4. Chapter 4

Chapter four

Amelia

A s we waited for Rowe and Grace to join our party for dinner, I sat next to Mrs. Davis. She was a lively woman, and I regretted that I hadn't the pleasure of her acquaintance before now. She spoke her mind with ease and confidence, which I envied tremendously. I had once had such freedom, but it had vanished the moment I was presented at court.

Or shortly thereafter.

Mrs. Davis did not censor her irritation for the lack of transparency her son had given her in regards to the house party. While her words were not harsh, there was no questioning her ire as she chided the man about the matter.

"I prepared for at least double the attendance. I take no issue with our numbers but for all the extra effort required to ready the house for more. Surely you must see how your lack of communication has rattled my nerves? I shan't allow you to host another."

She grumbled something more, and Mr. Davis, who stood on the opposite side of the room with Lord Emerson, sighed heavily as he massaged his temples. "I don't anticipate ever possessing the desire to host another, Mother. You needn't fear on that front."

"Oh, posh. You will have a wife one day who will. And what a glorious day that shall be when I am not the one responsible for dealing with your disregard to courtesy!" She turned toward me as if to impart a secret but the level of her voice did not reflect as much. "One week. Do you know that is all the time he allotted me to prepare? A man could never understand such affliction on our nerves. They want a perfect hostess at the snap of their fingers, never mind giving her and the staff time to ready the house."

"I should think lower numbers would be perceived as a blessing then," said Sabrina. "Far fewer people to witness the failings." She offered a charming smile, but Mrs. Davis scoffed. Did she see through Sabrina when many could not? Or was it her close relationship with the earl that gave her insight to the duchess's true character?

"Regardless of the little notice Mr. Davis allowed, you've done a marvelous job," I said. "My room is immaculate, and I'm certain dinner will be perfectly satisfying."

Mrs. Davis' expression softened. "I thank you for the confidence, especially when we are hardly acquainted. Rest assured, I will ensure we have the best time over the next month. No guest of mine will go without anything they desire."

"I've no doubt," I said. "You are most kind, Mrs. Davis."

Sabrina vacated her seat and crossed the room to where Mr. Davis and the earl stood, deep in conversation. I watched his passive features transform into a frown when he noticed her approach. Even from here, I could feel the tension. The poor man had no desire for Sabrina's company.

Mrs. Davis looked at me, her head tilted as if I were a piece of art for study. "You are close to the duchess, I am told. A good friend."

There was a question in that statement. Mrs. Davis wanted to know whether I could be trusted. The earl was a friend to the Davis family, and the matron likely knew better than anyone how much damage Sabrina had done. How I wished I could reassure her, deny even, her statement. I was no more Sabrina's friend than a cat was friends with a mouse.

"We had our first Season together," I answered. "I have known her since then."

The woman's brows drew together. "Knowing someone and having a close relationship with them are very different things, Miss Scott."

"Indeed."

"So which is it then? Are you in her confidence?" Before I could answer, Mrs. Davis continued. "It does not matter. I care not if the woman learns my opinion of her. You may tell her if you wish. It is my James I am concerned about."

"Concerned? "

"He is already miserable," said Mrs. Davis, her voice surprisingly low. "She ripped his heart out once, as you must know. Devastated him. I cannot think why my Gregory would invite her of all people. Something is amiss, and I shan't rest till I know what it is."

I had no doubt the woman would find success. Mrs. Davis did not seem the sort to give up.

"It is also curious that the earl chose to stay. I thought he would leave after our greeting in the foyer." I voiced the thoughts that had plagued me since Lord Emerson had come to the drawing room. His arrival for dinner had shocked me nearly as much as seeing him at Fallborn in the first place.

"Something is amiss," Mrs. Davis repeated. "And look there. See how she has taken his arm? Disgusting behavior when he is so clearly uninterested."

Mrs. Davis was correct. Lord Emerson's arm rested against his side, his fist clenched, as if Sabrina's touch alone caused him physical pain. Perhaps the reminder of a time when such interactions were welcomed did hurt him.

"Perhaps we ought to rescue him," I said with a sigh.

Mrs. Davis glanced at me, and I thought I saw a flash of approval in her expression before she turned her attention back to Lord Emerson. "How do you propose we save him?"

That was a good question. I could not make any rescue obvious to Sabrina. She would not take kindly to my interference. Effort coming from Mrs. Davis, though, would be effective. Sabrina would not dishonor the hostess by disregarding her instructions.

"Lord Emerson and my sister have not been properly introduced," I said. "I did attempt it, but he was so angry upon learning that the duchess was in attendance that I do not believe he even heard me. Perhaps now would be a good time to rectify that."

"And then what? It will require more than an introduction to get that creature off his arm." The ire in her tone left me in no doubt of the woman's regard for the earl.

"No, but since you are the hostess and Grace is making her debut into society at your party, you could name her a temporary guest of honor. Just for tonight. Given his title, Lord Emerson will escort her to dinner rather than the duchess. It won't save him the duration of the house party, but at least he will have one evening of reprieve."

Mrs. Davis pursed her lips and nodded, her eyes lighting with approval. "Very good, dear. That will do quite nicely."

The conversation waned until Rowe and Grace appeared a few minutes later. Mrs. Davis was on her feet in an instance, and to my great reluctance, insisted I accompany her.

"Miss Grace. Mr. Apsley." Mrs. Davis dipped her head in greeting to my cousin and sister. "I hope you will forgive me for not being present when you arrived earlier."

"It is of no consequence," said Grace. "Your housekeeper took great care of us."

"Splendid. Now tell me, have you been properly introduced to my son and Lord Emerson? It is my understanding that this is your first foray into society."

Grace glanced at me, uncertainty in her eyes. "I…well, I was introduced."

But not properly given the earl hadn't acknowledged her. At least Mr. Davis had.

Mrs. Davis locked arms with my sister. "Well then, let us see to it that both of them know you are here. Come along, Miss Scott."

"Oh, you may—"

The matron shot me a look I daren't argue with. "Come. The both of you." She nodded to my cousin.

"Yes, ma'am," Rowe answered, obliging as always. Drat him.

The three of us joined the others, forming a circle of conversation. Mr. Davis greeted us warmly. "Ah, our party is all present. I hope our guests have found themselves comfortable at Fallborn?"

Lord Emerson looked anything but comfortable with Sabrina clinging to his arm.

"I believe so," said Rowe, though he looked to Grace and I for confirmation. We both nodded.

"Have you made Miss Grace's acquaintance?" asked Mrs. Davis. "This party is to be her debut."

"We have," said Mr. Davis, offering my sister a bright smile.

Lord Emerson's brows furrowed. "We have? "

"I introduced her when we first arrived," I said meekly. "I believe you may have been somewhat distracted, though."

Understanding dawned on his features, and he faced Grace with an apologetic expression. "Forgive me, Miss Grace. Your sister is right; I was distracted. I hope I have not caused offense."

"Not at all, my lord. I, myself, am often stolen away with distraction. My father always said it is evidence of an intelligent mind to lose oneself to deep thought."

The earl hummed, but a slight smile touched his lips. "I suppose that would depend on the subject of those thoughts. I cannot claim my woolgathering is always a sign of intelligence, though I do not mind if people assume such."

"I'm certain your musings are always incisive." Sabrina looked up at him, her lashes fluttering as she put on a coy smile.

Lord Emerson's lips flattened. Heavens, but he looked uncomfortable.

"Well," said Mrs. Davis. "Since this is Miss Grace's first house party, I should like to celebrate the occasion by making her our guest of honor for the evening. Lord Emerson, if you would escort her to dinner. Gregory, you may escort Her Grace, and Mr. Apsley if you would be so kind as to be Miss Scott's dinner companion."

Sabrina gaped, a murderous look in her eyes, but she said nothing in protest. Lord Emerson's shoulders slumped with obvious relief, while Mr. Davis seemed utterly horrified.

"Mother, I should escort you, don't you think? Weren't you only just complaining about your…your…" He seemed incapable of finding a suitable ailment that would not also offend his mother.

"I'm not an invalid and hardly as pretty as our lovely guests. I will escort myself, I thank you." Mrs. Davis lifted her chin. She would accept no argument.

Mr. Davis grimaced. I was hard pressed not to laugh. I did feel a bit guilty for forcing the man, who appeared as against being Sabrina's companion as the earl, to spend his evening with her.

Dinner was an interesting affair. While Lord Emerson and Grace engaged in pleasant conversation, the same could not be said of Mr. Davis and Sabrina, who spent most of the meal ignoring one another. I might have wondered if the house party would survive an entire month, but Sabrina was never one to give up when she had her sight set on something.

And I had no doubt Lord Emerson was that something.

Regardless, I would be required to maintain my charade for four weeks and did not look forward to it. I had assumed a month-long stay at Fallborn would be trying and exhausting, but I had not expected to feel so worn within a few hours of arriving. Between forcing a smile to keep up a friendly fa?ade with Sabrina and worrying over my sister, my body felt drained, never mind the long journey to get here.

Grace's leg still bothered her even after resting. She hid it well, but I knew her and did not miss the signs—the way she favored the strong one when she walked, her subtle grimaces. I sat next to her in the drawing room while the men enjoyed their port, leaning close to keep our conversation private while Sabrina attempted to flatter Mrs. Davis, I assumed, to win her favor.

"How are you faring?" I asked. "Are you in pain?"

"Oh, do stop, Amelia," Grace quietly spat back. "I am well enough. It is nothing that I have not experienced before."

"That may well be, but I cannot help but worry. You are my favorite sister."

Grace tilted her head and gave me an exasperated look. "I am your only sister."

"Regardless, it is my duty to ensure you are comfortable at your first house party. Once you are out in society, the clock begins to tick. Soon, you will be married with a family of your own and have little time for me."

Grace scoffed. "I believe you have it backwards. It is you who will marry and be too busy to worry over me. I look forward to it, in fact. You needn't baby me so much. I march into spinsterhood with my head held high."

"Surely you jest?" Though instinct told me Grace meant every word.

Grace shrugged. "I am excited to attend the Season, but I won't pad my hopes only to be disappointed. My leg keeps me from doing a great many things. How is any man to fall in love with me when I cannot take lengthy strolls through the gardens, ride horses well, or even dance? The odds do not favor me when there are so many more qualified ladies."

"Hush." The word came out harsh and louder than I intended, garnering a glance from Mrs. Davis and Sabrina. I waited until they returned to their conversation before continuing. "You mustn't speak that way. You've as good a chance as any. Better, even, for you are handsome, witty, and intelligent, which is more than I can say for half the women I met during my first Season."

Grace chuckled. "As my sister, you are entirely biased."

"I am not. It is the truth."

Grace shook her head, smiling, but said nothing more. It worried me that she thought herself on the shelf before she had fully made a debut into society. I wanted nothing more than to see her happily settled.

She would make a brilliant match. I had to believe it; otherwise, all my suffering had been in vain.