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Lucinda’s heart clenched at the forlorn whisper. “I am certain you will meet him again. You will launch into your first season next year and will meet many young gentlemen.”
Rosamond pouted, and even in that she did it so prettily. “I have no wish to meet other gentlemen!”
Lucinda smiled at her passionate surety. “I am certain you’ve both planned to exchange letters. Start slowly and be very discreet in your communications and go from there.”
Rosamond flushed guiltily, even as her eyes sparkled with anticipation. She spent the remainder of the journey prattling about why Oscar was so perfect for her.
Arriving late in the afternoon, they had to hurry to wash and dress to be on time for dinner with her parents, Lord and Lady Humphrey. Fammington Manor was a relatively small house with only eight bedrooms apart from the servant’s quarters. It had been built some sixty years earlier of fine red brick with a tiled roof. It was well maintained but creepers and climbing roses had been trained over part of the front wall which gave the rather plain building a more homely and natural look. The interior could be described as cozy rather than elegant and although it could not be thought shabby, that was more from Lady Humphrey’s industry in repairing the furnishings than in the expenditure of much in the way of money.
To Lucinda and Rosamond, it was home. Rosamond having been brought up by Lord and Lady Humphrey since shortly after her birth. Her mother had been Lady Humphrey’s younger sister Mary and she had not lasted long after giving birth to Rosamond. Her father, Major Phipps had died in the Peninsular wars some three months before she was born. Lady Humphrey held the opinion that her sister had pined away after her Edward’s death and had been only holding onto life to be able to bring Rosamond into the world.
They were only just ready to descend in time for dinner, Rosamond sweetly attired in white with pink ribbons and Lucinda in the palest of greens ornamented with silver lace, they waited in the drawing room and Lucinda accepted a glass of sherry from Mrs. Waters, their housekeeper. Lord Humphrey was already down and enjoying a glass of brandy, which Lucinda doubted had been paid duty on.
“We looked for you at teatime and feared your carriage might have had another mishap,” he said greeting his niece and only daughter.
“We were a little late setting off, but we are here now, papa,” Lucinda, said, bending to kiss his ruddy cheek.
Her father was a big man, six feet in height and now tending to corpulence but it was clear he had once been quite a beau. His robust form was the opposite of his tiny wife, who barely reached his shoulder on tiptoes and was ethereally slim as well. Her hair was the palest of blondes and although she washed it with marigold flowers, was now more silver than gold. She was last down and wafted in a lilac gown which while a little out of date, suited her beautifully. It looked like Mrs. Waters had been holding the announcement of dinner, because she had no sooner embraced Lucinda and Rosamond than the meal was called. Lord Humphrey bowed to his wife and escorted her in, and Lucinda followed with Rosamond.
Dinner began with a thick pea and ham soup which had been very nicely seasoned, fresh-cut bread and butter accompanied it. It might have been considered peasant food, but her parents did their best to live within their means and not be overly extravagant. It was however followed by a fine goose, with forcemeat under the skin and a generous panoply of vegetables and sauces. Her father addressed his repast and did not make conversation. Her mother wanted to hear all about their stay at Lord Chisholm’s house and who was visiting, and when Lucinda’s brief comments had satisfied her, then wished to hear about who Lucinda had seen in London and all the details of what was in fashion. Lucinda had warned Rosamond not to say too much about Oscar to her aunt, because then Lady Humphrey would be in full matchmaking mode.
Lucinda hoped for Rosamond to experience more of life, perhaps even a season before she settled into married life. If it was left for her mother to decide, Rosamond would marry and be fat with a child by the next season. After dinner, Rosamond, Lucinda and her mother strolled in the gardens outside, laughing and chatting as they regaled each other on the happenings in their lives. Rosamond excused herself, leaving Lucinda alone with her mother.
“You seem happier than the last time you visited,” her mother said softly. “More at peace.”
Lucinda lifted startled eyes to her. “I do?”
“Yes, there is a glow about you that I have not seen in a long time…I doubt I have ever seen it before.”
She flushed, instinctually lifting a gloved hand to her cheek.Oh, drat!
Her mother’s eyes widened. “You have met someone! Oh, this is wonderful!”
Lucinda felt a pang of dismay. “Mama, please do not start urging me to marry again. You know my wishes concerning this matter.” Somehow, her mother believed she could not exist without a gentleman to assist in matters that were simply too delicate for women's sensibilities. Little did she acknowledge that her daughter’s financial acumen with investments was why they were financially stronger and no longer stood on the brink of genteel poverty.
“Well, whoever it is that you’ve developed feelings for…I have never seen you appear this…enchanted.”
The breath hitched in Lucinda’s throat, and her heart started to ache.Enchanted?Was she so obvious in her growing feelings for the earl even though she was not in his presence?
“Perhaps another marriage where you might have children is what is needed. I do long for grandchildren.”
Chaotic cravings erupted through Lucinda’s entire body, shocking her with its visceral nature.Children. A thing she had not longed for in years, not since her second marriage. She felt a strange weakness in her knees and a scorching ache in the back of her throat.
“Oh, Lucinda, you do want children, don’t you?”
“I do not want marriage,” she said, yet her conviction sounded less to her own ears. Worse, a pair of piercing green eyes swam in her vision, and the comfort she’d felt in his arms revisited her at that moment. Her belly trembled, and a longing for more rushed through her. Not just with anyone but with Alexander.Do not be silly, Lucinda!
Directing her mother away from this conversation, Lucinda looped their arms together and started to talk about the ladies of 48 Berkeley Square and their mischiefs.
“I cannot credit what you are saying; Lady Agatha plans to kiss avicar?”
“The girl is determined,” Lucinda said with a chuckle. “But the entire thing is getting out of hand because Lady Victoria has taken it a step further by daring her to seduce the man. The Marquess of Marsden is said to value his cat more than anything, so there is a wager going about who can steal into his house to misplace his cat only for a few hours, so they can see the arrogant man knocked off-kilter.”
“Good heavens! I am not certain this ladies club is a good thing for these young ladies. They are far too spirited.”
She shared a few more amusing anecdotes. Soon her mother was laughing, the joyous sound bringing a smile and happiness to Lucinda.
CHAPTERTEN
