Page 89 of How to Wed a Courtesan

She poured a cup of tea and added two lumps of sugar, selecting the largest from the bowl with a pair of silver sugar tongs.

‘It would appear,’ Evander said gently, ‘that Lottie has heard of your parting with Lady Stetton.’

Evander’s mother rolled her eyes in a most un-countess-like manner. ‘That wretched woman.’

Lottie watched her mother-in-law to ensure she wasn’t simply posturing for her sake. ‘I thought you were friends.’

‘We were well-acquainted,’ the Dowager Countess conceded. ‘Truth be told, I never did enjoy her company overmuch. She always was a waspish woman—very critical of others and with a ready opinion for every matter.’

Evander raised his brows at Lottie, as though to say, See there? It’s as I told you. He lifted his paper. ‘I’ll see to the arrangements for our departure to Huntly Manor.’

He bent to Lottie and gave her a kiss on the cheek before departing, leaving her alone with his mother.

Lottie fiddled with her toast, her appetite gone. ‘I don’t want you losing friends on my account.’

‘Losing a false friend is no loss at all.’ The Dowager Countess set her gaze on Lottie, her eyes sharp despite her otherwise frail appearance. ‘I have many friends. I needn’t worry about those who aren’t worth my time. Anyone who finds fault with you has no room in my life.’ She lifted her teacup. ‘Frankly, I am too old to care.’

She took a prim sip of tea as Lottie gave her a grateful smile.

Her mother-in-law waved off her thanks. ‘So, what is this I hear that you are leaving for Huntly Manor today?’

‘I believe they are nearly done with the preparations for our arrival.’ Lottie pursed her lips. ‘Or at least Evander is confident they are.’

‘They’ll make do.’ The Dowager Countess smiled. ‘You’ll have a grand time.’

Lottie reached for her toast, her appetite restored. ‘I’m certain we will.’

Packing for the fortnight-long trip was done quickly, and by ten that morning Lottie and Evander were ready to depart. They sat on the same side of the bench in the carriage on the way to Oxfordshire, and chatted about Lottie’s memories from Binsey and all the things she wanted to explore while they were there.

The journey took five hours before the carriage turned down the long road leading to the massive manor. Trees lined either side of the drive, framing the large white front of Huntly Manor, which featured a fountain and a cascade of steps leading up to the large wooden doors.

Lottie recalled seeing the exquisite home as a girl and imagining that a princess lived inside. Never had she considered that one day she might actually be the princess.

Together, they made their way up the steps, expecting the door to open quickly as Andrews had been notified of their arrival by the groom who had ridden ahead.

It remained closed.

How curious.

‘It is a large house,’ Lottie said, by way of plausible explanation.

‘It is.’ Evander put his arm around her as they waited.

Still the door remained closed.

After a long moment, Evander rapped on the brass knocker. No one answered. He lifted his brow, put his hand on the knob and opened the door.

What greeted them was pure chaos.

Servants ran about this way and that, the trunks that had been sent ahead lay in a heap, and orders were being shouted from the stairs.

Evander looked at Lottie, incredulous, and she began to laugh.

‘Don’t you be laughing now, lovey, when you’ve surprised us like this.’ Sarah raced down the stairs, her silver-streaked hair coming out of its normally neat chignon. She paused at the bottom, her hand resting on the banister as she huffed for breath. ‘We told you we needed only two more days. We’ve been taking the place apart in order to put it back together. I had suggested we do that after your visit, but someone insisted it be done straight away.’

‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing correctly.’ Andrews appeared, casting Sarah a sideways glance. ‘Do forgive me, my lady, as you can see, we were a bit surprised.’

Lottie shook her head. ‘You needn’t worry at all. We were simply so eager to come we were not overly concerned about the reception we might receive. Though admittedly we had not imagined this.’ She laughed again.