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Estwood chuckled. “As do I.”
The carriage erupted into laughter, even Lady Molsin chuckling into one gloved hand.
When Romy looked up, she could just see Granby in the carriage behind them, regarding both her and Estwood with frosty intensity as if he knew their merriment was at his expense.
Romy ignored him. He could go hang.
“Lady Andromeda, how are you enjoying your stay?” her hostess inquired, eyes sharp on Romy.
“It has been delightful, my lady. A most welcome escape from London. I thank you again for being so kind as to include us.”
“You are most welcome, my dear. Lady Richardson has been concerned for your welfare and that of your sisters since your father’s passing.” She lightly touched Romy’s hand as her cheeks reddened. “Forgive me for reminding you of it. Sometimes I speak without thinking.”
“Please don’t distress yourself, my lady. It has been well over a year.” Romy thought for a moment. “Closer to two, in fact.”
Lady Molsin nodded. “When my own husband passed, I felt lost for a time. One day, I woke up and realized it had been three years.” A faraway look entered her eyes. “It was a difficult adjustment, but I am fortunate. As is your mother. In our stepchildren.” Granby’s aunt leaned forward. “Your brother taught me to play faro. I’m quite good.” She cast a sideways glance at Lady Mildred, who was thankfully engaged in conversation with Estwood. “I refer to Mr. Murphy. Not the duke.”
Romy had difficulty hiding her surprise. The very idea that Leo had taught this elegant older woman how to play cards was rather scandalous.
“Handsome scamp. He and the duke could be twins. They both favor your father.”
“Yes.” Romy nodded, slowly aware that Lady Molsin was attempting to make some sort of point in mentioning that she knew Leo, but she wasn’t sure exactly what it was. Lady Molsin shouldn’twantto admit knowing Leo. Her brother being a bastard typically meant his very existence would be ignored by a lady of Lady Molsin’s status. The verylastperson in all the world Romy envisioned inside Elysium was Granby’s aunt.
Lady Molsin smiled, ending their conversation, and turned her attention to the passing countryside.
The carriages slowed and finally stopped before a vista of green grass waving under a patch of clear blue sky. Small mounds sat in a semi-circle around the area which Romy knew from her conversation with Mr. Estwood had to be barrows and not hills. The area bustled with activity as they approached, Granby’s servants having arrived earlier to set up a place for the guests to picnic. A short distance from the picnic area lay a collection of rectangular stones sat strewn about the field. Estwood claimed the arrangement of the stones was significant and held a special meaning due to their placement.
Romy studied the stones as the carriage grew closer, seeing no discernable pattern. Maybe Estwood was incorrect and the rocks were just that. Rocks.
Blankets and cushions littered the ground meant for the more adventurous guests, though a table and chairs had been set up as well for those who didn’t wish to sit on the ground. The smell of roasted chicken hung in the air along with fresh grass and a hint of honeysuckle.
“Goodness. Here already,” Granby’s aunt said. A footman opened the carriage door and Estwood jumped out, offering his assistance to Lady Molsin. “Ladies, I do hope you’ve all brought your parasols. The sun can be quite warm.”
Romy had brought her parasol today. Cousin Winnie had been in a lather that she’d been going about without one. She tucked it under one arm as Estwood assisted her from the carriage.
“Some stones are half-buried, so watch your step,” Lady Molsin cautioned.
“May I escort you, Lady Molsin?” Mr. Estwood said politely. The light flashing in his pale eyes told Romy his offer was more a challenge, daring her to reject him.
Lady Molsin didn’t hesitate, her gloved hand floating above Estwood’s forearm before she gingerly placed her fingertips on his sleeve. “That would be most welcome, Mr. Estwood. Over there.” She pointed to the lone table.
Estwood inclined his head and led her forward, his steps slowing to match hers, as Lady Mildred followed closely behind. She’d conversed with Estwood the entire ride and now followed closely behind him and Lady Molsin.
Estwood paused and gallantly held out his other arm which Mildred took immediately, beaming at the attention.
Blythe sailed by Romy, who stood with Lucy, Theo on one arm, Meredith on the other.
Theo waved. “Come along, Miss Waterstone.”
Lucy took several steps to catch up, giving Blythe a shy smile when he greeted her.
Romy started forward, glad to see Lucy smile. She hadn’t done much of that since her father’s arrival at The Barrow. Mr. Waterstone was a tyrant and barely tolerable.
“A wise decision on Estwood’s part,” Haven murmured in her ear as he came up alongside her, extending his arm.
“What is?” Romy placed her fingers on his coat. “Oh, you mean in escorting Lady Molsin? I would have to agree, Lord Haven. It is always advisable to further ingratiate yourself with the hostess of the house party you are attending.”
“No,” he said, leaning closer; she caught a whiff of spice. “In not escortingyou.” He jerked his chin discreetly at Granby who had Beatrice clinging to one arm, Lady Foxwood on the other.
