They ate in the smaller, family dining hall placed against the back of the house, directly above the kitchens. There was a beautiful view of the back garden through its four square windows, and mirrors on the opposite wall helped pull in even more sunlight. The table was a rich cherrywood, though the ivory linenscovered it. The room could hold no more than twelve diners, so while the small party of five did not take up every place setting, the table did not look entirely empty either.
“Matt and I will be leaving tomorrow,” Lady Merritt said regrettably.
“I would be happy to stay and keep you company!” John answered. “Perhaps until we leave for London?” Papa nodded his approval.
Clara continued to eat her beef and potatoes.I wonder what is in this sauce?She thought as she savored another bite.It tastes heavenly. Why, I dare say Luke’s cook is better than ours.
“Clara?” Mother interrupted her mind-wandering.
She looked up from her plate to find every set of eyes on her. She had no context as to why that might be. “Yes, Mother?”
“Are you staying here with Luke and John or going home with us?” There was a twinkle in her eye, almost a laugh. It was mischievous, as if she were plotting something.
“You are welcome to invite a friend to stay as well,” Luke suggested. It was a generous offer, and one Clara found appealing.
“I do not think that wise,” Mother cut in.
“Why not?” Clara asked suspiciously.
“Well, Luke is a single gentleman,” Lady Merritt explained, “the only reason you can be here is because you have John acting as chaperone. But if you were to throw in another young lady, now there are two,” she gestured to both Luke and John, “single gentlemen and no chaperones.”
“I see,” Luke acknowledged.
Certainly, they could have invited more chaperones, but Clara knew Lord Maxwell would not enjoy hosting a large group. She had to choose. Did she return to Rosecrest and her many acquaintances, or stay with Luke and John and have only the company of her two oldest friends? Of course, there were many things they would be doing without her. Luke was a baron after all, and John would assist him in his duties.
“You could make friends here,” her brother wisely reminded her. As long as her friends did not have toliveat Maxwell Manor, it was perfectly acceptable tohave women in the house, especially if they attended teas or dinners with their mothers. Luke would not even have to meet them.
Clara knew it was her decision to make, still, she looked to her father, asking him with her eyes what he thought she should do.
Papa dipped his head and smiled. He had the same shimmer in his eye as his wife.What are they up to?Clara wondered. She had never considered her parents the scheming type.
But the idea of making new friends was appealing. Surely, there were some delightful women in Harleston. A brand new set of people could make Maxwell Manor thoroughly enjoyable, and if not, she would simply leave when she tired of Luke and John.Plus, her brain reminded her,you would get to eat more of the cook’s amazing dinners.
“I shall stay,” she announced. Though the conspiring look her parents shared made her wonder if she had made the right decision.
Once they had all retired to the drawing room, Lord Merritt held everyone’s attention. “Before we go,” he announced, “I have a gift for each of the graduates.” He smiled at Luke and John. “John, your gift is in the stables.” The son’s face filled with excitement. “His name is Nimbus.”
“Thank you!” John remarked gleefully.
The countess waved him away with her hand, “Go ahead, John. We shall be here when you get back.” Her son raced from the room.
“Now Luke …” Lord Merritt addressed the baron.
“A gift is not necessary.”
“Nonsense!” Lady Merritt replied. “You deserve to be celebrated just as much as John!” But Luke was growing increasingly more uncomfortable. They had already helped him with his education, the reconstruction of his home, and running his barony. He would forever be indebted to the Merritts.
“I know horses are not your passion,” the earl continued, “so, I have a different type of gift for you.” He gestured to the butler, who slowly pulled an envelope from behind his back. “I could have told you myself, but it seems more like a gift this way.” The butler passed the envelope to Luke. Inside was a piece of Rosecrest stationery that included these words:
I, Lord John Matthew Merritt, Eighth Earl of Faversham, Kent, do hereby take full financial responsibility for all expenses Lord Luke Farris Maxwell, Fifth Baron of Harleston, Norfolk, may accrue on a luxurious trip to Spain. With Lord Maxwell’s permission, I shall see to it that his tenants and estate are maintained in his absence. I make this vow of my own free will and choice.
Lord J. Matthew Merritt
Notarized: Mr. Rogers T. Bunker
“There is no expiration date,” Lord Merritt insisted, “take the trip whenever you please.”
“You are sending him on a trip?” Clara asked from her place on the blue sofa.
