The Favor: The Blooms of Norfolk

by Angelina Jameson

  There were only two steps down to the garden. They walked along the gravel path for a moment before Ambrose said, “Lottie told me what you did for her last night. You have my gratitude.”

  “She was obviously upset.” He paused. “I spoke to Lord Halford today.”

  “You did?” Ambrose glanced at him.

  “I told him I was a friend of the family and he was not to impose on her again.”

  “What was Halford’s response?” Ambrose asked.

  “He wasn’t pleased. I lied and told him I was courting Lottie.”

  Ambrose stopped walking. He whistled. “Did you now?”

  “I didn’t know what else to say. Perhaps I should have left it to you.” He stared at a patch of daffodils.

  “I will not mention it to Lottie,” Ambrose said. “It is up to you if you choose to do so. I promised Lottie I would not confront Lord Halford, but I’m not sure I would have kept the promise if you hadn’t spoken to the man today.”

  An old man walked near them, nodding to acknowledge Ambrose. Peake supposed he was the gardener as he had tools in his hands.

  “Is Lottie at home?” he asked. “I should like to make sure she has recovered her usual sunny state of mind after the unfortunate incident last evening.”

  “I believe she is. Chastain and Iris are moving into their townhouse today. They may be underfoot as well.”

  He could hear barking. A dog raced by them, Rose in his wake.

  “Ambrose! Aunt Abigail is missing!” Rose sprinted after her dog. When she yelled “Livingston!” the dog ran to her and she scooped him into her arms.

  “Missing? What do you mean she is missing?” Ambrose asked.

  “Lottie went to see if Aunt Abigail wanted to accompany us on a walk. She couldn’t find auntie in her bedchamber or anywhere else in the house. The servants are helping us look.”

  “Let us go inside,” he said, placing a hand on Ambrose’s shoulder for a moment. “It might well be a mistake.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lottie checked her aunt’s bedchamber again before going downstairs to speak with Ambrose. From her place near a second-floor window, she had seen her brother enter the garden with Lord Peake. She dispatched Rose to notify Ambrose of their aunt’s disappearance.

  Chastain and Iris were currently at the townhouse in Grosvenor Square. Perhaps Abigail had accompanied them to their new home.

  “Ambrose!” She reached the ground floor to see her brother standing in the entrance hall, Lord Peake beside him. “I can’t find Aunt Abigail.”

  He blew out a breath. “Is she with Iris?”

  “I’m not sure. I hear a carriage outside.”

  A footman opened the door of the house to admit Iris and Chastain.

  “Is Aunt Abigail with you?” Ambrose asked the newcomers.

  Iris replied, “I haven’t seen her since we left for Grosvenor Square after breakfast.”

  “We can’t find Aunt Abigail in the house,” she said to her sister, wringing her hands.

  Rose joined the group in the hall, her maid beside her. “Louisa told me she thinks she saw Auntie outside the house after midday.”

  “What did you see, Louisa?” Ambrose asked the young woman, his voice gentle.

  The girl looked around at the numerous faces surrounding her before she answered, “I was putting away some clothing in Lady Rose’s bedchamber. I looked out the window and I saw a lady standing across the street. Now that I remember, I think the lady was Lady Markham.”

  “What was she doing?” Lord Peake asked.

  The maid replied, “She stood on the pavement looking at this house. That is all I saw, my lord.”

  “Thank you, Louisa. You may return to your duties now.” Ambrose nodded at the girl.

  The maid curtsied before hurriedly leaving the hall in the direction of the servant’s staircase.

  “Chastain and Peake can help me look for Abigail,” Ambrose said. “We can check both sides of the street and the park.”

  “I’m coming with you,” Iris replied. “Lottie?”

  She nodded. “I’m coming as well. Rose can stay here in case Aunt Abigail returns.”

  Rose did not protest. In the end it was decided Ambrose would take one side of the street in the square, Iris and Chastain the other, and Lottie and Peake would check the park. It was important not to panic. They would find Aunt Abigail.

  The private park for the square was a large tract of land, nearly an acre. A walking path wound through the green.

  “I’m sure your aunt is all right,” Peake said to her as they entered one end of the park.

  “I appreciate the sentiment, Lord Peake.” She kept her tone of voice even, hoping not to betray how concerned she was that her aunt was not all right.

  A few nursemaids were watching their charges play on the close-clipped grass. Peake approached one of the women. He described Abigail.

  “I did see her, my lord. She walked along this very path toward the trees there.” The young woman pointed to a stand of yew trees.

  “Thank you, miss.” Peake smiled encouragingly at Lottie. “Let us continue.”

  They walked along the path to the stand of trees. The day was bright, birds called. There was a bench under the trees, and upon it was her aunt.

  “Aunt Abigail!” Lottie rushed to the older woman. “Are you all right?”

  “Of course, I’m all right. Why wouldn’t I be?” Abigail frowned at Lottie before smiling at Lord Peake.

  Abigail was dressed in a morning gown, a cap on her head, and a shawl about her shoulders. She looked content where she was, unconcerned with Lottie’s agitated state.

  “You left the house without telling anyone. We didn’t know where you were. We were worried.” She looked at Lord Peake for support.

  “Pish posh. I’m a grown woman. Why should I not go where I wish when I wish?” The smile had left Abigail’s face.

  “Is it not a kindness to let those who care about you know where you are?” Lord Peake sat down on the bench next to Abigail. “We have become friends, Lady Markham. I was concerned when your niece couldn’t find you.”

  “I am merely a burden on my family, Lord Peake. Lottie will reside with Iris. Rose has a maid and a governess. There is no place for me.” Her aunt’s voice was matter of fact.

  Lottie struggled for a reply. “You are not a burden, Aunt Abigail.” Her words sounded feeble to her own ears.

  “I came to the townhouse to see you today, Lady Markham.” Peake smiled broadly at the woman beside him.

  “To see me?”

  “To ask your assistance,” he said in a soft voice.

  “How may I be of service?” Abigail leaned closer to the viscount.

  “I told my mother of your well wishes, and she thought I might ask you to visit her in Suffolk. She is much alone in the country. Having someone who remembers my father as you do would be a comfort to her.” He paused. “If it is not too much to ask.”

  Abigail sat up straight, her face wreathed in a smile. “I should very much like to visit your mother. We must return to the townhouse and inform Ambrose of our plan.”

  Lord Peake stood up and held out his arm. As Abigail took his arm, he winked at Lottie. She was left to follow the pair from the park.

  As they approached the townhouse, they crossed paths with Ambrose, Iris, and Chastain.

  “Thank goodness you are all right,” Iris said to their aunt.

  “You girls worry too much,” Abigail replied. “Always did.”

  They trouped into the house. Rose rushed down the staircase at their return.

  “I am going to my bedchamber,” Aunt Abigail announced. “I have much to do if I’m to travel to Suffolk to see Lady Peake.”

  Lottie ushered everyone into the morning room so Lord Peake could explain his conversation with Abigail in the park.

  Ambrose asked, “Are you sure you wish to take her to Suffolk, Peake?”

  “Very sure.” Peake nodded. “It is a wonderful id
ea. Both women need companions their own age.”

  “Very well,” Ambrose replied. “I have no objection.”

  “Thank you for your help, Lord Peake,” Iris said with a bright smile for the viscount.

  Chastain echoed her thanks and added, “Now that the crisis is over, Iris and I really must get back to our new home to supervise the placement of our furniture. We will return for dinner.”

  Iris and Chastain departed. Rose excused herself to take Livingston into the garden.

  Lottie wished she could think of a reason to spend more time with Lord Peake. Embarrassed by the notion she merely said, “Thank you again for your assistance, Lord Peake. I should check on my peonies in the garden. They are often a target of Livingston’s attentions.”

  “Do you mind if I join you?” Peake asked. “If Ambrose doesn’t mind if I abandon him.”

  “Not at all,” her brother replied with a sigh. “I would like some time to myself. It has been an eventful day.”

  When they entered the garden, Rose could be seen close by playing with her pet.

  “I hope you don’t think I did the wrong thing by asking your aunt to my estate,” Lord Peake said as they stood together near the terrace railing.

  “Your idea is inspired.” She kept her eyes on Rose and the garden. “You made Aunt Abigail very happy. Thank you. I knew I might need a favor from you some day.”

  Perhaps her aunt needed to feel useful. To feel needed. Asking for a simple favor had made her aunt happy. She smiled to herself. A favor had made a big difference in her own life. She’d missed Lord Peake when he was gone. She didn’t want him to go away again.

  Lord Peake knew her family, liked her family. She even thought he had grown to like her.

  Lottie turned to examine his face. He looked pleased. Was he pleased because things were settled with Miss Bolton? She had to ask. She needed to know.

  * * * * *

  Peake had worn his best blue coat that day as he’d expected to see Lady Lottie. She looked as pretty and fresh as ever in a blush-colored day dress. Her rosewater scent drifted to him.

  “It is strange that I no longer smell you aunt’s lavender perfume when I’m in her company.”

  “I replaced the fragrance in the bottle she uses with water,” Lottie replied. “She hasn’t noticed.”

  “You didn’t!”

  Lottie laughed, a sweet sound of mirth he’d grown to love. “It was Rose’s idea.”

  Rose raced to them with her wriggling puppy in her arms.

  “Lottie! He has learnt the command ‘sit.’ Let me show you.” Rose placed the dog on the ground only for it to scamper away from her. “Livingston!” She ran after the dog.

  Lottie shook her head although she smiled after her sister. A warm rush of feeling came over him. He didn’t understand it yet, but he thought he might be in love with the remarkable woman beside him.

  “Rose will soon return to Marcourt.”

  “You will miss her,” he replied. “It does you credit that you care so much for your family.”

  “Yes, despite her headstrong ways, I will miss Rose. Has Ambrose invited you to dinner?” Lottie asked him.

  “He has not.”

  “Then I will. Would you join our family this evening? It may be a while before we are all together again.”

  “I have intruded on your family so often of late.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “You are almost family yourself, Lord Peake.”

  “Am I?” he asked, gratified to see Lottie’s cheeks turn pink. “You think of me as a brother, perhaps.”

  Lottie did not speak.

  “I cannot think of you as a sister.” Lottie did not laugh. He was encouraged by her silence.

  He would have said more, but Lottie asked, “How was your trip to your estate?”

  “Very productive. It was nice to see my mother. She is all the family I have left.”

  “Were you close to your father?”

  It was strange that neither looked away as they spoke. As strange as it was for them to speak so intimately.

  “I was not. He and I were very different. I am frugal, and he was a spendthrift.”

  “Ambrose tells me your father had a very vibrant personality,” Lottie replied.

  “Oh yes, very vibrant. He charmed all around him.” He was surprised that his voice did not sound as harsh as it usually did when speaking of his father. He didn’t feel as much angst anymore when thinking of him.

  His mother had known his father better than anyone had. She knew who he was and accepted him the way he was. He didn’t think Miss Bolton’s parents should try to change their daughter. He couldn’t imagine anyone trying to change Lottie. She was perfect the way she was.

  Lottie cleared her throat delicately. “Did you see your intended?”

  “Miss Bolton is not my intended. Not yet. Well, not ever.”

  “She’s not?” she asked, her eyes wide. He stared at her heart-shaped face, wondering that he had never seen the depths in her that he saw now.

  “We would not suit.”

  “Better to know that now,” Lottie replied.

  He nodded.

  “That means you have no further need of my help.”

  That idea hadn’t occurred to him. Her face was not as open as it had been. He wasn’t concerned. He had the answer.

  “I am still in need of a wife. You could help me find one.”

  “What are your requirements?” she asked softly, her gaze moving to where Rose played with her dog.

  “Strangely enough, I require a woman very much like you.”

  “Lord Peake . . .”

  “Kind, sweet natured, loyal.”

  She frowned. “Many women could fit that description.”

  “I told Lord Halford we were courting.” He felt his cheeks grow warm. His cravat felt tight around his neck.

  “You did?” Her eyes were on him again, a smile playing about her lips.

  “I felt the need to protect you.” He shook his head. “It is the strangest thing. I wanted to help your aunt because of you. Your happiness matters to me.”

  “I understand. I want you to be happy too.” Lottie took a deep breath. “I can’t bear the thought of you going away again.”

  At her words, he thought his heart would burst. How could anyone bear to be so happy? “Please say I may ask your brother to court you.”

  “I would like that very much, Lord Peake.”

  * * * * *

  Ambrose sent for her after he’d spoken with Lord Peake. Lottie assured him of her affection for the viscount.

  “It is like a bolt of lightning has hit me and I see Lord Peake differently.” She shook her head. “Where once I thought his being quiet was arrogance. Now I know he is sometimes shy, sometimes unsure of himself.”

  “And you care for him?” She thought her brother looked awfully smug about something.

  “I do. More than I ever thought possible.”

  “I heartily approve of the match,” Ambrose replied.

  “You will be all right in the country caring for Rose on your own?”

  He nodded. “Rose and I will get along famously. Aunt Abigail may stay in Suffolk with Lady Peake or come to Marcourt. I will manage either way.”

  Lottie waited to speak to Rose about recent events until Iris and Chastain arrived for dinner. She pulled her sisters into the morning room. Seated across from Iris and Rose, she was happy to see joy on both of her sister’s faces when she made her announcement.

  “That is wonderful!” Iris clapped her hands.

  “How lovely,” Rose said. “I should like to have Lord Peake in the family.”

  “Are you sure, dearest? You are not upset with me?”

  Rose shook her head. “I am much too busy with Livingston to be worried about gentlemen right now. Between caring for a dog and my writing, I have no time for frivolous pursuits.”

  Lottie and Iris exchanged a look. The plan to distract Rose with a pet had worked better than the
y could have imagined.

  Rose gave Lottie a brief hug. “I am very happy for you, Lottie. I must go tell Livingston the good news.”

  When their sister had left the room, Iris grinned at Lottie. “Evidently no one in this family is destined to marry Sir Thomas. I knew you would find a match. I hoped it would be Lord Peake. There was always something between you. I could see it.”

  Although Iris looked as smug as Ambrose, she knew what her sister meant. Last season she had obsessed about Peake’s stuffiness. He had fixated on her exuberance.

  “You’re right, Iris. I didn’t want to like him because he so obviously disapproved of me. And with his family history, I think he would have felt guilty liking someone so high-spirited.” She paused. “I have opened myself to the possibilities between us, and so has he.”

  “Oh, Lottie.” Iris rolled her eyes. “That sounds so romantic. How do you feel about him?”

  “It is hard to explain. I am grateful for his kindness to Rose and Aunt Abigail. He is a true friend to our brother and Chastain.” She bit her lip for a moment. “I like him, but not in the way I like Sir Thomas or Chastain. I look forward to seeing him, and I can’t imagine him not being here. Near me. I’ve never felt that way about a man before.”

  “Well, I know it,” Iris said. “Lottie, I think you’re falling in love.”

  She let out a long breath. “Is that what this feeling is? One moment I’m excited, the next moment I’m terrified. As crazy as it sounds, I hope this feeling lasts forever.”

  Epilogue

  June 1823, Hill House

  “I think your mother and Aunt Abigail are getting along very well,” Lottie whispered to Lord Peake as they stood in one of the glasshouses watching Lady Peake tell Lady Markham the names of her fruit trees.

  The viscount’s arm was through her own. Although they had courted now for a fortnight, she still thrilled to the feel of his forearm beneath her palm.

  “They are,” he replied and stopped walking. The women moved some distance ahead of them before he said, “My mother says she likes you very much.”

  “We only just arrived yesterday.” She paused. “Although I do think I like her too. She is as generous as her son.”