Page 27 of Real Earls Break the Rules

Brandon emerged from the doorway. “Newchester. Good to see you.”

The marquess motioned to the two men behind him. “You’re acquainted with my brothers, Lord Weston and Lord Emmett.”

“Welcome,” Brandon said.

One by one the ladies were introduced. Amelia was last to greet Newchester and his brothers. She thought Newchester looked friendly with kind blue eyes. He was clearly enamored of Helen by the way he smiled whenever he looked at her—like a man who’d been separated from his heart’s desire for too long a time.

The marquess’s brothers, however, gave her different impressions. Both were of medium height and build in their late twenties with thick heads of dark hair, but something about the way they carried themselves led her to believe that their personalities were as different as their physical appearances were similar. The younger brother, Lord Emmett, raked Amelia’s form with an appraising gaze then grinned and kissed the back of her hand. The middle brother, Lord Weston, stared at her behind gold-rimmed spectacles for several moments as if she were an interesting artifact in a curiosity cabinet before offering a tentative smile.

Both were handsome men, but she couldn’t help but compare them to Brandon and find them both lacking.

She inwardly admonished herself. Why on earth was she comparing every bachelor at the house party to Vale?

A rustle of skirts by her side drew her attention. Chloe stood staring at the two brothers with a distinctive glint of eagerness in her eyes.

Oh no. Amelia would have to keep vigil over her sister. Chloe was more interested in men than any young lady should be.

The second carriage pulled forward and the Duke of Townsend and his family stepped out. Amelia had learned that the duke was a close family friend to the dowager and had known the dowager’s husband.

The duke was short and stocky, but what he lacked in height he made up for in power and aristocratic confidence. Amelia had dealt with a few nobles during their ownership of the print shop, although none as high in rank as a duke. Her instinct, combined with the duke’s bearing and the gleam of intelligence in his eyes, told her one thing: he was not a man to be trifled with.

His wife, the duchess, was the duke’s third wife and half his age. Diamonds glittered on her fingers, neck, and earbobs. Their union had resulted in one daughter. The duke had never had a son and heir.

The daughter, Lady Minerva, had blond curls and brown eyes. She didn’t wear jewels like her mother, but the cut of her dress, with its low embroidered neckline and high-waisted sash, emphasized her large breasts. Her face had too many sharp angles to be considered beautiful, but her voluptuous figure would draw many men’s eyes.

The duchess smiled up at Brandon. “You remember my daughter, Lady Minerva, don’t you?”

“Of course. Welcome to Rosehill, my lady,” Brandon said politely.

Minerva turned a shade pink as she looked up at him. “I last saw you at the Drury Lane theatre’s production of Hamlet months ago. You waved from your box in the balcony.”

A tiny crease formed between Brandon’s eyebrows. “I recall the play, but I’m afraid I don’t remember seeing you there.”

“Oh, but I was and you saw me. I’m quite sure of it,” Minerva insisted.

He arched an eyebrow, looking at her uncertainly. “I apologize. Did you enjoy the performance?” he asked.

Her hands fluttered before her. “I find all the Shakespearean plays dreadfully boring.”

Boring? Amelia had read many of Shakespeare’s works and would love the opportunity to see a play of Hamlet.

The duchess cleared her throat. “Our family has been looking forward to the house party, my lord. I know Minerva has been especially excited to see an estate as lovely as Rosehill.”

Amelia glanced at Brandon but saw no sign that he was eager to have Minerva and the duchess as guests. He merely smiled politely.

Caroline stepped forward to touch Minerva’s arm. “You must be parched from the journey. Would you like to come inside and join several of us for tea? The duchess and the others can join my grandmother.”

Minerva looked to her mother for approval, then nodded. “Tea sounds wonderful.” She followed Caroline into the house. Amelia and Chloe trailed behind.

The young ladies arranged themselves on sofas in the sitting room and a maid delivered tea and pastries.

“How is London?” Caroline asked.

Minerva sighed. “The same. I’ve been to half a dozen appointments with the modiste in preparation of upcoming soirees, balls, and garden parties of the Season. It’s been tedious.”

Amelia stared. Not long ago, all three Somerton sisters had worn used serviceable dresses without a scrap of lace or ribbon and had taken nothing for granted. In contrast, Minerva seemed spoiled and ungrateful.

“I’ve been anticipating my visit to the country and look forward to a pleasant change of scenery,” Minerva said.