“It is true,” Winston replied. “I never quite understood why our grandmother kept so many in her manor. I think I counted ten at one point.”
“The cats kept her company, especially in her later days,” Elodie remarked. She didn’t appear to be bothered by the fact that their grandmother’s manor had been overrun with cats, but it had greatly bothered him. He couldn’t explain why, but perhaps it had something to do with his belief that cats belonged in a barn rather than an elegantly furnished manor.
As they followed the line of guests outside, Winston watched as Bennett and Delphine said their final farewells.
Bennett caught his eyes and approached, speaking in a low voice, “Are you certain my absence won’t be noticed for a fortnight?”
Winston understood his unspoken concern. Bennett was worried about their Aunt Sarah’s safety since her husband was still searching for her.
Placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder, Winston assured him, “Enjoy your time with your wife. All will be well here. I promise.”
“If you are sure…” Bennett’s words trailed off.
Winston flashed a confident smile. “I am,” he insisted, casting a glance at Grady, the Bow Street Runner posing as a footman.
Delphine came to stand next to her husband, placing a hand on his back. “We should depart soon so we can arrive before dark.”
“Yes, Dearest,” Bennett said, exchanging a look full of love with his wife, before leading her to the coach.
While the coach drove off, Winston felt immense relief that he could now retreat to his bedchamber. To be alone.
Turning, he found himself face to face with Miss Bawden. Not bothering to muster up a smile, he greeted her with a curt, “Miss Bawden.” There was no need for pretenses. They both knew they detested each other.
Miss Bawden pursed her lips together, as if she had just eaten something that had disagreed with her. “Lord Winston,” she replied tersely.
They stood in an uncomfortable silence, their mutual animosity palpable. Winston could not help but wonder how someone so beautiful could be so utterly disagreeable. He even suspected that Miss Bawden’s steely gaze was capable of frightening small children.
Winston had no desire to spend another moment in Miss Bawden’s presence. “Excuse me?—”
His words were interrupted when his mother approached, gracefully inserting herself into the conversation. “Mattie, it is always a pleasure to see you,” she greeted warmly. “I was hoping that you might join us for dinner this evening.”
Miss Bawden’s eyes flickered towards Winston, uncertainty evident in her expression. He suspected she had as little desire to dine with him as he did with her. “That is most kind of you, Lady Dallington, but I… uh…”
Looping arms with her, Elodie pleaded, “You must come to dine with us.”
“I suppose I can,” Miss Bawden responded, shifting her gaze to Elodie. “But I do not wish to be a bother.”
Elodie smiled broadly. “Do not be ridiculous. We all enjoy spending time with you. Isn’t that right, Winston?”
Botheration.
His sister was goading him.
Fortunately, Winston was a trained barrister and no stranger to such social maneuverings. With practicedease, he maintained his polite façade. “Indeed, Elodie,” he replied smoothly, “Miss Bawden is always welcome in our home.”
He could practically hear Miss Bawden roll her eyes at his words. But she was too much of a genteel woman to let her emotions lay bare. Instead, she returned his smile. “That is most kind of you to say, my lord.”
To the neutral observer, it looked as if they were having a pleasant conversation, but they both knew better. It was a delicate dance of civility they were performing for the sake of others.
Winston’s mother spoke up. “Did you not bring a coach?” she asked, addressing Miss Bawden.
“I did, but my father had to depart from the luncheon early. No doubt someone needed him from the parish,” Miss Bawden said, taking a step back from the group.
“Perhaps you could even join us for games afterwards,” Elodie suggested cheerfully.
Miss Bawden briefly smiled. “I shall see if I am able,” she said before dropping into a graceful curtsy.
As Winston watched Miss Bawden walk away, he couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “Games? Truly, Elodie?”
