First, they were taken on a house tour, which turned out to be a solid affair about the size of Willowhurst. By the time they sat down for tea, Cassie felt warm and welcome.
If Harbury had not been so stiff, her happiness with the visit would have been complete.
But if the Wexfords noticed his stilted behavior, they didn’t make mention of it. They settled amiably in a parlor with large-paned windows looking out over a pond. Two white swans glided peacefully over the water.
“Well, son,” Lord Wexford said. “I’d say you’ve done well in your choice of a spouse, very well indeed. Your father would be proud.”
“I’m honored you think so,” Harbury cordially replied. “My wife charms everyone she meets. Her overtures toward the tenants’ wives have been received with great enthusiasm.”
Cassie smiled, though she wasn’t sure he meant his description as a compliment.
“Then you at The Hall will never again be ignorant of the lateston dit,” Lady Wexford offered.
“How right you are.” Harbury chuckled without mirth, as if Lady Wexford’s assertion matched his greatest fear. “And how goes things here?”
Lord Wexford exchanged a glance with his wife. “Our son manages most things these days.”
“Most,” Lady Wexford agreed. “But not enough.”
“Hard for a man to let go.” Lord Wexford shrugged as he crossed his legs. “Althoughyoudo not have to worry about letting go for a very long while, Harbury.” He cocked his head fondly. “Still odd to refer to you as Harbury. How fast the time has gone. How long has it been?”
“Nearly two years,” Lady Wexford offered.
“Two years!” Lord Wexford shook his head. “Is Anderson still at his post or have you replaced him?”
“At present, he remains my steward,” Harbury replied. “You say your son has been managing the place? It’s been a long time since I’ve talked to Arthur. I’d love to see him. Is he—”
“What a mess your father had on his hands.” Lord Wexford shook his head, seemingly so lost in recollection he hadn’t heard Harbury. “How is that former governess, er, rather, companion of Lady Sarah’s?”
Beside her, Harbury stiffened.
“Moved up in the world, last I heard,” Lord Wexford mused. “Twice, I believe. Just as she always intended, but I don’t have to remind you, now do I?” He chuckled as if he’d said something witty. “She would have caught you in the parson’s trap, Harbury, wouldn’t she? That is, if your father hadn’t acted so quickly and shrewdly. A boon for you, my dear.”
Unable to respond, Cassie fixed her gaze on a mole just beneath Lord Wexford’s right eye.A boon?
“Please excuse Lord Wexford, duchess. He is such a great tease,” Lady Wexford said with a laugh.
A laugh Cassie hardly heard because the thudding in her ears deadened all sound.
Parson’s trap…
Unless her husband had left some other youthful attachment unrevealed, she only knew of one lady he’d ever wanted to marry. But Lord Wexford couldn’t possibly be referring to Lady Pennington.
Lady Pennington lived in London.
Lady Pennington was acountess.
Lady Pennington, as far as she knew, had never come to the Harbury estate.
“All that was so long ago,” Lady Wexford continued. “And surely of no interest, now. Why don’t we—”
“She was a handsome thing, if I recall,” Lord Wexford interrupted, his unfixed eyes still lost in memory. “Not as pretty as your duchess,but stately. Come now, Lydia, what was her name? You remember.”
“I’m sure I don’t,” Lady Wexford raised her voice.
“Lady Pennington, I believe.” Cassie responded quietly. “Her name is Vivianne, Lady Pennington.”
“Vivianne!” Lord Wexford cheerfully exclaimed. “Yes! Her nameisVivianne. Only she was Vivianne Anderson then.”
