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"A difficult balancing act for you, Lady Montgomery."
"Precisely," she declared. "If only Lord Montgomery were here, I would not ask you to manage my elder daughter. Unfortunately, the Baron has duties at home. But I can see that an officer and gentleman such as you would be up to the tasks."
"I shall do my very best," he repeated, though the assignment seemed beyond his abilities and downright impossible if Miss Montgomery had other ideas.
******
Ronnie helped Evie, the maid she shared with Cici, move her empty trunk to the corridor before sinking into the softness of the velvet chair.
"Thank you, Evie," she said, gesturing to the few remaining items of clothing on the bed. "I will put those away in a while. Felicia probably needs your help now."
"Thank ‘ee, Miss," Evie said, bobbing a curtsey and backing out of the room.
Ronnie breathed deeply. Alone, she could let her mind wander. It was a relief to have a room separate from her sister, Ronnie thought. One more paean to William Turner's face or figure might push her to throttle her sister.
Ooh, careful! The situation is perilous. If I show a whit of envy, Cici will become even more effusive about her triumph.
Only weeks into the Season's social whirl, her sister had discovered her true love. Cici’s William would succeed his father as Baron Stapleford someday. In many ways, this suited Ronnie perfectly. Cici got what she wanted, as did William, and both sets of parents. Now Ronnie needed to plan her own escape from a similar fate. At least here in Weymouth, she could take her ease without worrying about Mama's eagerness to see her engaged too.
******
Until midday, Drew tended to the post without allowing himself to worry about Lady Montgomery’s assignment, but it niggled in a tiny corner of his brain. He had to keep batting away his thoughts in order to fulfil incoming reservations and sort various notices and invoices. When James, his assistant, brought him a cup of tea, Drew shoved the papers aside and leaned back in his chair before taking a sip.
Of all the duties he had expected when he agreed to oversee the hotel’s operations, he had never imagined he’d be given the role of matchmaker. Not having married himself, he rarely considered what kind of dealings preceded the settlement of a betrothal. Who guided the parties in the process, or did one or both control the process? The prospective bride’s mother had assigned him to do so, a man without relevant experience or even the faintest desire to see Miss Montgomery wed to someone for whom she lacked affection…
He heaved a deep sigh.
Miss Veronica Montgomery must have received attention from many eligible gentlemen during her time in London. Not that he would have any notion of what goes on at places like Almack’s, he mused. Other than a few references from officers in the Guard or those from noble families, he wouldn’t even know Almack’s existed.
Miss Montgomery was very pretty, with that flawless skin, golden hair, and luminous blue eyes so admired among English beauties. Yet it was the younger sister who was marrying.
Not the way such matters were supposed to proceed, was it? Did not elder sisters usually marry first?
Oh, this entire situation is ridiculous… I am immersed in a swamp I can't comprehend. In quicksand I have no idea how to fight. In a dense thicket I cannot untangle.
Or, he wondered, might he become Miss Montgomery’s white knight, poised to rescue her from the clutches of a tyrant she refused to wed? At that thought, he felt himself grin. Perhaps rescuing the lovely young lady was a task to relish.
Chapter Two
Veronica awoke with a feeling of lightness and freedom. Whether it was the sea air or simply having a bedchamber to herself after sharing with her sister in London, she'd slept very well. Last evening, both her mother and Cici had declared their intention to rest most of today, leaving Ronnie to explore Weymouth however she pleased. When Evie brought her breakfast, Ronnie savoured the delicate buns and morning coffee, a forecast of a pleasurable time, she decided.
"Evie, I hope you will accompany me on a walk about the town this morning. Stevens can attend both Mama and Cecilia for a few hours while you are outside with me," Ronnie said.
Evie’s bright smile and nod confirmed her participation as she curtsied and refilled the coffee.
After dressing, and a last peek at the mirror to tuck a stray curl under her straw bonnet, Ronnie hastened down the staircase to the ground floor. Black and white marble tiles glistened in the flood of sunlight which filled the reception area, bringing her a burst of fresh anticipation of the hours stretching before her.
At once, Captain Drew appeared beside her, bowing his greeting. Her previous impression of his good looks and fine bearing were more than confirmed. Her pulse quickened and her cheeks warmed at his pleasant smile.
"Good morning, Miss Montgomery. How may I be of service to you?"
"I wish to acquaint myself with Weymouth. My mother and sister choose to spend the day resting quietly, but I am eager to discover why this is a famous destination for summer recreation. When Evie joins me, we want to see a bit of the town."
"May I offer you coffee in the garden while you wait?"
He gestured to the opening onto the grass behind the building.
"Thank you, Captain."
