CHAPTER FIVE

C HAPTER F IVE

F iggs, Oriana’s majordomo, entered the breakfast room and bowed. “Miss, Miss Scully is here with the obelisk. Shall I have her take it to the garden?”

Oriana swallowed her last bit of tea and rose. “No, thank you. I’ll show her around back. I’ll need one of the gardeners to anchor it into the ground and plant the herbs.”

“I’ll have Cross come straightaway, miss.”

She strode into the hall where Sally Scully stood. “Good morning.”

“Good morning. I am excited to see the finished product.”

“I hope you like it.” She appeared distracted.

“Come, and I will show you to the kitchen garden.” Sally nodded and followed Oriana out the door. “Is everything going well?”

“I think it is.”

Cross, the head gardener, trotted to the back of Sally’s wagon, followed by one of the other gardeners. “I’ve got it, miss.”

“Thank you.” Oriana glanced quickly at Sally. She had probably placed the obelisk in the wagon herself and would have been happy to take it out again.

Oriana led them to the place in the garden she had set aside for the new decoration. The final piece was prettier than she had imagined it would be. Metal leaves climbed the stand, and the globe holding a weathervane was covered in copper. “This is so beautiful and very well done. How did you get the idea for the sphere?”

Sally blushed slightly. “I had a visitor who asked to see if I worked on any specialty items, and I showed her this.”

That was interesting. “A visitor? Someone not from here?”

The color in her cheeks deepened. “It was Mrs. Hammersmith.”

The Stanwood town blacksmith was Hammersmith. Everyone knew that Miss Scully was to meet a young man at the assembly, but no one had known the name. “The mother of the man you are supposed to meet at the assembly?”

“The very same.” A third gardener brought out the rosebushes and lavender plants. “She said she couldn’t stay away and had to meet me. Pa said that my ma would’ve done the same.”

Put like that, it made sense. “Yes, I can see that. She would want to have some idea of the woman her son might wed.” The gardeners finished their work, and Oriana admired the obelisk. “What did you think of her?”

She and Sally turned to walk back to the front of the house. “I liked her. She’s tall as me and said her daughters were tall too. I suppose that means her son won’t mind me not being a little thing.”

That was actually one of the worries Oriana had for the blacksmith. “Does that put your mind at ease?”

“It does.” She nodded. “His lordship said as much to my pa, but I liked hearing it from Mrs. Hammersmith.”

Oriana imagined it would be comforting. She had been a little concerned when Lord Stanwood had taken on the task of matchmaking that he would not choose well. “I hope his lordship is right about the rest of it.”

Sally was about to climb into her wagon and stopped. “Don’t you like him?”

His gambling was reason enough for Oriana not to care for the man, but she could not poison the opinions of others. “I have only met him once. He seems to be a nice person.”

“That’s what others have said.” She nodded her head, as if cementing an idea. “Steady and knows his duty.”

If he didn’t gamble his holdings away. “That is important in a landowner.”

The blacksmith climbed into the cart and took up the reins. “My pa said as he’s a lot like the old Lord Stanwood, and that things should go better for everyone now.” She smiled. “Not that they’ve been bad. The lord takin’ care of everything was fair. But having our own lord is better. I’ll see you at the assembly.”

“Yes.” Oriana was well and truly trapped with it being held here. “I shall see you there.”

Sally waved and started her horse, and Oriana made her way inside the house. Everyone appeared to have a good opinion of Lord Stanwood except for her. Her aunt had met him at Lady Stern’s house when he’d arrived with his sisters, and she had liked him. Of course that meant that Aunt Prue would definitely be practicing matchmaking herself. Oriana threw up her hands. Why could not anyone believe she had no interest in marriage? She had enough trouble with her cousin. There was no reason to add a husband to her list of things she must manage. She sighed. If things were different. If she had not inherited the house and property. Perhaps she could consider marriage. Oriana would like children. But that was not what life had handed her. It had given her dependents who looked to her for their livelihood.

“Oh, there you are, my dear.” Aunt Prue descended the stairs. “I have been looking for you.”

“Sally Scully brought the obelisk. She did a wonderful job.”

“Did she mention if she is looking forward to meeting the young man Lord Stanwood has suggested could be a match?”

Oriana told her aunt what Sally had said about meeting the man’s mother.

“Well, I cannot blame her for being curious,” Aunt Prue said. “Mrs. Smithers is sewing Sally a new gown for the assembly.”

“Why do I have the feeling that the whole village is interested in how the meeting goes.”

“Because they are, dear. Because they are. After all, we only have one blacksmith. It is in everyone’s best interest to keep Sally here.” Aunt Prue linked her arm with Oriana’s. “Show me your new ornament. I am very interested in seeing it.”

“I really must attend to the books.” Not listening to her at all, her aunt inexorably led her toward the garden.

“This will not take long.” They made their way to the back of the house. “I forgot to tell you that I ordered a new gown for you for the assembly.”

Oriana’s jaw dropped, and she snapped it shut. “Why and how on earth did you think it would be done in time?”

“All your evening gowns are at least three years old and, as you know, I have an excellent modiste in Town.”

“Aunt Prue, only the villagers are attending. They will not care what I am wearing.” Nor would they know what was out-of-date.

“Well, that is not precisely correct. Sir Henry and Lady Stern have decided to attend, as well as Lord Stanwood and his sisters and brothers-in-law.”

Oriana almost groaned. “I hope they know it is a simple country assembly.”

Her aunt closed her eyes as if in pain. “Oriana, they are all landowners and are familiar with village assemblies. Aside from that, they will wear their London finery to give everyone a treat.”

Thus, the reason Oriana must have a new gown. “Very well. When will it be delivered?”

“It is waiting for you to try on. I had my maid take it to yours before I came down.”

At this rate her books would never be done. “I shall go up after you have seen the obelisk.”

“Wonderful!” Aunt Prue smiled broadly. “I am so looking forward to this dance.”

Oriana wished she could say the same. Although she did wonder what Lord Stanwood’s family was like. All she had heard was that it was very large.

* * *

Over the past few days most of Charlie’s family had arrived on their way to their estates, and the formerly quiet house was now filled with the sounds of running feet, loud childish voices, and the laughter of his sisters and brothers-in-law. Dotty and Merton, a cousin of Matt’s, and the eldest daughter of Sir Henry and his lady, had arrived at Stern Manor and added their family to the cacophony.

Before he knew it the day of the assembly was upon them. Charlie took his carriage to the Hammersmith house to ensure Will was prepared to meet Miss Scully that evening.

He was shown into the same parlor where he was previously. Mrs. Hammersmith joined him and poured tea. “I must confess, my lord, that I decided to meet Miss Scully a few days ago. I found her an extremely practical and well-favored young woman.”

Charlie hoped she hadn’t scared her off.

Mrs. Hammersmith laughed. “Don’t look so appalled.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“No, no.” She laughed. “I know that was not the plan, but I had to see her for myself before Will met her.” She took a sip of tea. “I think she is perfect for him. Perhaps you should take up matchmaking.”

“This was serendipity.” Charlie saluted her with his teacup. “I knew she was looking for a husband and that he needed help finding a wife. I’m not sure the circumstances will happen again.”

“Well, we are very glad you were in the right places at the right times. I predict the road to Liliford will receive a great deal more travel.”

He finished his tea and stood. “I am happy to find everything in readiness for this evening.”

Mrs. Hammersmith rose. “I understand your family is here and are prepared to give everyone a show of Town fashions. A great many of us are looking forward to it.”

It had been a point of debate as to whether or not to dress as they would in Town, but Lady Stern and Lady Prue had won out. “Be assured that we will make a good showing. My brothers-in-law are all well-versed in their duties in the country.”

Mrs. Hammersmith placed her hand on his sleeve. Her eyes seemed watery. “I am glad to see that you are following in your parents’ traditions. We were all very concerned when Lady Grace was left to raise you and your brothers and sisters. However, she knew what she was doing and chose well.”

Charlie patted Mrs. Hammersmith’s hand. “She did indeed.”

Blinking, she sniffed and led him to the door. “We will see you at the assembly.”

“I look forward to it.” He bowed. “Until then.”

Once back in his curricle he opened his watch. Almost five o’clock. It was time to go home to dine. After which he’d change for the assembly and attempt to induce Miss Ognon to dance with him. That might be an uphill battle. He’d be sure to keep Lady Prue’s advice about waiting until Miss Ognon had older women around her before he asked. But his first duty was to formally introduce Will Hammersmith to Miss Scully.

He was halfway up the drive to his house when a loud noise echoed seemingly from all around the area. “What the devil was that?”

Off to the side, a small figure dropped from a tree, followed by two more children, both of them in skirts. They started running off toward the house. As he brought the horses to a stop in front of the stairs, his two older nephews dashed around the side of the building. What was happening?

He entered the hall to find his sister Mary standing at the bottom of the main staircase, laughing.

“What is going on?”

“Phinn brought a gong. Oh, they arrived today. And he’s using it to call the children in to wash before dinner. They all went out to see how far the sound would reach.”

That’s what that was. “Almost all the way to the gate. I heard it as I was arriving back.”

“He will be thrilled.” Mary grinned.

“Where is it located?”

“On the back terrace. Augusta would not allow him to strike it inside.”

Thank God for small favors and sisters. “Where did it come from?”

Mary shrugged. “Either China or India, I think. I must go and make sure everyone is inside and find out how far away they were when they heard it.”

She ascended the stairs, and Charlie made his way to the terrace. Standing there with a huge stick wound at the top by fabric with fringe was one of the younger footmen. Next to him was a large round metal disk in an ornately painted stand. “That’s the gong.”

“Yes, my lord. It only took a few minutes before the children were running home. Much more effective than having the nursemaids going out looking and calling for them.”

“Apparently.” Life was certainly going to be dull when everyone left.

Charlie dressed carefully for the evening. He didn’t want anything in his appearance to put Miss Ognon off. By the time he arrived in the drawing room, his older nieces and nephews were already there with glasses of lemonade. The adults arrived on his heels. When Phinn strolled in, Charlie lifted his glass. “I heard it as I was driving up. Where is it from?”

“Originally, China.” Phinn poured glasses of sherry for himself and Augusta. “I had that one made from a drawing I saw.”

“I must say,” Grace took a sip of wine, “I have never seen the children assemble so quickly.”

“I agree.” Charlotte took a glass of claret from her husband. “It could be useful in the country.”

By the time dinner was called, they all agreed a gong would be a helpful instrument to have, and plans were being made to have more of them constructed.

Less than two hours later, they arrived en masse at Rose Hill. Lady Prue and members of the Ladies Assembly Committee greeted the guests and directed them toward the ballroom.

“The Hammersmiths and the Scullys have arrived,” her ladyship whispered to Charlie.

“I had better go down and make the introductions.” He broke away from his group and proceeded to the ballroom. After spotting Will Hammersmith, dressed in a dark suit with a colorful waistcoat and a gleaming white cravat, standing with his parents and sisters, Charlie headed in their direction. On the other side of the room was Miss Scully, looking very fetching in a yellow evening gown and long white gloves. Charlie strode toward Will. “Good evening. Are you ready to meet Miss Scully?”

He reached up, as if to tug on his cravat, then dropped his hand. “I am, my lord.”

He followed Charlie, and when they approached Miss Scully, Will broke out into a wide smile. “I was hoping it was her.”

So far, so good. Charlie bowed to Miss Scully. “Good evening. May I introduce you to Mr. William Hammersmith?”

She smiled shyly and curtseyed as Will bowed. “Will, Miss Scully.”

Mr. Scully pounded Charlie on the back and, in a carrying whisper, said, “She’s been looking at him.”

His daughter immediately flushed red. “Pa.”

Will laughed. “Will it help if I tell you I’ve been watching you too?”

Her eyes widened. “Have you?”

“I have. May I have the first dance, and possibly another one?”

She glanced at her father, who nodded. “Yes, you may.”

The musicians struck the first chords of a waltz.

Charlie congratulated himself as the couple started toward the dance floor.

“Well, it seems as if you were successful.” Miss Ognan stood next to him with what appeared to be a look of satisfaction on her face.

He caught his breath as he gazed at her. She was more beautiful than he’d remembered. Her bodice was modest but low enough that the swells of her lush breasts teased him. Her hair shone under the candlelight. Her creamy skin luminated her pearl necklace. Charlie inclined his head. “I’m glad you approve.” Now, how to get her to stand up with him? “May I have this set?” She hesitated, and he added, “As a reward for doing so well.”

“I suppose that is the least I can do. The village has been concerned Sally would have trouble finding a good match.”

It wasn’t the most enthusiastic acceptance, but he’d take it. He held out his arm. “Miss Ognon?”

She placed her hand on his sleeve. “My lord.”

They bowed and curtseyed, and he placed his palm on her waist and held her hand in his. The music began, and it was as if he’d never experienced a waltz before. She was as light as a feather as they moved around the dance floor. After one quick glance to see how Will and Miss Scully were doing, he lost himself in Miss Ognon’s expressive amber eyes. She seemed as surprised as he that they moved so well together. The only problem was that neither of them seemed to be able to think of a word to say. That would not do. He cleared his throat. “What made you decide to tell me you thought well of the match?”

“I am not certain.” A light peach blush painted her cheeks. “I had been watching them glance at each other and I wondered. When you arrived and went directly to the young man, I thought to myself that you really had given the match some thought.”

What exactly kind of gentleman did she think he was? “You didn’t expect that?”

She glanced away for a second. “To be honest, no. I have seen how men make matches and came to the conclusion that they do not take the couple into consideration.”

He understood that. Most matches were made with a view toward property, wealth, and position. “I have no experience with matchmaking, but I have seen the results of some of my sisters’ pairings. Not that this was a match as such. If they had taken each other into dislike, it would have ended there. My family doesn’t believe in arranging matches for their children. That, though, doesn’t mean that they will not attempt to introduce a couple.”

Miss Ognon stared at him for a moment, searching his eyes. Giving him an opportunity to do the same. “You are not what I expected.”

The dance was coming to an end. “It that good or bad?”

Her brows drew together. “I do not know.”

The music stopped, and they curtseyed and bowed before he led her to her aunt. He had to find one of his sisters to invite Miss Ognon to some event at Stanwood.