“How many rooms?” Mama asked.
“Close to fifty, I think.” His voice held no inflection at all. He might as well be a key on the writing machine, tapping out the letters with no change whatsoever in modulation or tone. Just the steady clack, clack, clacking.
“A ballroom?”
“A grand salon that can certainly be used for entertaining.”
“A library?”
“Yes.”
“I assume the manor at the earl’s family estate is much grander.”
“At least four times this size.”
Mama gasped. “How wonderful. I can hardly wait to see it.”
He escorted them into a bright yellow room. “The countess’s drawing room,” he said as though reciting from a pamphlet.
“Yellow is a ghastly color for our complexions. I suppose my daughter may redecorate.”
“Once my mother no longer resides within these walls, your daughter can do anything she likes with the rooms—except for the library. That will remain my domain.”
“Where will your mother live?” Leonora asked.
“After my father passes, I thought to move herinto my London residence. It’s somewhat smaller, less upkeep.”
“When will that be?” Mama asked.
“Mama!” Leonora chastised.
He stopped beside a door of mullioned windows and rested his hand on the latch. “Unlike this marriage, madam, it’s not something you can force into happening.”
Quickly opening the door, he stepped out, missing her mother’s unladylike snort. Leonora didn’t have great hopes for this afternoon’s success. But when she walked onto the terrace and set eyes on the woman standing beside the round white-linen-covered table, she felt a slight easing of the tension that had been with her ever since last night’s debacle.
The Countess of Elverton came to her son’s shoulder. Her brown hair, streaked with silver, also contained strands that looked almost red when the sun caught them just right. Her eyes held a kindness. For all of the dislike Rook had for his father, it was obvious he dearly loved this woman, and Leonora found herself wishing she’d be as fortunate to have his affection turned toward her.
But it was obvious he resented the situation in which he’d been placed, forced to marry her. She’d spent a restless night contemplating returning to New York, but Mama had made it clear that if she didn’t go through with this marriage, she’d be on her own. She had used the money she’d saved over the years to keep the factory going, until her savings had dwindled to almost nothing. Who knew how long it might take her to find employment? How wasshe to survive in the meantime? Where was she to survive?
She’d been caught in a shameful act. Her mother would ensure no one welcomed her. The woman who’d given birth to her held all the cards. Finally, she was getting what she’d always wanted.
“Mother, allow me to introduce Mrs. Garrison, Miss Garrison, and Mr. Garrison.”
Leonora was the first to curtsy. “My lady, it’s truly an honor.”
“Oh, no, my dear. The honor is mine.” As Leonora straightened, the woman took her hands. “Marriages don’t always come about as we like, but we make the best of it. Johnny speaks very fondly of you.”
Leonora jerked her gaze to Rook. He was scowling, and she could just imagine what fond memories he might have. Surely he hadn’t shared exactly what he’d done to her.
The countess moved on to her mother, although she didn’t bother to take her hands. “Mrs. Garrison, I know we both want what is best for our children.”
Leonora heard the steel in her voice and, judging by the way Mama’s head reeled back slightly, she did as well. Before Mama could respond, Lady Elverton turned to Sam. “Mr. Garrison, I do hope in time that you will come to think of Johnny as a brother. Now, please, all of you, sit. We’ll enjoy tea.”
While two footmen moved forward to assist the countess and her mother in sitting, Rook saw to helping Leonora, although he did so without any touch, not even a secretive one. He’d never been so careful not to touch her. Rather than join them at the table, he settled into a nearby chair.
Leonora could sense Mama chomping at the bit. As soon as the countess had seen them all served tea, her mother went straight for what was foremost on her mind. “We want the marriage to happen as soon as possible, before the end of the Season, while people are still in London to attend. I was thinking Westminster.”
“St. George’s would be more acceptable to theton. Based on the gossip I read in this morning’s newspaper, I don’t think you want to be upsetting any apple carts. Johnny can obtain a special license and a wedding could take place within the next week or two.”
