“Good day, Lord Hartley,” Marian said.
George escorted Lady Dalling and Lady Collin to the chairs while Hartley escorted Harriet to the sofa before taking a seat beside her.
“I’m very pleased that you were able to accept my invitation, Lady Dalling,” he said.
“It was a pleasure to receive it, my lord,” Marian replied.
Within moments, there was another knock on the door.
“Come,” Hartley said.
One of the newly employed housemaids brought in the tea cart. After his valet’s celebration, Hartley had realized he needed more staff to help maintain the manor house. He rather liked how well the house looked now.
“Will there be anything else, my lord?” she asked.
“No, you may go.”
The maid curtseyed and left the room.
“Lady Harriet, will you do the honor of pouring out tea?” Hartley asked.
“Of course.” She prepared the cups and handed them out.
Harriet was so pleased to see her mother engaging the earl in conversation. She couldn’t ask for a better outcome and hoped this was a sign of better things to come for her and Hartley.
All was going well until there was another knock on the parlor door.
“Are you expecting more guests?” Marian asked.
“No. I have no idea who’s come to call,” Hartley said.
Greenfield opened the door and announced, “The Countess of Hartley.”
An attractive older woman swept into the parlor and stopped short at the scene in front of her.
Hartley jumped up from his seat next to Lady Harriet. “Mother, what are you doing here?”
“Excuse me, Hartley, I had no idea you were entertaining guests,” Katherine Lyle said.
There was an awkward silence until Marian spoke up. “Lady Hartley, what an unexpected pleasure to see you. It’s been quite a while.”
Kathryn’s gaze swung to the marchioness. “Lady Dalling, it has indeed been too long.”
Hartley’s good breeding kicked in. “My lady, please do join us.”
“Thank you, Hartley.”
He escorted his mother to the group. “Lady Dalling, I see you’re already acquainted with my mother. Mother, may I present Lady Collin and Lady Harriet? Lady Collin, Lady Harriet, this is the Countess of Hartley.”
Both Eleanor and Harriet stood and curtseyed. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Hartley,” Eleanor said.
“Good day, Lady Hartley,” Harriet chimed in.
George had stood as well when Kathryn entered the room. “Lady Hartley, a pleasure to see you again,” he said with a bow.
“Lord Spenser, I had no idea you were in Bath.”
George nodded. “I’m spending the summer at Dalling Manor. It’s been a refreshing change from London.”
