Chapter Eight

M alcolm had been going to White's regularly for two weeks now, mostly to reacquaint himself with other men his age and inspect which ones might be suitable for Ada. Some eligible bachelors lived in town year-round, and White's was a place that they frequented. Others were just starting to arrive for the Season from their country estates. He already had a few gentlemen in mind that he wished to introduce his sister to once the social events began.

A few men he had been friendly with during his school and university years had approached him. Now that the competition of academics and athletics was behind them, they seemed to have set aside their petty jealousies. He had high hopes he might make a few good friends himself, even as he looked for a bride on the Marriage Mart.

Though he had never been a gossip, Malcolm managed on a few occasions to steer the conversation around to the Duke of Seaton and the Strong family. Opinions varied wildly regarding both. Most of the men he spoke with said Seaton was brilliant, guiding Strong Shipping into new avenues of revenue, though they said His Grace wasn't very sociable and stuck to his own family. The duke rarely made an appearance at White's, but some of his brothers-in-law did. Unfortunately, none of them were back in town, so Malcolm had yet to meet any of them.

At least today he would be introduced to the Duke and Duchess of Seaton. Mrs. Andrews had asked Mama, Ada, and him to come to tea today since the Seatons had come in from Shadowcrest. Lady Euphemia was anxious to introduce her new friend to her brother and sister-in-law, as well as her aunt, whom she spoke quite highly of.

He had made no progress with her. Absolutely none. Malcolm did not think she even saw him as anything more than a protective older brother who chaperoned his sister about town. When he was with her and Ada, the girls talked incessantly about a variety of topics. Malcolm listened and rarely interjected himself into their conversations.

But all the while, he was learning more and more about what an unusual woman Lady Euphemia Strong was.

She had definite opinions on many topics. She read the newspapers voraciously and shared her ideas regarding politics with Ada, who most likely had never picked up a newspaper in her life. Still, he saw his sister becoming interested in things outside the realm of her existence. Lady Euphemia also talked quite a bit about the animals she raised and the many ways she assisted her cousin, who was the steward of Shadowcrest, the country estate where she had grown up. Listening to her, he was astonished how much he had learned about breeding animals, gardening, and tenants' needs. In fact, he anticipated implementing a few of her ideas once he returned to Waterside.

He went to the foyer now, surprised to find Ada already waiting for him.

"My, don't you look lovely," he complimented. "Is this one of your new gowns from the modiste you have been seeing so frequently?"

"Yes," she said, smoothing her skirts. "I thought since we are meeting a duke and duchess today, I want to look my absolute best."

Mama came down the stairs, also looking quite fashionable. Whether she approved of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews or not, it was apparent she was making an effort to look stylish for their hosts at tea today.

"You look very nice, Mama," he praised, leading them outside to the waiting carriage.

"I am still on the fence, Waterbury, as far as the Seatons go," she said. "I can still recall all the gossip when His Grace wed. The fact that he allows his wife to run a company is, frankly, quite appalling."

"I believe the captain makes most of the day-to-day decisions now, Mama," Ada said. "From what Lady Effie says, Her Grace still has the final say on large decisions, but she devotes a great deal of her time now to her husband and children."

Mama sniffed. "Well, she should. That is the role she is to play in Polite Society, not filling her head with... business."

Malcolm watched Ada stifle a laugh, coughing and gazing out the window to cover her reaction. He had to admit that he was eager to see the kind of woman this duchess was, owning a shipping empire while being a part of the ton .

"I am certain you will afford Her Grace the respect she deserves, Mama," he said. "You always taught me to respect the rank of a man or woman in Polite Society."

Mama smiled at him. "We will see you claim a bride of good standing, Waterbury. As a duke, you should be conscious of wedding a woman whose parents hold not only high-ranking titles, but ones who are blemish-free from gossip. I will know more once the Season is underway and be able to select your bride for you."

Ada flashed him a concerned glance, but he shook his head. Now was not the time to quarrel with his mother. Malcolm was going to have to inform her soon, however, that he would be solely in charge of plucking a bride from the Marriage Mart. And if she knew he was even considering Lady Euphemia, it might send Mama into a fit of apoplexy. Despite being a duke's daughter and sister, his mother was still wary of Lady Effie because of her outspokenness, along with her mother's decision to wed a man of no rank. He hoped meeting the Duke and Duchess of Seaton might change Mama's mind about the Strong family.

Because the more he was around Lady Euphemia, the more he wanted her as his wife.

Malcolm decided today was the day he needed to start making her aware of him. Not as Ada's older brother.

As a man . . .

He promised himself to speak up today. Enter a conversation with her with something to say. After all, he was gifted intellectually. He had thrived at public speaking in school. He could actually be quite charming when he chose to be. He just had not felt like doing so in a very long time. If he was to have a chance with Lady Euphemia, however, he needed to quit being an observer and become an active participant when she was near. If he could get her to thinking about him as a possible suitor before next week, when the inaugural ball of the Season would be held, he hoped it would give him an advantage over others.

Though he was interested in Lady Euphemia, he had not totally settled upon her, however. After all, he was a duke. He could have his pick of the litter, as far as young, eligible ladies went. He might find one much more suited to the role of duchess. One who was dignified and quiet and beautiful. One who would not challenge him at every turn and still interest him.

They arrived at the Seaton townhouse. He was surprised to see two other carriages sitting in front and wondered if Mrs. Andrews or the Duchess of Seaton had asked others to tea, as well.

Deciding he would rather be prepared than not, he asked the butler as they ventured up the stairs, "Have others come to tea this afternoon, Powell?"

For the first time since they had been visiting this household, the butler smiled. "Yes, Your Grace. Their Graces are now in residence, and two of His Grace's sisters have stopped by for a visit."

They reached the drawing room, and Powell announced them, ushering them in.

The room was filled with men, women, and children. And a cat, who was playfully running everywhere.

A large man, several inches over six feet, with broad shoulders and eyes the color of Lady Euphemia's, carried a small boy, not even yet two, on his shoulders. The boy was squealing loudly. The man dropped swiftly to his hands and knees, and the child rode him like a pony, his little hands fisted in the man's blond hair.

"Faster, Papa!" the boys hollered.

Another man, just as tall, with black, curly hair and skin bronzed by the sun, swung another small boy in his arms up in the air and back again. The child shouted in glee each time he was lifted high into the air.

A third man, just as tall and muscular as the other two, with jet black hair and one penetrating green eye, walked behind a babe who was apparently learning to walk. He held both her hands and moved slowly behind her, encouraging her with each step. Besides the black eye patch he wore, a nasty scar sliced down his cheek, marring his good looks.

The only man he recognized, Mr. Andrews, cradled a babe in the crook of his arm, walking about the room and smiling at everyone.

The women present were chatting, seated in a grouping of chairs. Mrs. Andrews and Lady Euphemia were not holding a child, but two of the women, who looked strikingly similar, both had babes on their laps They each had the same cornflower blue eyes of Lady Euphemia. An older woman with the same cornflower blue eyes looked at him with interest. Another one, a pretty woman with warm, brown eyes and golden-brown hair, came to her feet.

"Oh, it is so lovely to meet you, Your Graces. Lady Ada. Effie has told us all about the three of you."

She moved toward them and since she did not possess the same shade of blues eyes as did the others, he assumed her to be the Duchess of Seaton.

Mrs. Andrews sprang to her feet and joined them. "Your Graces, may I present my dear friend, Her Grace, the Duchess of Seaton. This is the Duke and Dowager Duchess of Waterbury and Lady Ada Ware."

He could feel Mama stiffen beside him, but she was polite. "Charmed to meet you, Your Grace."

"Yes, it is lovely to meet you, Your Grace," echoed Ada.

"We have heard quite a bit about you as well, Your Grace," he said. "Lady Euphemia was most excited for you to arrive in town."

"Come meet the others," the duchess said, and they followed her across the room.

Lady Euphemia leaped to her feet. "Good afternoon, Your Graces. Lady Ada. May I present to you my aunt, Lady Mathilda, and my two older sisters, who are twins. This is Viscountess Hopewell, who is holding her daughter Lady Louise, and the Marchioness of Edgethorne, who is entertaining Lady Ida, Her Grace's daughter."

Greetings were exchanged as the men in the room made their way toward them and Lady Edgethorne returned Lady Ida to her mother.

"I am Seaton," the tall blond man who had been serving as his son's pony said. He smiled at the boy in his arms. This rambunctious tyke is the Marquess of Alinwood, our son George."

Seaton indicated the scarred man who steered the walking girl toward them. "This is the Marquess of Edgethorne and Lady Evelyn, who will soon be a year old."

Lord Edgethorne smiled, and Malcolm could see he had been a handsome man at one time. His wounds, though, had disfigured him considerably. "My daughter is learning to walk. Rather, she has skipped from crawling and is trying to run. I am functioning as the man who is charged in helping her keep to a slower pace until she is a bit more steady on her feet." He laughed. "If I dare let go of her hand to shake yours, she will be off and running like a colt."

"This is my brother-in-law Viscount Hopewell," Seaton continued. "With Adam, who is eighteen months of age."

The viscount swung Adam high in the air, placing him on his shoulders, then offering his hand. "Very pleased to meet you all," he said.

Mr. Andrews joined them. "You have yet to meet our boy. This is James, whom we call Jamie, named after my closest friend, the man I call brother."

Malcolm was slightly overwhelmed by not only the sheer number of people present in the drawing room but the names which had been tossed out. Fortunately, he had an excellent memory and had been able to keep everyone straight.

"We are a very merry party for tea today," Lady Hopewell said. "I am so glad we were able to join you today. Effie says she has seen quite a bit of you since coming to town for all her gown fittings."

"Yes," Ada said brightly. "We met our first day at Madame Dumas' shop and have become fast friends."

"I am glad to hear that," Lady Edgethorne said. "My sisters and cousins have always been my best friends, but I enjoyed making my come-out and getting to know other young ladies within the ton . Miss Bancroft and I became particularly good friends. She attended a house party Mama gave at Shadowcrest for our cousins, Allegra and Lyric, and Miss Bancroft is now Viscountess Tillings and soon to be a mother."

"There are so many of you," his mother remarked. "Do you... always bring your children to... tea?"

"Every chance we get," Seaton said, laughing. "We are a family who values family and enjoy all the time we can get with our little ones."

Malcolm could remember only one occasion he had had tea with his parents, just before he left for university. His father's rule had been to keep children out of sight at all times and only trot them out on a special occasion—of which there had been none. He couldn't help but be a tad envious of these children present in the drawing room, knowing they were not only loved but shown love on a regular basis.

Mama's disapproval was obvious from the look on her face, but she held her tongue, obviously not wanting to alienate a duke and duchess.

They formed a large group, with the men passing off babes and moving furniture so they could all be gathered around in a circle. It surprised him when these titled lords kept hold of their children, bouncing them on their knees or placing them on their shoulders and patting them.

Several teacarts were rolled in to feed them all, and the Duchess of Seaton and Mrs. Andrews took charge of pouring out for everyone.

When Jamie began to fuss, Mr. Andrews handed his son over to his mother, saying, "I can hold a teapot and pour tea into a cup, love. I think the babe wants attention from his mother."

He tenderly brushed his lips against hers, and Malcolm noted it was not for the first time. The Andrews had been quite affectionate toward one another, making him more than a bit uncomfortable.

"How are you feeling, Georgie?" Seaton asked.

The marchioness sighed heavily. "Sick as a dog, James. August tells me I was worse with Evelyn, but I believe this time is harder on me. Mornings are the worst. I still cannot eat anything before noon. Finally, around teatime, I am able to eat several bites and almost feel like myself."

Lady Edgethorne turned to the dowager duchess. "My child is due in mid-November. We only came to town to see family for a few weeks, and then we will retreat to Edgefield. I did not want to miss the beginning of Effie's come-out."

"I see," his mother said primly, sipping her tea and making no further comment.

As they sipped their tea and talked, Malcolm was aware of how at ease these lords were holding their children. He found it odd—and yet at the same time, refreshing. His impression had always been that servants raised children, and parents saw very little of them. Yet these men were perfectly at home, holding and playing with their little ones, passing them back and forth between themselves and their wives, even taking on other babes while one of them slathered jam or clotted cream against their scone.

Something stirred within him. Envy? No, that seemed too hateful. Perhaps yearning. Yes, a longing for something very different from what he had experienced growing up. Malcolm thought back to how Imogen and he had been practically strangers when they wed, having spoken no more than half a dozen times together. How they had lived in the same house and yet led incredibly separate lives. It struck him how lonely his young wife must have been, and he had done nothing to put her at ease or even spend time with her.

Malcolm vowed his next marriage would be different. That he would make the time to get to know his wife and not abandon her as he had Imogen.

"Are we too late for tea?" a voice asked.

They all turned, and Malcolm saw an auburn haired beauty approaching, one with the same shade of eye color all these Strongs seemed to possess. Following her was a large, muscular man with dark hair and gray eyes, carrying the smallest babe of the bunch present.

"Mirella!" Mrs. Andrews cried. "And Byron. Please, come in. I will ring for more tea, but we have plenty of sandwiches and sweets."

Lady Euphemia hurried toward the pair, throwing her arms about her sister and kissing her. "I did not know you were already in town."

"We just arrived. Dropped our trunks and servants off and came here straightaway. I was hoping everyone would be gathering here."

Lady Euphemia held out her arms. "Oh, I have missed you, Daniel," she said, and the man passed the baby to her.

The Duchess of Seaton said, "We have guests. Friends of Effie's."

Her Grace introduced them to Lord and Lady Bridgewater, who lived close to Maidstone in Kent. Their babe was Daniel, a two-month-old who already had the marchioness' red hair and blue eyes.

"How are your gown fittings coming along, Effie?" Lady Bridgewater asked.

The women launched into a long discussion about gowns, leaving the men to talk amongst themselves.

"It has been good of you to squire Effie and Lady Ada about town, Your Grace," Seaton said. "Thank you for taking care of my sister in my absence."

"My sister and Lady Euphemia have grown quite close in the last few weeks," he shared. "Your sister has helped draw mine from her shell. Ada has always been shy."

"You wouldn't know it from today," Lord Hopewell said. "She has most certainly been a part of the conversation."

Malcolm worried about that, thinking Mama would severely chastise Ada once they were in the carriage for speaking so freely in such a large group of titled members of Polite Society.

Daniel, the newest arrival, began fussing, which caused a ripple effect amongst all the other children, who began fidgeting and crying.

"They are overtired," Mrs. Andrews said apologetically. "We have kept them from their naps and routine."

"It was good seeing all our grandbabes," Mr. Andrews proclaimed, striking Malcolm as odd that this man felt that relationship with all the children.

"I will ring for the nursery governess to come," the Duchess of Seaton said. "Did any of you bring yours with you today?"

"Don't bother," her husband said, standing and lifting Lady Ida from his wife's lap, even as he held his son in his other arm. "We men can run the children upstairs. It will save time and provide quiet for you ladies to talk without interruption."

Every gentleman present but Malcolm left, taking their children with them, Lord Edgethorne allowing Lady Evelyn to hold both his hands and toddle from the room. Even the cat followed the others out.

Embarrassment filled him when his mother breathed a loud sigh of relief, saying, "It is nice to reclaim the drawing room for adults. It is hard to visit without quiet."

Her statement caused a few eyebrows to shoot up, and Malcolm saw Ada wince.

Lady Euphemia spoke up. "We Strongs are not much for quiet, Your Grace. Mama always kept the six of us girls close. It is the way we learned how to comport ourselves, and it allowed us to spend more time with her than most mothers do with their children. Above all, we felt loved—then—and now."

His mother's jaw dropped. "You are quite free with your opinions, Lady Euphemia," she said sharply.

"As free as you are with yours," Lady Euphemia retorted.

Mama stood. "Well... I never!" she exclaimed. Looking to the Duchess of Seaton, she said, "It was nice to meet you, Your Grace." To Mrs. Andrews, she said, "Thank you for having us for tea, but we will be off now. Come along, Ada."

His sister rose as Malcolm did, and he said, "It was a lovely teatime, Your Grace, Mrs. Andrews. And it was a pleasure to meet so many members of your family."

"Waterbury!" Mama barked.

"Coming, Mama," he said, leaving the drawing room with her and Ada.

Inside the carriage, Mama shuddered. "That was a most unruly group of people. I do not care if they hold titles or not. Who in their right minds would allow children at tea? And Lady Edgethorne talking openly of increasing in front of everyone? That simply is not an acceptable topic of conversation."

She continued her rant the rest of the way home, disparaging the parents for allowing little ones in the drawing room when guests came calling and even the cat who had made an appearance.

"I blame it on Mrs. Andrews. Former duchess or not, she raised those girls to be this way. Why, they think nothing of breezing in without an invitation, carting unruly children along, ruining a perfectly good teatime."

"They were not unruly, Mama," Ada said gently. "They were just being children. And I thought their parents quite good with them. You can tell both the mothers and fathers have spent a great deal of time with their children because they are so comfortable with them."

"That is the problem, Ada," Mama said haughtily. "Children are never to be heard and only rarely seen. I am aghast at the lack of civility that occurred in a duke and duchess' drawing room." She paused, eyeing her daughter. "One thing I do know—you are not going to be seeing Lady Euphemia anytime soon."

"Mama!" Ada protested, her shock apparent.

"Duke's daughter or not, that girl is not a good influence upon you, Ada. Why, did you hear how she spoke to me? Her mother should have slapped some sense into her and sent her to room, keeping her on bread and water until she learns some manners."

Ada opened her mouth again, but Malcolm shook his head imperceptibly. It would make no difference what his sister said. Mama was incredibly upset, and Ada defending Lady Euphemia and the rest of the Strong family would only worsen matters.

Malcolm wondered what his mother would think when she learned that Lady Euphemia was definitely someone he planned to woo.