“I think you could use another one of these,” Aaron said as he approached him with a glass of brandy. “Although I do not think it will pair well with the first course. Rumor has it that Lady Inverhall selected jellied eels.”
“That is more of a working-class meal. I am surprised that my grandmother would allow her to do such a thing.”
“You did not review the menu with her, Your Grace?”
“No,” Hugo uttered as he took a long swig of brandy. “I did not.”
“Monsieur Henri also thought it unusual, from what I heard, until she said that she wished he pair it with smoked butter, fresh herbs, and a decorative arrangement on the plate. Look over there.” Aaron pointed to a passing dish.
“Wow, that does look quite incredible. I cannot believe I am saying that about jellied eel.”
“Sheis incredible,” Aaron stated in a teasing tone. “But I think you already know that.”
The Dowager Duchess joined them, her gaze also fixed on Elspeth. “Well,” she said, “I must admit, the girl has pluck. And wit. We will see how charitable our guests will be, but they seem to be having the most delightful time. She might just win this competition.”
“She already has,” Hugo mumbled, more to himself than to her.
He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and guided her to the table, where the three of them sat with Lord and Lady Bardsley and Vicar Tongrew.
Hugo silently thanked Elspeth for pairing them with such pleasant company, where they savored the many courses and enjoyed conversation without issue.
“And how is the matter of getting Lady Inverhall settled going?” Vicar Tongrew asked as he polished off the last of his mutton. “It seems she will have her pick of London’s eligible bachelors after tonight’s event. I have never seen this room so well decorated, even during your mother’s tenure, if I may say so, Your Grace.”
Aaron shot Hugo a look from across the table, an eyebrow arched in a way that made his blood boil.
“It seems that way,” Hugo said as he set down his napkin.
“Indeed, I love the soft light of the tapers on the tables, and the ice sculptures around the room are so splendid. It is positively glowing in here,” Lady Bardsley remarked as she polished off her food. “I must say, I am going to need to be wheeled out of here, husband.”
“I will carry you myself.” Lord Bardsley pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. “It would be my honor.”
“You two could rival any romance novel,” Aaron said with a raise of his glass. “I can only hope to be so lucky one day. Do you not agree, Your Grace?”
“If you will excuse me, I must see to an important matter.”
Hugo stormed out of the grand room to his study. He poured himself another glass of brandy from his decanter and walked to the window, taking a deep breath.
He knew it was cowardly to run off during dinner, but he could not help himself. He needed a moment to steady himself, to remind himself of the most important thing.
My vow.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen,” Elspeth said, tapping her fork against her champagne flute. “The lads have one last gift for ye all before we ask for yers in return. I will emphasize that every penny donated tonight will go directly to their education and care. They are our future!”
The guests clapped heartily as the boys lined up in the middle of the room. All eyes rose from the plates and conversation and landed on them. The quartet started a soft melody, and in perfect time, John began to sing.
The room fell silent as the guests listened intently.
His voice was smooth, rivaling any tenor Elspeth had heard on stage. He was even more beautiful than when they had practiced, which was often. The others joined in, soft and slow as they sang a pleasant song about a soldier and a sailor. More applause erupted as the song came to an end, a choir that rivaled any church’s. The boys smiled and waved to the guests before executing polite bows and taking their leave.
“I hope ye will all join me in one last round of applause for our lads, who will now be headin’ back to St. Jude’s for their bedtime. And now, let us enjoy some digestifs and delightful music as we ask for yer generous donations. I truly hope ye have enjoyed yer evenin’ thus far. If ye will raise a glass once more to the lads of St. Jude’s!”
Every guest in the room raised their glass, and joyous clinks filled the room, the music beginning to swell along with light conversation and laughter. Elspeth began to pass a satchel around the room, which quickly became full of promissory notes and donations for the boys.
I may need to fetch another bag.
She had been so distracted by the evening, so intent on not looking forhim, that she saw him everywhere. Even when she blinked her eyes, she could see his shimmering blue irises, his broad shoulders.
He had not once addressed her, nor interacted with her. He might as well not have been there. She watched him, a fleetingglance at the periphery of the room, an aversion of his gaze as soon as her eyes met his.
