Bennett sat on a chair before revealing, “She is actually a countess in her own right, the Countess of Dunrobin.”
“That is rare,” his mother remarked.
“It is an old Scottish title, but it sounded as if she spent most of her time in Skidbrooke where her country estate is,” Bennett revealed.
Melody spoke up. “Did Lady Dunrobin say why she was in the woodlands?”
Bennett shook his head. “I’m afraid those memories have not returned,” he said. “Despite this, she has an immense desire to go home.”
His mother didn’t look surprised by what he had revealed. “I do not fault her for that, but it is much too soon for her to travel. She needs time to recover,” she insisted.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” Bennett said. “I invited her to dine with us this evening, assuming she can borrow a gown.”
Elodie jumped up from her seat. “She can borrow one of mine. I will take it to her now,” she said eagerly.
Bennett eyed his sister with curiosity, knowing she was not one to do things out of the goodness of her heart. “Why are you so eager to see Lady Dunrobin?”
Placing a hand on her hip, Elodie replied, “She is a countess in her own right. I have never met someone like her before. I bet she is intriguing.”
“She is in a rather vulnerable position, and you need to be compassionate about her plight,” Bennett stated.
Elodie dropped her hand to her side, looking put out. “I can behave like a lady when I choose to,” she defended.
Melody nodded in agreement. “It is a rare sighting, but it is true. I have seen it on an occasion or two.” She rose. “Perhaps I will accompany Elodie to visit Lady Dunrobin.”
Bennett went to object, but his mother spoke first. “That is a fine idea,” she said. “I think Lady Dunrobin would look especially lovely in Elodie’s pink gown with the flowers. Off you go, girls.”
Turning a questioning glance to his mother, he waited until his sisters left the room before asking, “Why are you so eager for them to visit with Lady Dunrobin?”
His mother reached forward and grabbed her needlework. “I would imagine that Lady Dunrobin would enjoy the company, seeing as she is cooped up in her bedchamber.”
“It isn’t as if she is alone, considering you sent your lady’s maid to read to her,” Bennett pointed out.
“Yes, but it would be beneficial for Elodie and Melody to be associated with Lady Dunrobin when we arrive for the Season,” his mother said. “I have no doubt that Lady Dunrobin will create quite a stir amongst the other debutantes.”
Bennett settled back into his seat. “As will Elodie andMelody,” he remarked. “I am not sure if thetonis ready for them.”
“They will rise to the occasion.”
With a glance over his shoulder, Bennett said, “I did discover something rather disconcerting this morning.” He paused. “Melody was reading an article about Lord Willowbrook in the newssheets and mentioned he was handsome.”
His mother gave him a blank stare. “And?”
“There is nothing else, but is that not sufficient?” Bennett asked. “I don’t want Melody anywhere near rakes or fortune hunters.”
“You have nothing to worry about. Melody is smart enough to stay away from rakes. Besides, you cannot go a day without reading something in the newssheets about Lord Willowbrook. Thetonseems to adore him.”
“I just do not like it.”
With an understanding look, his mother said, “Your sisters are growing up. They are going to forge their own paths, and we must give them the room to do so.”
“I do not intend to let them out of my sight in London,” Bennett stated firmly.
“Nor I, but we can’t very well keep them prisoners in our townhouse.”
Bennett shrugged. “I could keep Elodie on a very long leash.”
His mother looked displeased at his attempt at humor. “That is awful of you to even say.”
