CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

C HAPTER T WENTY -E IGHT

C harlie arrived at Rose Hill early. He’d barely seen Oriana recently. They had both fallen behind on their duties and needed the time to bring accounts and other things current. He threw his ribbons to Green Two and ran up the shallow steps.

Figgs opened the door and bowed. “Good morning, my lord. Will you be breaking your fast with Miss Ognon this morning?”

“I will be.” He tossed the majordomo his hat. “Please inform her that I am here.”

But before anyone could be sent, Oriana appeared at the first landing. “Charlie, what are you doing here so early?”

The sight of her stunned him. She was so beautiful it made his heart beat faster. A shaft of sun played with her hair, bringing out the golden strands of the curls on the sides of her face, making the rest of her glow in the morning light. “I received several missives yesterday. It appears that Lady Stern has invited all of my sisters and their husbands to her ball. They will arrive beginning today. I would like you to be at Stanwood Place to greet them.” He held out his hand as he climbed the stairs. “Will you stand with me? By my side?”

Oriana descended as if she was floating and touched her fingers to his. “I will. I understand Madeline is still at Lady Stern’s. Although I have not had an opportunity to meet her.”

“Dotty and Merton will be there as well.” Charlie placed her hand on his arm and turned to descend with Oriana. “I expect Louisa, Rothwell, Eleanor, and Montagu will be the first. If Alice and St. Albans are traveling from Scotland, they will already be on the road.” He grimaced. “I have no idea when they will get here. Grace and Matt will arrive today about mid-morning. They are only an hour away.”

“We knew they would arrive first.” Oriana matched Charlie’s steps into the dining room. “I must suppose we are still hoping they will have a plan.”

“Unfortunately yes. Nothing has come to my mind.” She had tried to think of a scheme, but it was much more enjoyable dealing with problems to which she had an answer.

“I know the feeling.” They took plates and went to the sideboard. “I hope you don’t mind, but at Stanwood Place and at the house in Town the footmen serve breakfast. We have always done it that way, but when Alice was at the St. Albans estate for the first time and the children were all there, it became apparent that it was not simply tradition but was necessary.”

Oriana started to laugh. “Are you telling me that Hugh, Constance, and the rest of them were allowed to run riot in the breakfast room?”

“That is exactly it.” Charlie began to laugh as well. “Alice immediately gave the order to have the food served.”

“Well, I am very happy that is something I do not have to resolve.”

“My parents started the custom.” He grinned at her. “They were very wise people.”

“It sounds like it. I wish I could have met them.” She handed a footwoman her plate.

He placed his on the table and helped her into her chair. “I wish you could have as well. I like to think they are still watching over us.”

“Sometimes I feel my mother’s presence. But I never feel my father’s.” She arched a brow, her lips pressing together. “He’s probably too busy gambling.”

Charlie still couldn’t understand how a parent could ignore a child. Especially after the other parent had died. “That’s something you won’t have to worry about with me.”

“I know, and I’m grateful for it.” Oriana placed her fingers over his hand.

“I would not have got past our second meeting if you thought I gambled.” Charlie laughed.

“Well, that is true.” She shook out her serviette. “Shall we dine at Stanwood?”

“I think it is best.” He tucked into a piece of roast beef, chewed, and swallowed. “It is easier to transport you there than my family here.”

“That is a fact.” Oriana cradled her teacup in her hands. “It would also cause quite a stir if there were a stream of carriages driving through Liliford to Rose Hill.”

“Indeed.” He took a sip of tea and set down his cup. “I want this to be over.”

“As do I.” Her teeth sunk into her plump bottom lip.

He was about ready to tell Taunton to plan the wedding for tomorrow and have the celebration later.

When they finished eating, she rang for her maid. Kerby arrived and curtseyed. “Yes, miss?”

“I am dining at Stanwood Hall. Please pack a bag and bring what I will need with you.”

Charlie raised a brow. “In the event?”

“That something happens to my gown,” she said in exasperation.

“I didn’t think of that.” He didn’t want them driving home in the dark. There would be no moon at all that evening. “You might as well plan to spend the night.”

Kerby glanced at Oriana. “Yes, that would be the best idea. Pack a bag for yourself as well.”

“Yes, miss. Shall I arrive around four o’clock?”

“No, I think you should come before luncheon. You can also take possession of the room that will be yours.”

“Yes, miss.” The maid grinned and strode toward the hall.

“That made her happy.” He squeezed Oriana’s hand.

“I think she’ll be pleased with the move.” The soft look on her face made him want to take her into his arms.

“And will you be glad as well?” Charlie watched her carefully.

“I will be more delighted than you know. Happier than I thought I could be.” She rose and he jumped to his feet. “Let us be off. I have a feeling that there will be a great deal to do even if they are all family.”

“You have no idea.” Not only would the older children be there but all the younger ones as well. “I wonder if all the Danes are coming too?”

Oriana gave him a surprised look and started to laugh in whoops. “I shall endeavor to be prepared for everything.”

He had to talk to Con. If there was anyone who was devious enough to tell him how to deal with Pettigrew, it was his brother-in-law.

When they arrived at Stanwood they were informed that the ladies were breaking their fast at Stern Manor. “My understanding, my lord, is that Lady Theo and Lady Kenilworth are going to the vicarage in Liliford for a dancing event later this morning. Lord Kenilworth and your cousin are in the library.”

“Thank you, Royston.”

“Miss Ognon.” He bowed. “Mrs. Penny wishes to review the menu with you and have your approval for the bedchamber arrangements.”

“Of course. I shall await her in my”—she slid Charlie a glance and he was more than content to approve her plan—“parlor.”

“I’ll go see Kenilworth and Merton.” Bending down, Charlie brushed his lips against her cheek. “We can meet for luncheon. Perhaps everyone will have returned by then.”

“I will see you then.” Oriana asked for tea and made her way down the opposite corridor from the one to which he was headed.

He opened the door to find Kenilworth and Merton in a deep discussion. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

They both rose. “Stanwood.” Merton held out his hand. “As comfortable as we are here, we wouldn’t run you out of your own library.”

“I’m glad to see you.” Charlie shook the offered appendage. “I understand all the ladies are at your mother-in-law’s house.”

“Yes. Something about dancing lessons for young ladies.” Merton retook his seat.

Kenilworth slapped Charlie’s back. “We have actually been discussing the Pettigrew problem.”

That was interesting. “And have you come up with a solution?”

His brother-in-law nodded. “We won’t tell you until the ball at Stern Manor.”

Merton nodded. “Suffice it to say, we believe it stands an excellent chance of succeeding.”

Charlie considered arguing that it was his life, and that he should be kept informed about what people were planning to do on his behalf but decided to leave well enough alone. After all, he hadn’t been able to resolve the issue. “Very well. I’ll await your instructions.”

Kenilworth grinned and held out his hand to Merton. “My monkey, I believe.”

“I am never gambling with you again,” he groused and took out the coins.

Kenilworth sighed. “If only Rothwell would learn that lesson.”

“You’d think he would if only to save his pride.” Merton glanced at Charlie. “We’ll see you in the drawing room.”

* * *

Shortly after luncheon Oriana was studying the plan of the house’s chambers that Penny left her. Each married couple had rooms they used when visiting that never changed. Oriana hoped they liked the colors she had chosen for the chambers. There was still a section for the family bedchambers. Two of those rooms were occupied by Theo and Mary. The others were being refurbished. When they were told Theo and Charlotte were at Lady Stern’s, Oriana had assumed that Mary would remain with them. A knock came on the door. It was Mary.

“Come in. I did not expect you to be here until later. Have Charlotte and Theo returned as well?”

Mary took a seat in front of the desk. “No. I did not attend the dance morning with them.” She glanced around the study, speaking as she did. “We—Theo and I—have known for a long time that we would not be able to come out together. She even talked about putting off her come out, but I told her that it would be better if she did not. She can be there when I come out and support me.”

“That sounds like excellent advice.” And extremely mature counsel at that. Oriana wondered why they were having this conversation. “Did she agree?”

Mary nodded her head. “She did.” Bright blue eyes that looked so much like Charlie’s turned to Oriana. “The dance morning is the first thing that we have not been able to do together since we became sisters.” Tears welled in the girl’s eyes. “I miss her already.”

Oriana quickly came around the desk and wrapped her arms around her soon-to-be youngest sister. “My dear, I wish I could tell you that I know how you feel, but I do not. I do know what it is like to lose family members. At least you will not be losing Theo forever.” There had to be something else she could say to comfort Mary. “You still have several months until the Season begins to remain together. I will not tell you that you will not miss her because you will, but your life will be changing as well.” Without removing her arms, Oriana sat in the chair next to Mary. “We will think of things for you to do and experience. Perhaps you will make new friends. Not to replace Theo. No one could do that. But to do things with.” Then Oriana thought of Martha Stern, who was Mary’s age. “Were you not friends with Martha?”

“A little,” she said into Oriana’s bodice. “But I was only five when Grace and Matt married. We did not see each other much after that. Now she has new friends.”

“We will contrive.” Oriana hugged the girl tightly. “You will enjoy your time with Theo before she marries, and meanwhile we will also find other friends for you. From what I have heard one can make close friends with girls who come out with you that can last a lifetime.”

Mary gazed up at Oriana. “Did that happen with you?”

“No. But only because my two close friends moved away, and then things happened so quickly for me that I left where I had been living without sending them my new address.” She smiled at Mary. “And then I became very busy. However, now I will make a point of locating them and getting back in touch.”

“Matt has a very good investigator.” Mary nodded again. “He will be able to help.”

“Thank you for telling me.” Oriana rose and tugged the bellpull. It had not taken her long to recognize the maturity in Mary. That was a trait that could be used to aid her. “Why do we not assist each other?”

“I would like that.” A tentative smile dawned on her lips. “Do you think I could come and stay with you sometimes? Not just when the rest of the family is here?”

“Of course you may.” Her request caused Oriana’s heart to squeeze. She would do everything she could for this youngest sister. “This is your home as well.”

A footman knocked and opened the door. “Miss?”

“We would like tea and biscuits, please.”

The servant glanced at Mary. “Cook has made lemon tarts. I can bring some.”

“That would be excellent,” Mary said. “Thank you.”

“Come, let us sit on the sofa. Perhaps we can think of some ideas.” Oriana took Mary by the hand. “I do think that you and Martha should become friends again, and you with her friends as well, as you will all be coming out together.”

Mary shook her head. “Her friend will come out a year before her.”

“In that event you will both have a great deal in common.” Oriana wondered if, when the time came, she should speak with Lady Stern about their come out. “You will even be able to assist her.”

“I never thought of it that way.” Tea was served, and Mary picked up a lemon tartlet. As mature as she was, she was still a girl with things to learn about people and life.

Oriana poured two cups of tea and gave one to Mary. “Will you be allowed to see the ladies in their ball gowns?”

“Yes. Lady Stern said that we can watch from the landing, and that a footman would bring up samples of what is being served at supper.”

“Excellent.” Oriana recalled an image of her mother dressed for a ball. “I think that was even more fun than attending balls myself.” She had not had to contend with feckless gentlemen.

Mary drank her tea, finished her tartlet, and rose. “Thank you.” She hugged Oriana. “I am going to like having you for a sister.”

Oriana embraced Mary as well. “I am going to like being your sister.”

Mary was walking out as Charlie strolled in. He opened his mouth, and Oriana put one finger on his lips. Once she was certain the girl was far enough away, she glanced out of the door and closed it.

“What was that about?” He gave her an amused look.

“Mary came in to talk. Theo went to the dance morning and Mary could not attend as well. It was the first time it dawned on her how different it will be when Theo comes out.”

“Ahh.” He sank onto one of the small sofas, took Mary’s empty cup, and poured tea into it. “It seemed you handled it well.”

“I suggested she become better friends with Martha Stern. They are the same age and no doubt would have become bosom friends had she not moved to Worthington Place. Martha now has a new close friend, but the friend is a year older. I thought we could have Mary stay with us in the summer and at other times during the year so that she can spend more time with the other girls.”

He rubbed his chin and stared at a clock on the mantel. “That is a wonderful idea.” He stared at her for a moment. “You will have to change your gown. Something spilled on it.”

Oriana glanced down. It was wet from Mary’s tears. “I will go up now. Finish your tea.”

She went to her dressing room and found Kerby had prepared a gown and had brought some of Oriana’s garments as well. “I must change.”

“Straightaway.” Her maid took down the gown. “When should I start bringing your other clothing over?”

“I would say that half of my gowns and other things can be brought here. I just need enough to get through the next few days.”

By the time she had changed and attained the hall, carriages were rolling up the drive.

Charlie joined her. “Are you ready?”

“I am.” More than ready.