“Your Grace, I’ll see to Finley now,” Mrs. Kingston said, coming into the room.
Hannah gave Finley a kiss before handing him over to his nurse. “Thank you, Mrs. Kingston.” The nurse nodded and cradled the baby to her chest before exiting the room.
“Mrs. Kingston is thoroughly enamored of Finley as well,” Courtney said.
“She is, and I’m so pleased to have found her.”
Courtney picked up her basket of projects. “I’ll finish this scarf and make the mittens to match.”
Hannah rang the bell pull. Within moments, Sally answered.
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Has Gray returned from the dressmaker?”
“I believe she’s just returned. Shall I fetch her?”
Hannah nodded, and Sally left the room.
Within moments, Hannah’s lady’s maid knocked and entered the parlor. “Your Grace, you have need of me?”
“Were you able to procure the fabric I requested?”
Gray untied the string on the parcel she was carrying and laid the contents on the low table in front of the sofa. “Mrs. Phillips was happy to contribute,” she said, fingering a length of pink satin.
Hannah sorted through the fabrics. “These are wonderful. Thank you, Gray.”
“Would you care for another pair of hands?”
Courtney clapped her hands. “That would be wonderful. Your stitches are always so beautiful.”
Gray nodded. “I’ll fetch my sewing kit and return in a moment.”
Courtney hugged Hannah. “This will be the best Christmas ever! I can’t thank you enough for your help.”
“I’m happy to do whatever I can. Now, tell me about your visit with Violet. Did you happen to see a handsome lord while you were there?”
“I did indeed, but only for a moment.”
“Oh?”
“He had business to attend to and merely greeted me, but he did kiss my hand. I felt the most intense tingles.”
Hannah smiled. “Seems you might be developing a tendre for Lord Edgerton, although you must remember you’ll be meeting many other gentlemen during your Season. It’s best to keep an open mind.”
“I know, but I can’t imagine feeling this way about anyone else.”
Hannah grasped Courtney’s hand. “My dear, do not rush into anything. If your feelings for Lord Edgerton are true, you’ll feel the same way throughout the Season. Enjoy this time. There’s nothing to compare with the excitement of your first Season.”
Chapter 13
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN a week, Edgerton found himself pacing outside of Jeffries’ office. Assuming his first meeting with the director was any indication of how this would go, Edgerton prepared himself for a royal dressing down. While he waited, his thoughts went to how soft Lady Courtney’s hand had been that morning when he held it in his own. It had felt so right. His growing feelings for the young woman surprised him, especially since he’d never been attracted to an innocent before, but he could no longer deny that each time he saw her, his feelings grew stronger. She was someone he could easily envision at the breakfast table every day and in his bed every night.
His mother was once again hinting that it was time for him to choose a wife and start his own nursery. He knew he owed it to the title, though he hadn’t felt any urgency until now. It was time to talk to Wetherby about openly courting his sister. Then, after Wetherby gave his consent, he’d speak with Courtney to see if she shared his feelings. He thought she did, based on her reaction to his presence, but without talking to her, he was merely guessing.
The clerk opened the door. “Lord Edgerton, you may come in.”
Edgerton nodded and strode into the office. The clerk closed the door behind him.
Jeffries was standing by the window, the sunlight framing him and gleaming off his white hair. He could easily have been an avenging angel. When he turned toward Edgerton, his face was a mask of irritation. “Edgerton, I don’t like whatever you’re going to tell me. Think carefully about your next words.”
If the situation hadn’t been so dire, Edgerton would have taken more time to think about what he was going to say, but there would no sugar coating the situation. The director was always direct, and it was important to the smooth running of his spy network that he was pleased with Edgerton’s handling of missions. Nearly all of his other missions in the past year had gone smoothly, but this one was nothing but trouble. Jeffries’ scathing glare would scare a less confident man.
“Sir, there’s been a complication in the Red Knight situation.”
Jeffries walked to his desk and plopped down in the chair. “That mission has been nothing but trouble. Either you’re not grasping my wishes or Red Knight is losing his effectiveness. If that’s the case, he’ll need to be assigned elsewhere.”
Edgerton shook his head. “Red Knight has done everything asked of him and more. The problem lies with the magistrate.”
“Now I’m sure I won’t like this.”
Edgerton spent the next fifteen minutes informing Jeffries of the latest developments and Red Knight’s solution for the leader’s family.
“When is the sentencing?”
“In two days.”
“I want you there to keep that man in line.”
“I’ve sent a messenger with a note that this behavior will not be tolerated in the future. I believe my appearance would only add to the notoriety of the case, as I have no business in the north that could possibly explain my attendance.”
Jeffries sat motionless for the next few minutes, absorbing all the details and ramifications of the mission. “I want a report about this magistrate—everything he does, who he meets with, and who he talks to. Is that understood? This fiasco will not happen again.”
“Yes, sir,” Edgerton said, turning for the door.
“And Edgerton?”
Edgerton looked back at the director, anticipating another scathing remark. “Yes?”
“My compliments to Red Knight. His solution speaks highly of him.”
“I’ll be sure to pass them along,” Edgerton said, striding out the door and leaving the director’s office. Once he gained the outside, he took a deep, calming breath. Seeing Jeffries was never a good thing, especially when events didn’t go the way he wanted, but for Jeffries to compliment Red Knight was a rare and welcome event. Red Knight would be back in London in a few days, and Edgerton looked forward to telling him of the director’s praise.
FOR THE NEXT WEEK, they worked on the presents for the children of the foundling home. All the children would receive scarves and mittens, and the little girls would receive dolls while the little boys got tin soldiers. All the dolls had been made, and Hannah would send Thomas for the tin soldiers this week. The older boys and girls would also receive paper and quills to practice their writing—a rare commodity for orphans. Everything would be delivered three days before Christmas.
Courtney and Katherine were in the parlor when there was a knock on the door.
“Enter,” Katherine said.
“Your Grace, a letter has arrived for you,” Thomas said, holding the silver salver toward her.
Katherine took the letter and opened the seal. “It’s a dinner invitation from Lavinia.”
“When is it?” Courtney asked, setting her knitting aside.
“On Friday.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Violet again. I like her a great deal and am so happy we’re becoming such dear friends.”
“She includes Camden and Hannah in her invitation as well.”
Hannah joined them in the parlor.
“Good timing. Lady Edgerton has invited us all to dine with her on Friday,” Katherine said.
“That would be lovely. I’d love to attend.”
Wetherby joined the family a few moments after his wife.
“Oh? Where are you going, my darling?”
“Lady Edgerton is hosting a dinner on Friday.”
“Will you be well enough to attend?”
Hannah nodded. “I’ve been feeling better every day.”
Bethany wheeled in a tea tray, curtsied, and left the parlor.
“Courtney dear, will you pour?” Katherine said.
“Of course, Mama.” Courtney stood and prepared tea for everyone.
“Courtney, would you like to accompany me to Mrs. Phillips’ tomorrow?” Hannah said. “Perhaps you’d like something new to complement your dress for the Edgerton dinner?”
“I would love to, that is…, if Mama has no objection,” Courtney said, looking at her mother.
“No objection at all. In fact, I’d be delighted to accompany you as well,” Katherine said.
Wetherby groaned as the women discussed shopping.
“Did you say something, my darling?” Hannah asked with a chuckle.
Wetherby shook his head. “I shall enjoy receiving all the invoices,” he said with a chuckle.
“That’s what I thought,” Hannah said, giving Wetherby a playful slap on the arm before leaning over and kissing him.
The next day, Katherine, Hannah, and Courtney went to the modiste.
“Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you,” Mrs. Phillips said. “How may I help you?”
“Did you receive the fabrics you mentioned to me the last time I was here?”
“Indeed we did.” Mrs. Phillips turned to the shop girl. “Louisa, please fetch the new arrivals.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Louisa said and disappeared into the back room. When she returned, she had an armload of satins and velvets, which she laid out on a nearby table.
Courtney was immediately drawn to the red satin. “This is so beautiful,” she said, fingering the soft fabric.
“It will look lovely on you. We shall order a dress for Christmas,” Hannah said.
“I agree with Hannah,” Katherine said. “This color is stunning.”
Hannah chose a combination of silks and velvets for dresses and a new riding habit in navy velvet. “Will these dresses be done in time for Christmas?” Hannah asked, holding up the blue and red satin bolts.
“Yes, Your Grace. If you would be so kind as to come back next week for the final fitting, both gowns will be ready on time,” Mrs. Phillips said.
“Thank you, Mrs. Phillips. Your work is exquisite, and I have no doubt the gowns will be spectacular. Good day to you.”
They exited the modiste’s shop and made purchases at various shops on Bond Street. Courtney bought new ribbons for her hair and a pair of beautiful white evening gloves.
“Those will be the perfect complement to your blue satin gown,” Katherine said.
“Thank you, Mama.”
The next two days seem to crawl by. Courtney finished the last of the knitting for the children’s presents, practiced the pianoforte, read, and helped her mother wrap all the presents for the home. The more she thought about spending time with Lord Edgerton at the dinner, the more anxious she became. Would he be happy to see her? She certainly hoped so because she longed to see him again.
The night of the Edgerton dinner finally arrived.
“You look beautiful,” Nell said, winding the blue ribbon through Courtney’s curls. “This ribbon matches your dress so well.”
“Thank you, Nell. I thought so when I saw it.”
By the time Courtney was ready, Katherine had already gone downstairs. Hannah and Wetherby were waiting in the foyer when Courtney got there.
“Are we ready?” Wetherby asked.
Courtney pressed her palm against her belly to quell the fluttering. “Yes.”
There were nods all around, and Hester handed out cloaks and scarves for the ladies. Wetherby handed the ladies up into the carriage before entering and sitting next to his wife. “Have I told you that you look beautiful this evening, my darling?”
“At least three times, but I’ll never tire of hearing you say it.”
“And I shall never tire saying it. In fact, all you ladies look beautiful tonight.”
The ride to the Edgerton townhouse was short, and before long, Wetherby handed the women down.
Akers opened the door, collected the outerwear, and passed it off to the footman. “Good evening, Your Graces. Please follow me,” he said before leading them to the parlor. “The Duke and Duchess of Wetherby, the Dowager Duchess of Wetherby, and Lady Courtney Darkin,” he announced.
Edgerton and Lavinia walked over to greet their guests. “Your Graces, it’s good to see you again,” Lavinia said with a curtsy. She bussed Katherine’s cheek and greeted Wetherby, Hannah, and Courtney.
Edgerton bowed to Wetherby and kissed Hannah’s gloved hand. “Your Grace, you look as beautiful as ever.”
Hannah smiled. “Thank you, my lord.”
Wetherby, Hannah, and Katherine moved into the room.
Courtney curtsied. “My lord, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” she said, flashing him her prettiest smile.
Edgerton brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Lady Courtney, you’re a vision this evening.”
Courtney felt the heat travel up her neck to her face at the compliment. “Thank you, my lord.”
Edgerton held out his arm, and Courtney placed her fingers on his strong forearm.
“My mother has invited additional guests. Allow me to introduce you,” he said, moving into the room. “May I present the Earl of Carlisle and his sister, Lady Arabella?”
Courtney curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord, Lady Arabella.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Carlisle said, bowing over Courtney’s hand.
“Lady Courtney, I look forward to furthering our acquaintance,” Lady Arabella said.
“And this is Lord Welles,” Edgerton said.
Courtney curtsied. “Good evening, my lord.”
Welles lifted her hand and kissed the air above her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Courtney.”
After the introductions, Edgerton escorted Courtney over to his sister. “If you’ll excuse me, there’s something I need to attend to.”
“Of course.”
“I’m so happy you’ve come,” Violet said. She leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Lord Welles makes me nervous. I don’t like the way he leers at me. Promise you’ll stay with me.”
“Has he said anything inappropriate?” Courtney asked.
Violet shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I just have a sense of unease around him.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll stay by your side after dinner.”
“Thank you.”
Lady Arabella ambled over to the two women. “Ladies, are we trading secrets?”
“Not at all,” Courtney said. “We were discussing our visit to the foundling home next week.”
“I see. I’m afraid that I find such places distasteful—dirty children always trying to touch you.”
It was Violet’s turn to speak up. “The foundling home overseen by Mrs. Hastings is nothing of the kind. The children are respectful, clean, and eager to learn.”
Lady Arabella shrugged, apparently uninterested in talking further about the home and the plight of orphans.
Courtney was offended, but not surprised by Lady Arabella’s attitude. Many in the ton didn’t feel any responsibility to those less fortunate, especially the orphans. That one simple conversation led her to know she would not be furthering a friendship with Arabella.
EDGERTON CIRCULATED AROUND THE room, making sure everyone had been introduced and had a drink in hand. He’d not been pleased when his mother had informed him of the additional dinner guests. With the incl
usion of Carlisle and Lady Arabella, her matchmaking was obvious. The lady was quite pretty, with dark hair and chocolate-brown eyes. He’d noticed her during her first Season and had danced with her a few times, but there was no spark, not like the one he felt when he was with Lady Courtney. Wouldn’t his mother be surprised when she found out he was interested in courting Courtney.
When dinner was announced, Wetherby and Hannah led the group into the dining room. Edgerton escorted both Lavinia and Katherine, Carlisle led his sister, and Lord Wells escorted Courtney and Violet. Wetherby sat at the head of the table, and Edgerton sat at the opposite end with Lady Arabella on his left and his mother on his right. He was not pleased to see that Courtney was seated next to the Earl of Carlisle in the middle of the table, making conversation with her impossible.
He wasn’t well acquainted with Carlisle only what he’d heard from other sources. The man was nearing thirty and had a good reputation as a responsible lord to his title and tenants. He didn’t drink to excess and very rarely gambled. He was rumored to be well-off and had charmed more than one young woman into a kiss or two during the Season. He’d heard Carlisle would be wife-hunting come spring, and more than one matchmaking mama would be pushing her daughter into Carlisle’s path. Edgerton studied the man with a critical eye. His black hair, strong jaw line, and vivid green eyes would no doubt make him much in demand as a dance partner.
Throughout the dinner, Edgerton watched Courtney’s reactions to Carlisle. She was animated and smiled too much for his comfort. He hoped she was not becoming enamored with him?
“My lord, is there something amiss?” Lady Arabella asked.
Edgerton tore his gaze away from Courtney and looked at Lady Arabella. “Pardon?”
“Forgive me, but you’re scowling, so I asked if something was amiss.”
Edgerton smiled at the dark-haired beauty. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me thinking about a pesky problem at my country estate. I do apologize for bringing that to this delightful dinner.”
Arabella kept up a steady stream of conversation, and for the rest of the dinner, Edgerton made a conscious effort not to glare at Carlisle and especially not to let his gaze rest on Courtney overlong.
A Viscount's Heart for Christmas (Book 5, Age of Innocence) Page 8