlor, indicating the bookshelves, one placed against each wall, stacked high with books of all sizes.
The Viscount of Culross turned his head and glanced at them. “Yes, it is an impressive collection. It belonged to my father and grandfather. I have been adding to it for many years but it is not as impressive as what they left to me.”
“Have you read them all?”
The viscount threw his head back and laughed. It made his belly bounce and jiggle. “I have nothing to say about that, Lord Price. I can tell you that Eugenia and her companion do a lot of reading. We do have the library, which you may or may not have seen at the party…”
Leander nodded. “I did see it. You also have several more bookshelves in the foyer, do you not? There are books in every room of the house?”
The two men laughed. “It is a possibility,” the Viscount of Culross said with amusement. “There is always a chance someone has left a book in the kitchen or a bedroom.” The large man turned his head and barked out a name, making Leander jump. He grinned at himself and waited for the footman to come through the door.
“Alexander, go fetch Lady Eugenia please.”
“Yes, my lord,” the young man bowed at the waist and backed out. The door closed and the Viscount of Culross looked at Leander. “I am sure my daughter would like to know you are here.”
Leander nodded. If Lady Eugenia knew he had come, she would surely bring Hestia with her. Chances were good they were together anyway.
He thought about Lady Eugenia and smiled. He had seen her with David Wake while they were dancing and recognized the chemistry between them almost immediately. He was familiar with David, having kept up with both the baron’s sons after the house party.
He had no complaints about the man and thought he and Lady Eugenia would make a good match, should they decide to court.
“I hope so,” Leander replied. “She is good friends with Lady Hestia, is she not?”
Leander was surprised when the smile on the older man’s face faltered. He felt a bit of nervousness slide through him, as if he had brought up a bad topic.
“Lady Hestia? You mean Hestia, Lady Eugenia’s companion?”
Leander nodded once. “Yes.”
“She and Hestia are good friends,” the Viscount of Culross rested his hands on his large belly, lacing his fingers together. He gave Leander a close look. “Are you concerned with the way servants are treated? My daughter is very respectful of all servants, no matter their station. She is a free-thinker and will often give the benefit of the doubt where it is not deserved.”
Leander realized what the viscount was thinking. It was like a flame lit in his mind and he sat back instinctively. “Yes. I am quite concerned with how servants are treated. I have no doubt that Lady Eugenia is pleasant to work for.”
The Viscount of Culross thought he was there to see Lady Eugenia. Leander suddenly found himself in an awkward position. He could not tell the viscount he was there specifically to see Hestia. As the companion, she was not the lady of the house. It w
ould create scandal. It would be considered rude.
And he had done it to himself. He put himself in this situation. He had to think quickly to avoid more.
The door opened and Alexander came in, followed by Lady Eugenia and Hestia.
Leander settled his eyes immediately on Hestia, a smile covering his face whether he wanted it to or not.
“Here she is!” the viscount announced his daughter, pulling himself out of the chair with a mighty heave. He held his hands out to Lady Eugenia, who went to him and kissed his round cheek.
“Hello, Father,” she said affectionately.
“I know you have met Lord Price, have you not?”
Lady Eugenia curtsied to Leander, who bowed at the waist. “Lady Eugenia,” he said. “It is good to see you again. I trust you are well today?”
“I am, thank you, Lord Price. You remember Lady Hestia, my companion?”
“I do.”
“Hestia, you may leave.” The Viscount of Culross waved one hand toward the door, looking at Hestia.
Hestia’s eyes flicked to Lady Eugenia, who held out one hand to her father. “I would like for her to stay, Father. Perhaps Lord Price would like to go for a walk in the garden? He expressed some interest in it at the party.”
The viscount nodded vigorously. “That is an excellent idea. How would you feel about that, Lord Price?”
“I like the idea, sir. I would be glad to walk the garden with you ladies.”
“It is settled then. I would be interested in hearing any suggestions and ideas you have to improve upon Eugenia’s alterations, Lord Price.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate your faith in my gardening tastes.” Leander let out a pleasant laugh, making the older man smile wide as he plopped himself back down into his chair. He seemed to dismiss the younger people, picking up his eye glasses and shoving them on his nose. He adjusted them and picked up the open book on the table next to him.