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When she finally made it up to the breakfast parlor, the rest of the guests and family had already gathered and started eating. Michael looked up when she stepped in, a wide smile grew on his face when he saw her.
“Good morning, my lady!” he called. “I was hoping you would join us this morning.”
She greeted him with a smile as she moved towards the breakfast buffet to fill a plate. Michael rose with his, as though to grab additional servings.
“I have been missing your company,” he told her in a soft voice as she selected samples of eggs and cold meats for her plate. “We did not have much opportunity yesterday.”
Smiling up at him, she explained, “It seems my uncle wants to be more diligent as a chaperone. Perhaps there is some activity that may serve as a compromise?”
“Perhaps,” he mused, looking away thoughtfully. “Hmm, I will have to consider it as we eat.”
“He was explaining yesterday that he did not think you were serious about our engagement.”
Michael’s mouth pressed into a thin line and he looked over his shoulder at Francis.
“We’ll have to do something about that.”
“Do we have to?” Lydia asked with an eyebrow raised. “We only have to keep this up for another week.”
“I did intend to go to the Duchess of Beaufort’s ball as your fiancé,” he said, his expression darkening.
“So another week and a half,” she nodded. “I do not think we will have to fret too hard.”
“Very well,” Michael said, turning towards the table.
She sensed that she had hurt his feelings somehow, so as she followed him to the table, she tried to think of a way to endear him to her again.
“The weather is quite lovely out,” she said. “A stroll through the gardens might be in order. Or a picnic on the lawn.”
“That sounds like a fine idea,” he agreed politely. He looked up to Ranora. “How is the vicar’s wife?”
“On the mend,” she said with a smile. “She was so grateful to have someone call upon her.”
“You were kind to go on my behalf,” he said.
“It was my pleasure.”
“And uncle, what have you on your agenda today?”
Lionel looked up from his coffee, surprised. “Oh, I had planned to go down to the McClafferty tenancy, follow up on the ledger we had discussed last week.”
“And viscount, how about you?”
“I am actually unoccupied today.”
“You should join us on the lawn,” Michael suggested. “Enjoy a bit of country air while the weather is nice, before you have to go back to the city.”
“I’m sure I could find a book or such to keep me occupied.”
“Even a game of chess or backgammon, under the open air,” Michael added. “Do you play much chess?”
“Chess is one of my favorite pastimes,” he said, lighting up.
“I’m sure we can have plenty to discuss, as well.”
“Most assuredly,” Francis said, surprised. He glanced at Lydia, his brows knitting together.
* * *
