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“How did you do it, Papa?”
“Oh, we had a change of carriages—driver got sick—and we made a detour on our way here tonight. I’m afraid I misjudged the height of the roof. I ran right into the door pin and nicked myself right here.” John touched his cheekbone gingerly. “I probably should get ’round to see the optical while I’m in Town. It may be time for your old man to don some spectacles, my dear.”
Jeremy spoke up. “Did your situation with your driver resolve itself? I hope you didn’t find trouble on your way here tonight.”
“Oh, just a trifling bit. An inconsequential nuisance, really. Everything worked out in the end and all persons got to where they needed to go.” Her father smiled cheerfully at Jeremy. Jeremy raised an eyebrow and returned the gesture.
Georgina was so glad for the gift of this night. To have Jeremy and her family all together and to see them enjoying one another’s company just filled her heart full to bursting.
* * * *
“Lord and Lady Rothvale, my wife, Georgina.” Jeremy provided the introductions gracefully and turned to her. “Lord and Lady Rothvale come to Kilve in the summers, Gina. Their place, Marlings, borders Hallborough at our south end.”
“Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Greymont, and please accept our heartfelt congratulations upon your marriage,” Lord Rothvale greeted kindly.
“Thank you, my lord, my lady,” Georgina returned. “I look forward to having summer neighbors. My husband has had nothing but lovely things to say about your family.”
“Thank you. Speaking of family, would it interest you to find that I knew your mother, Mrs. Greymont? Anne Wellesley?” Lord Rothvale winked.
“Yes, it would, my lord.” Georgina was intrigued.
“Our mothers were best of friends, and thus your mamma and I enjoyed countless hours together. Childhood playmates we were, in our halcyon days of youth.”
“What a small world it is, Lord Rothvale.”
“True, my dear. You look very much like your mother from what I remember of her. She was tough as nails, Miss Anne Wellesley. I had a beast of an older brother, Jasper, who set out mischief at every turn, and she always bested him. Used to amaze me how she could entangle Jasper in his own devilment.”
“I’d love to hear more about my mother from you, Lord Rothvale. You and Lady Rothvale must come to see us at Hallborough when you are at Kilve.”
“We will look forward to that, and I’ll dig through my drawings. I imagine I have a sketch or two of Anne that I did when we were children. I’ll bring them along to give to you.”
“Oh, thank you, my lord. I would be so grateful for such a gift and would love to introduce you to my father. He is here tonight, and I know he would find your childhood memories of my mother most endearing.”
“It would be my great pleasure, Mrs. Greymont. I should tell you though, I am not here tonight without ulterior motive.” He winked again. “I want to talk to your husband about running for a seat in the House of Commons.”
“Parliament, my lord?”
“Well, yes of course. Time to put that university education and his talents to good use.”
“What do you consider my husband’s talents, my lord?” Georgina gave Lord Rothvale a wink of her own.
“He’s an upstanding land owner, a successful businessman, and now that he’s gone and married such a delightful wife, a settled, family man. Just the good sort of useful person we need in Parliament.” Lord Rothvale grinned at Jeremy and then back to Georgina. “What do you say to my idea of your husband becoming the next MP for West Somerset?”
“I think it is an outstanding idea, Lord Rothvale. I can think of no one better suited than my husband.” Georgina beamed at Jeremy.
“What do you say, Greymont? Do your part for God and country and all that? England needs men like you.” Lord Rothvale’s green eyes twinkled.
“I’ll think about it, my lord,” Jeremy told him, his eyes wide with disbelief at what the man had just proposed.
Georgina squeezed Jeremy’s hand and looked on him with pride before reluctantly turning to greet the next guest.
“Dr. Cameron! Thank you for coming tonight.” Georgina held out her hand.
“Ah, the pleasure is mine, Mrs. Greymont.” He kissed her hand gallantly. “It is always well met to mix patient visits with festive punch. You looking glowing with good health, I am happy to observe.” Dr. Cameron winked at her before turning to Jeremy. “And you, sir, clean up quite smart. You’ve got some color back, and your strength. It’s a well thing, too. You’ll need it when you’re fighting for the rights of good Englishmen in Parliament.” Jeremy took the outstretched hand of his friend.
“Ah. You heard that did you?”
“I did. And, Greymont, I think you should do it.”
