Hargrave showed the men inside, where there were drinks and refreshments waiting in the drawing room. Viscount Gresham and Lord Ellsworth had travelled with their valets, but Sir Philip Easton had none—not surprising, given his circumstances.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to Sebastian. How capable and strong he was. Thoughtful and protective too. Could these qualities only come to those forced into hardship? She certainly hoped not.
She was forced back to reality when another carriage arrived, this time carrying her three friends. Miss Lydia Norbury was the first one out of the carriage. Although old enough at eight and twenty to beconsidered a spinster, Lydia’s beauty had not dimmed. She was slight and poised, and carried a maturity that came from years of caring for her ailing parents.
“Dearest, it’s delightful to see you again.” Rose took both her friends’ hands. “You’re looking very well.”
“I’m not sure anyone could be after that carriage ride. I’m feeling rather queasy.”
Lydia did look a little pale but still stunning in a muted lavender traveling dress. She’d never had a Season, which explained why Viscount Gresham’s serious gaze lingered on her with curiosity.
“I’ll have someone bring you something soothing for your stomach,” Rose said.
“That would be much appreciated.” Lydia lowered her voice. “How are you? Is all well?”
“I’m afraid not,” Rose whispered back. “Baron White’s on his way. I’ll be engaged to him before the summer’s end.”
“Please, allow me to think of a way out,” Lydia said. “I have money of my own now. Perhaps we can find a solution?”
Her kindness brought tears to Rose’s eyes. “We’ll speak later, yes.”
Lady Arabella Kingsley smiled at the sight of Rose, taking her hands and kissing her cheek. “Darling Rose, how good to see you.” She wore a striking burgundy day dress that made her green eyes pop. The dress was more daring than one might expect for a lady, but a widow had more social freedom.
“You as well. Was the ride terribly bumpy?”
“Not that I noticed. I was too busy looking out the window. I love to be out of London and breathe the fresh country air.”
Rose drew close, speaking into Arabella’s ear. “Father’s arranged for Baron White and me to marry.”
“And you don’t want to?”
“I would rather poke my eyes out with a fork,” Rose said, only half-joking.
“You poor thing. But perhaps you’ll be like me and widowed after only a few years? This is the advantage of an older man, is it not?”
Rose giggled despite herself. “I’ll try to see it that way.”
“I promise I didn’t poison him, if that’s why you’re looking at me that way.”
“Don’t even joke about such things,” Rose said, laughing.
Finally, her friend Daphne Merriweather was beside her, clasping her hands. “Oh, Lady Rose, I’m so very happy to see you and to be invited to such a wonderful party.”
Daphne wore a carriage gown in robin’s egg blue that suited her bright red hair and alabaster skin. A wide-brimmed straw bonnet kept the sun off her delicate complexion.
A maid led all three women into the house, but not before Rose promised to meet them in the afternoon for lemonade.
Rose had just turned back when Honoria Blackwell’s carriage appeared. Rose’s father stepped forward as a footman helped Honoria down, though he restrained himself from showing too much familiarity.
Honoria stepped out as if she herself were the lady of the estate. Her crimson dress was slightly too tight, and her hat trimmed with rather gaudy feathers. But beneath her haughty expression, Rose caught a flicker of something else—anxiety, perhaps? The desperation of a woman who’d clawed her way up from nothing and was terrified of falling again.
Honoria’s young cousin, Lady Violet Stratton, stepped out next. She wore an ivory muslin gown suitable for someone of only seventeen. She was petite and delicate with pale blond hair and large blue-gray eyes.
“Lady Rose, thank you for including me in your party.”
“You’re welcome, Lady Violet. I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself.”
“I imagine I will, although these events can be terribly awkward for those of us who are shy. My cousin’s annoyed with me already,and we’ve only just arrived.”
