A Gentleman to Avoid: Sweet Regency Romance (Sherton Sisters Book 3)

by Wendy May Andrews

  Georgia frowned a little. “Perhaps successful is a good word?”

  “I’m not sure if that best encompasses my thoughts. After Father taught me about the running of his estates, I realized how very much is involved in it all. But I also understand that many nobles might take it for granted and leave it in the hands of their steward. I think I might find that difficult to respect.”

  “A gentleman often needs to rely on his steward, especially if he has more than one estate, and also takes his seat in the House.”

  “That’s true, but I wouldn’t want a husband who only rode to hounds all day and collected his rents. He should be aware of what’s taking place on his land and how his tenants are faring.”

  “Perhaps, you need both words on your list, but you might want to consider a successful businessman if that’s how you feel.”

  Vicky wrinkled her nose. “Someone not of the ton? That might not be the most comfortable.”

  “Well, no, that wasn’t what I meant, although I can assure you that there are perfectly nice people not of the gentry.”

  Vicky laughed. “I didn’t mean to imply that I thought otherwise.”

  “Anyhow, I was thinking about how hard Mr. Northcott must work. He seems to be very informed on every subject, and from what Crossley has said, he is very successful.”

  “Seems to me you have a tendre for the man. Ought I to warn the earl?”

  Georgia made a playful swat against her friend’s shoulder, careful not to bump her arm and thus splotch her ink.

  “Now, you are just being ridiculous.”

  “Anyhow, I don’t actually think Mr. Ashford Northcott fits my personal definition of successful and hard working. I think he vacillates too much between ignoring his business interests all together and then going away for a couple of years and only focusing on his business. Neither would make for a comfortable marital arrangement, in my opinion.”

  “What makes you think that of him?” Georgia frowned.

  “I don’t know him well, but when he was trying to court Rosabel before she wed Wexford, he spent some time with us. I know he had been away for years. But now, it doesn’t seem that he ever works, as he is always gadding about to social events and escorting debutantes here and there.”

  Vicky again felt the prickling sensation of Georgia’s searching gaze.

  “Including you,” she pointed out.

  Vicky shrugged. “At your insistence,” she countered. “But never mind about him, help me finish this list and think of real candidates that I ought to consider.” Vicky didn’t want her friend to continue thinking Mr. Ashford Northcott would be a good match for her. “As a married lady and also my best friend, what do you think I ought to be considering as necessary qualities in a husband?”

  Georgia’s face suffused with joy over Vicky’s words, and she finally left the subject of Northcott, at least for the time being. Vicky knew her tenacious friend and hostess well enough to be well aware that she couldn’t be easily dissuaded from an idea once she was convinced of something.

  “Well, it might not make any sense. Even as I’m thinking it, I know you’re going to think I’m a candidate for Bedlam, but I think you might like a dictatorial gentleman.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “I knew you’d think I’ve gone mad.”

  Vicky nodded but grinned. “I suppose you’re saying that because your particular gentleman is forever trying to tell others what they ought to do. But perhaps, you like that because you’re the eldest in your family and are therefore quite used to telling everyone what to do yourself. So, it seems natural and normal to you. But I’m not so certain it would have quite the same effect upon me.”

  “Well, it’s not exactly the dictatorial part that’s so lovely,” Georgia tried to explain as her cheeks flooded with colour. “It’s the sparks that end up flying when you resist being dictated to.”

  Vicky couldn’t suppress the gales of laughter that followed. “Now, I know for certain it is because you are eldest. I would not produce sparks, I’m quite afraid. I would probably meekly submit to the pressure, despite resenting it dreadfully. It sounds like the perfect recipe for disaster.”

  Georgia gazed at her in consternation before nodding. “Perhaps, you are correct,” she finally admitted. “Let us put this aside for now. It is time to begin our preparations for the evening anyhow. I would suggest that you try to keep an open mind about the gentlemen we encounter this evening, observe as many as possible, and we can revisit your list tomorrow.”

  Vicky nodded even though she had little enthusiasm for the project. She would rather consider it on her own. Her friend’s extreme delight in her own marital state didn’t lend itself to being realistic about Vicky’s chances of finding the same. But despite her envy for her friend, Vicky was happy for her, even if she doubted she would achieve the same for herself.

  Chapter Four

  Ashford was relieved when his carriage finally slowed and turned into the lane leading to Crossley. The motion of the carriage and the jarring of the rough road had made reading the briefs he had brought with him challenging. He had regretted choosing to be driven rather than riding almost as soon as they had left London, but while he would have enjoyed the long ride, it would have felt like wasted time. At least this way he had managed to get some work done, despite the poor state of the roads. He was fairly certain he would be able to read the notes he had taken, despite the bumps and sways.

  It was obvious when they had reached Crossley’s vicinity, as the roads had vastly improved. So even though it was even further than he had expected, all his papers and notes were safely stowed long before his carriage pulled to a stop in front of the wide façade of the stately home.

  An attentive footman rushed forward to open the door, and Ash stepped down with an appreciative smile to the servant as he gazed about at his surroundings. He nodded with approval at what he saw. The earl seemed to be very efficient in the running of his estate. So many noblemen were more determined to stick to tradition rather than improvement, from what Ashford had observed. His own father was no exception to that, despite the many suggestions Ash had tried to make over the years. The Earl of Everleigh was as set in the old ways as any of his cronies. Ash only hoped his brother would be more open to improvements.

  He shook his head. He shouldn’t concern himself with it. If they didn’t want to listen to him, that was their right, but he loved the home he had grown up in and all the lands and tenants that came with it. And he didn’t want to see it squandered before it became his nephew’s legacy. Shaking off the dull sensation that such thoughts, coupled with the long drive, left his mind in, Ash left his carriage and baggage in the capable hands of the servants and stepped forward to greet his host, who had just stepped out to welcome him.

  “Northcott, welcome, I’m glad to see you.”

  Ash laughed. “Only ladies in residence thus far, Crossley?”

  The earl joined his laughter but shook his head in dismay. “So many ladies. And all of them giggling over their needlework. I don’t know what I was thinking to agree to my wife’s idea of hosting all of them.”

  “You were thinking that you liked being in her good graces.”

  The earl grinned. “That must’ve been it.”

  Ash eyed the house. “How many ladies are we talking about, Crossley? Should I sneak around by the back door and avoid encountering them? Or ought you to have a couple horses saddled for us, and we could escape a little longer?”

  Crossley’s narrowed eyes made Ashford laugh anew.

  “You did know you were coming to a house party that could be viewed as an extension of the Season, did you not? Since I am already matched, I can be excused for my wish to escape, but out of loyalty to my countess, I probably ought to object to you wishing it.”

  Ash’s grin felt as though it were splitting his cheeks. “I did have a reasonably good idea of what I was letting myself in for when I accepted your wife’s invitation, have no fear. But
after the long drive, I thought a good ride might blow out the cobwebs before I face the giggles.”

  Crossley returned his smile and clapped him on his shoulder in the age-old indication of gentlemen in agreement.

  Chapter Five

  Vicky’s ears strained to hear any further evidence of Ashford Northcott’s arrival while trying to appear as though she were engaged in the conversations flowing around her. She had discovered early in her debut that it was possible to smile and nod as others spoke, and no one would realize that she wasn’t actually paying the least bit of attention. It was very rare that anyone actually ever asked a question to which they expected an elaborate answer. In this way, she had developed a reputation for being an excellent conversationalist. She smiled to herself as she thought of it. The ton was rather ridiculous. She wouldn’t be in the least bit disappointed to leave it behind, for the most part. Which was why her sister’s idea of wedding a gentleman who was not a noble had been such a good idea. When her mind quickly flitted to thoughts of Mr. Ashford Northcott, Vicky ignored it. Anyone but him, she thought with a shudder she tried to suppress.

  Which left her wondering why she was still trying to ascertain if he had, in fact, arrived. She had thought she heard his voice briefly, after the crunch of wheels had been heard in the drive. But then silence had followed, and she had thought perhaps she had conjured him with her senselessly circulating thoughts.

  Returning her attention to the matters at hand, Vicky tried to focus on the conversations swirling through the room. While it was rare that anyone asked her thoughts, it did happen on occasion, and it would not do to be caught out for not paying attention.

  “But Madame Celeste is the best modiste in Town, to be sure.”

  “Surely, you could tell that Lady Caroline had used Monsieur Gallante as her dancing instructor.”

  The conversations hadn’t changed much since she had been caught up in her own thoughts, Vicky reassured herself with a slight smile.

  “Lady Vigilia, might I have your assistance for a moment?”

  The expression on Georgia’s face was hard to interpret as Vicky set aside her needle and thread and came to her feet.

  “Are you all right?” Georgia asked.

  “Perfectly fine, why do you ask?” Vicky appeared puzzled.

  “It seems to me as though your mind is a thousand miles away.”

  Vicky shrugged. “Neither Sarah nor Mary are terribly interesting, to be honest.”

  “But we did agree that their brothers might be good matches for you.”

  “True, but both of those gentleman have yet to arrive,” Vicky pointed out and then interrupted, as Georgia was about to admonish her. “And any gentleman who would listen to his sister’s complaints about his love interest might not be the independent, successful gentleman I am looking for.” She paused for a second while scrutinizing her friend’s face. “Besides, it is very unlikely they are in the least bit aware that I am not deeply fascinated with all they have to say. I have been very careful to hide my disinterest. How did you know?”

  “Have you forgotten that I’ve known you since we were in the nursery?”

  Vicky grinned. “You will never allow me to do so. Now, what did you wish me to assist you with?”

  “Oh nothing, I just wanted to check on you.”

  “Well, if you don’t want to draw attention to my inattention, you had best come up with something, my dear, since you called me over here on the pretext of needing my assistance.”

  Georgia laughed. “Perhaps, I can merely claim I have forgotten, and everyone will smile indulgently and consider that I have lost my mind by being with child.”

  “It seems to me you use that excuse almost as often as you claim that being with child shouldn’t affect you or your circumstances in the least. It hardly seems fair that you are trying to have it both ways.”

  Georgia grinned and shrugged, clearly not in the least bit repentant.

  “No one has noticed anyway, so you needn’t trouble yourself over it. But if you really need something to do, you could run tell the housekeeper that we’re likely to be a few more for tea this afternoon.”

  Vicky frowned. “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve heard at least one carriage, possibly two or three arrive. Since the butler hasn’t come for me, I’m assuming they were gentlemen arriving. So, whatever the housekeeper has planned isn’t likely to be enough if a few gentlemen join us. I would rather have far too much than not enough.”

  “Very well, my lady,” Vicky replied with a small curtsy that caused her friend’s giggle to follow her from the room.

  Hurrying through the large house as quietly as possible, Vicky was torn between hoping she didn’t encounter Ashford and wishing to catch a glimpse of him, if he had indeed arrived. She shook her head at her own foolishness. Georgia wasn’t the only one losing her mind, but at least she had a better excuse.

  “Lady Vigilia, what a pleasure to encounter you.”

  Vicky’s step faltered slightly as she turned toward the gentleman addressing her.

  “Lord Bertram, what a surprise to come upon you.” Vicky hadn’t even known the viscount had been invited. She almost frowned as she wondered if Georgia knew the man was there. Vicky had never told her friend expressly how very uncomfortable Lord Bertram made her, but Vicky had thought she had seen the final list of invitations, as she had been the one to write them out.

  “A good one, I’m sure,” he replied prompting a laugh from Vicky. While she didn’t much like the viscount, you couldn’t question his good opinion of himself. She didn’t bother answering him.

  “Have you just arrived? Has the housekeeper or someone seen to your needs?”

  “Oh yes, Crossley and his servants made me right at home, have no fear.”

  Vicky wasn’t sure if she ought to do something else, but she now had all the more reason to continue with the task Georgia had set her. And seeing as Crossley was not her home, it wasn’t really her place to question whether or not the man had been invited. She dipped into another curtsy with a murmured farewell.

  “I shall see more of you later, to be sure.” Lord Bertram’s not so soothing tones followed her as she hurried toward the housekeeper’s office.

  Mrs. Parks’ door wasn’t closed, so Vicky stuck her head into the room.

  “Mrs. Parks?”

  “Come in, my dear, how may I help you?”

  Vicky bit her lip in indecision. “Lady Crossley asked me to relay the message that some of the gentlemen have arrived, so we’ll need more for tea than she had thought.”

  “I expected as much, and so I instructed the kitchens, but I’ll be sure to go down and review everything before it is served.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Parks,” Vicky answered with a smile, still undecided about the propriety of what she wanted to ask next.

  “Was there anything else, Lady Vigilia?” The older servant’s question was kind, but indicated she was clearly busy.

  “I just encountered Lord Bertram in the hallway. I hadn’t expected to see him.” She didn’t bother to ask a question. If the servant was comfortable telling her anything, she would do so.

  “Thank heavens we had prepared a couple extra rooms just in case some of the configurations we had planned didn’t work out,” Mrs. Parks supplied.

  “So, you hadn’t expected to see him, either,” Vicky concluded.

  “No, my dear, I hadn’t. I thought perhaps he was a last minute addition that no one thought to advise me of.”

  Vicky nodded and then frowned. “I wonder if now our numbers will be out for supper.”

  “Certainly not the end of the world, especially as we’re in the country.”

  “Of course, thank you, Mrs. Parks. I mustn’t keep you.”

  What a strange development, Vicky thought as she made her way back to the salon where the ladies were gathered. She had been a trifle concerned that Georgia had invited the viscount on her account without telling her, but Vicky was quite doub
tful that she would not tell the housekeeper. Was it possible the man had heard about the house party and just decided to show up? That would be rather outlandish, she mused.

  Vicky longed to escape to the library, but with the house filling with company, there was no guarantee that she would have it to herself, so she dutifully made her way back to join the ladies.

  “Was all well?” Georgia inquired in a low voice.

  “Mrs. Parks should be along momentarily, with plenty of provisions for whoever might be here. You have an exceptional staff, George. They seem to work well together and with you.”

  “Yes, thank you. I’ve been pleased with how we’ve pulled together. They made it very easy for me to learn to be a nobleman’s wife.”

  “Did you know Lord Bertram had arrived?”

  Georgia frowned. “Arrived where? Here at Crossley?” At Vicky’s nod, her frown deepened. “How strange. I didn’t invite him. And I rather doubt the earl would have done so. Has it thrown the servants into a bother?”

  “It doesn’t seem to have done so. I think they’ve learned from you to be prepared for anything. Must’ve been your years of mothering your brothers and sisters,” Vicky added with a laugh. “Anyhow, from what Mrs. Parks told me, they had prepared extra rooms just in case, so they were able to accommodate him without delay. But it’s strange, is it not?”

  “Very,” Georgia agreed.

  “And the numbers for the table will be off.”

  “I could send round to invite someone else, or we can just set the table more casually,” Georgia answered with a puzzled frown.

  “That’s what Mrs. Parks said. She was of the opinion that since we’re in the country, we needn’t stand so on ceremony as we would in Town. She’s right. But it is still a bit of a puzzle, isn’t it?”