“We will resolve everything, I promise you. It is only a few more months until I come of age. At least now we know that we have some funds if we can survive for that long.” Faith pulled back. “Now, we must pack and make arrangements.”
“I wish we could all go,” Grace bemoaned as they climbed the stairs to pack their trunks.
* * *
While his fivenewly acquired wards were plotting their imminent descent upon his peace unbeknownst to Dominic, Viscount Westwood, he was enjoying a reprieve with his old school friends and partners at his hunting box in Leicestershire.
It was completely devoid of any femininity, save Mrs. Barrett, the housekeeper, and it was perfect. The dark-panelled walls were lined with paintings of hunting scenes and trophies—no bright colours, gilt or floral patterns in sight. Scents of leather, smoke, and brandy wafted through the house, mixed with the roasting of game emanating from his chef’s kitchen.
He and his oldest friends were enjoying glasses of brandy around the fire after a day of shooting pheasant while they waited for their supper from the renowned chef.
“What will your mother say when she realizes the guest of honour at her house party is aghostof honour, Max?” Freddy snorted and laughed at his wit, which was anything but. Freddy Cunningham was too beautiful to be a man with his blond hair and green eyes. Too many silly females fawned and laughed at his ridiculous sense of humour.
“I do not care much what she says, though I can hear it in my head anyway. Devilish annoying to be set upon by matchmaking harpies. I will not dance to her tune no matter what schemes she concocts,” Max, Lord Rotham said loftily. As the heir to a wealthy dukedom, he was constantly besieged.
“Better you than me, old fellow. Can’t stand up to me mater for anything. She even threatens tears and I turn to mush,” Freddy acknowledged.
“Well, we are all safe from females of any variety here.” Dominic was himself tired of being hunted by the fairer sex, which was why he’d suggested removing here.
“Agreed, there’s no chance of anyone finding us here. It’s more off the beaten track than anywhere else I’ve ever been,” Rotham agreed.
They all raised their glasses and drank to that.
“I’ll remember that the next time I need a repairing lease,” Montford murmured, having been uncommonly quiet. His dark eyes looked troubled.
“What’s the matter, Monty?”
“I wish I could laugh about females. But the fact of the matter is I have to marry and soon.”
One would have thought they’d just watched a comrade fall on the battlefield, so quiet and taciturn did the group fall in a matter of seconds. Truth be told, it was akin to losing a war, being the first man to fall to matrimony.
“Why?” Freddy asked.
“My father asked me. They want an heiress to replenish the family coffers and an heir, of course.” He made a circle in the air with his fork.
They all made noises of sympathy. That was more than any of them could withstand.
“Any candidates yet?” Rotham asked.
Montford looked up with disgust. “My mother has made me a list. Two dozen of them and not a single one I can stomach the thought of being a tenant for life with.”
“Does it have to be from the list?” Freddy scowled with distaste.
“I cannot see why it matters one way or the other. It is not like an eligible beauty is going to drop from the sky. Whichever way you look at it, I’ll be leg-shackled.”
They all took another drink and observed a moment of silence.
“At least we have a little while longer and the food is superb.” Dominic did not wish to dwell on scheming females and marriage.
“Can we stay here forever, Dom? Good food, good drink, no matchmaking mamas or whey-faced chits.”
“It matters not to me. I have no obligations at the moment and I intend to enjoy it.”
“’Tis easy for you to say. You’re as rich as Croesus.”
Dominic could not argue that point.
Once they were well into an array of roast saddle of mutton, pheasant pie, civet of hare, prawns, and a fricassee of chicken served with asparagus in butter and spinach cakes, the distant sound of a rapper knocking on the door caused all of the gentlemen to look up.
