Page 42 of The Earl and His Lady

“I think,” Phillip said with deliberate slowness, “it could be enjoyable. But we ought to check with Mother first.”

Lucas sighed and nodded. “I think you must be right about that. Very well. I will ask your mother and let you know when she’s given her answer.”

“She’ll say yes.” Edward spoke with all the authority a four-year-old could possess and Lucas had to resist chuckling again.

He was ready to elaborate on their plans when he rounded the last bend in the road to reveal the house.

There were carriages in front of his home. Two of them. One grand and opulent, with a familiar coat of arms emblazoned upon the door. The other carriage was more modest, but new. They were both being attended to by servants who were unloading luggage.

“Gentlemen,” Lucas said, raising his voice to be sure they heard him. “You are about to meet some very important people. I think you ought to go through the servants’ hall and wash yourselves well before the introductions.”

Edward stretched around, leaning onto Lucas’s seat to see past him. “Who is it?” he asked, his voice reverential.

“Did you know they were coming?” Phillip asked, standing up to look over Lucas’s shoulder and resting his hands there for balance.

The casual touch made Lucas smile, despite the anxious feeling somewhere in his chest.

“I had no idea. To answer your question, Edward, you are going to meet my mother, the Dowager Countess of Annesbury, and my brother, and his wife. I hope you’re prepared to make a good impression, but even if you aren’t, I have the feeling they will be impressed by you both.”

At least he hoped they would. And he hoped his mother was minding her tongue. Doubtless she was already making herself at home.

He hoped Virginia was faring well.

¤

“The Dowager Countess of Annesbury, Lady Pamela Calvert,” Gresham said, sounding completely out of breath, after opening the doors to Virginia’s morning room. She barely had the time to stand, and next to no time to register surprise, before a tall and imposing woman swept into the room. “And Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Calvert,” the butler added, his voice fading slightly at the end of the introduction.

Virginia’s eyes darted to the door once more, watching as a couple entered the room, uncertainty clear on their faces.

But Lady Pamela Calvert swiftly retook her attention. Virginia curtsied deeply, as much for the woman’s position as her new mother-in-law as for the respect due her title.

“My lady, welcome back to Annesbury Park.” At least she didn’t sound as ruffled as she felt.

“Thank you,” Lady Pamela said, her tone speculative instead of offended. “And where is my son? He ought to be here to make introductions and explain himself.” She hadn’t removed her gloves or her hat, which bore a large red feather and an intricate purple veil to cover her face. Without waiting for an invitation, she sat upon the chair most in command of the room.

Virginia instinctively looked to the other two, searching for allies though she had no thought as to whether Lucas’s brother and his wife might be for or against her.

Marcus Calvert did not resemble his brother greatly. He was red-headed where Lucas was fair and had a slightly shorter build, wider in the shoulders, too. But when he smiled at her, she recognized her husband’s charm in the expression.

“Mother,” he said, guiding his wife forward. “Perhaps it would be best if we waited for Lucas? You could go to your room and change out of your traveling clothes.”

“Hmph. I will do no such thing, and neither will either of you. I have questions and if Lucas cannot answer them, someone must.” She turned back to face Virginia. “Sit down, madam.”

Although tempted to resent the woman’s presumption to order her about, Virginia swallowed her pride. She looked at Mrs. Calvert. “Won’t you please make yourself comfortable, Mrs. Calvert. Mr. Calvert.”

They went to the two-person couch, and once they had taken their seats Virginia took hers.

“Would you like tea, my lady?” she asked, making eye contact with Gresham who still stood in the doorway. The old servant’s eyes were wide and she couldn’t decide if he was enjoying the spectacle or was afraid to leave her with the lioness in the purple dress.

“Yes, yes. See to it, Gresham,” the dowager countess said dismissively.

The butler hurried to close the doors and see to his task.

Virginia wasn’t certain they would get along if the woman continued to act as though she were mistress in the house.

The dowager reached up to her veil and pulled it upward, revealing a lovely, if a trifle stern, face. She had hair nearly as red as her younger son and eyes that snapped in a lively, intelligent manner. “I understand your Christian name is Virginia.”

“It is.” Virginia folded her hands in her lap. “And yours is Pamela.”