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Two
The journey to the Duke of Lindsey’s country estate took them three days. Three cold, mind-numbing days... Daniel had almost enjoyed that part. It was far preferable to the head pain that he’d had to endure while going over the estate ledgers. The rest of the trip had not been as enjoyable. Calliope hated traveling, and the frigid temperature didn’t help her demeanor.
So, when they finally arrived at the Lindsey estate, Daniel had breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn’t wait to step out of the carriage and stretch his legs. When the carriage rolled to a stop at the entrance, Daniel did just that. He only halted long enough to assist his sister out of the carriage. Then he stomped up the front steps and banged on the door.
“So kind of you to wait for me to walk with you,” Calliope said as she caught up with him. “You’re quite the gentleman, brother.”
Daniel met her gaze and grinned. “Thank you,” he replied in an amused tone. “I’ve always prided myself on being a gentleman.”
Calliope rolled her eyes. “I would think most ladies consider you a scoundrel.”
“Thank you,” he agreed, then winked.
At that moment, the door opened. An elderly man with snow white hair and faded brown eyes stood in the entrance. “Yes?”
“I am Lord Hampstead, and this is Lady Calliope Andrews. Their Graces are expecting us.”
“Indeed,” the elderly man said. “Please come in. I’ll have the footman see to your trunks.”
Calliope and Daniel strolled inside. While still in the foyer, they removed their cloaks and handed them to the butler. After a few moments, the Duke of Lindsey strolled in. “Hampstead,” Lindsey said, in a jovial tone. “You’re the first to arrive. I was just going to look for my wife. I trust your journey went well.”
“Aside from the cold,” he said. “And Calliope’s constant petulant complaints. Indeed, it was most pleasant.”
His sister rolled her eyes. “Don’t listen to him, Your Grace.” She smiled. “He’s terrible to travel with.” She glared at Daniel. “We’re both happy to be here. Thank you for the invitation.”
The duke’s lips twitched. “I’m familiar with Hampstead’s dislike of travel. I understand it is a familial trait as well.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’m glad you were both brave enough to endure it and join us. Please follow me to the sitting room. The duchess should be there with afternoon tea. Unless you would prefer to be shown to your rooms so you can rest.”
“I’d prefer tea,” Calliope said. “I can rest later.”
Daniel wasn’t at all surprised by his sister’s choice. She was probably still a little cold and wanted tea to help warm her. He would prefer a stronger beverage than tea. “I don’t suppose you have brandy instead?”
Lindsey shook his head. “No, at least not in the sitting room. We can retire to my study later for a snifter or two.”
“All right,” Daniel agreed.
Before they could depart, another bang on the door caught their attention. The butler was nowhere to be found. Lindsey cursed and went to answer his own door. Daniel was amused to see a duke doing what he normally had servants for. Lindsey opened the door and grinned. “Goodland,” he said in a cheery tone. “I thought you were coming later.” He gestured for the viscount to come inside.
Goodland stepped into the foyer and unbuttoned his coat. “I wrapped up my business early and thought, why the hell not come earlier. It won’t be too much trouble, will it?”
Lindsey shook his head. “No, your chamber should already be prepared. The servants have been preparing for this house party for days now.”
“Wonderful,” Goodland replied, and shrugged out of his coat. The butler returned at that moment and took it from the viscount.
“I’ll take that, my lord,” the butler said, then left.
Goodland turned toward Daniel and Calliope. “Hampstead,” he shouted in a jovial tone. “I saw your carriage being taken to the stable. There is a stack of trunks out there to be brought inside. Did you bring your entire wardrobe with you?”
Daniel glared at him. “Only one of those trunks belongs to me.”
“I’m afraid the rest are mine,” Calliope said. Her cheeks pinkened as she met Goodland’s gaze. “Gowns take up a lot of space.”
Was Calliope embarrassed because she had so many trunks. Daniel narrowed his gaze. “You don’t need to explain yourself to the viscount. He likes to tease. Ignore him. The rest of us do.”
“He is right,” Goodland agreed. “They do ignore me. Even when they shouldn’t.” He winked. “I hope you do not follow his lead.” He held a hand over his chest. “It would break what’s left of my poor abused heart.”
“Do not listen to that nonsense,” Daniel ordered Calliope. He turned to Goodland. “And you stay away from my sister.”
The last thing he needed was for Calliope to fall for Goodland. The only broken heart would be hers. The only gentleman more determined to never marry than Daniel, was Goodland. The viscount had his reasons for remaining unwed, and Daniel didn’t blame him for his reluctance. That didn’t mean he would allow him to ruin his sister. Calliope would find a man worthy of her. One that would not only treat her with respect but would always put her needs first. Goodland was not the man to do that for her. He was incapable of it.
