Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 81
He managed to find the stairs after making only one wrong turn and soon arrived in the front entrance where a footman stood in blue and yellow livery. “The billiard room?”
“This way, sir.” The servant bowed and led the way down a corridor toward the back of the house, passing several closed doors before pausing at an open one. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.” Hugh stepped into the large room with a bank of windows and not one but two billiard tables as well as several groupings of dark leather wingback chairs and tables. An elegant sideboard stood along one wall with a variety of decanters and glasses should a man acquire a thirst. Two other tables stood at the ready for cards or dice games.
Hugh hid a smile, not wanting to appear overly impressed with his surroundings. No need to look like a country oaf unused to the finer things in life.
A glance at the men gathered near the French doors that led to the rear gardens showed several familiar faces.
“Raybourne.” James Trenton, Viscount Jameson, crossed the room to offer his hand. “Good to see you.”
“Jameson.” Hugh shook his hand and dipped his head. “I didn’t know you were coming.” He’d known Jameson since their university days and considered him a friend of sorts. But the realization that he’d be competing against the viscount for Miss Waverly dampened his previous good spirits.
“Sounded like a delightful way to spend the holiday.” Jameson grinned, suggesting he was well aware of Hugh’s thoughts. “Especially since Miss Waverly urged me to attend.”
Hugh did his best to mask a scowl. While he knew the lady was popular and had watched her dance with Jameson, he had thought himself the only one lucky enough to have her extend a personal invitation to the party. No matter, he reassured himself. He’d bested Jameson on several occasions in the past and knew he could do so again.
“The estate is larger than I had realized.” Jameson kept his voice low as he glanced about. “Quite grand, eh?”
“Indeed.” Hugh was relieved he wasn’t the only one amazed by the place.
“This should prove an interesting time,” Jameson added.
Hugh followed his gaze and saw the viscount wouldn’t be the only competitor for Miss Waverly’s attention. Several men his age followed Mr. Waverly over to greet them.
After introductions and an exchange of pleasantries, a few decided to play billiards, and others started a card game, giving Hugh a moment alone with Waverly.
“Thank you again for the invitation,” Hugh said. “The estate is truly impressive.”
“We enjoy our time here. Always good to get out of the city and breathe fresh air.” Waverly moved toward the sideboard. “Care for a drink?”
“Certainly.” The hour was early for spirits, but Hugh didn’t want his host to drink alone. However, he intended to keep his wits about him during the party. His objective was to win Miss Waverly’s hand along with her father’s approval. Drinking and gambling in excess wouldn’t gain him either.
“Beautiful country.” Hugh gestured toward the view out the tall window nearby as Waverly poured them glasses of whiskey.
The lawn fell away from the house in a grand sweep. Woods were visible in the distance in one direction and farmland stretched the opposite way.
“You’ll have to see it in the summer months when the gardens are at their peak,” Waverly said, with a look of pride as he handed Hugh a glass.
“I’d like that.” Hugh was pleased to think he’d have a chance to do so.
“If the weather holds, you are welcome to ride in the morning.” Waverly turned to study him. “We plan to have a day of hunting as well, depending on the weather.”
“Wonderful.” Hugh was thrilled as he dearly wanted a closer look at the stables and the horses. “That was a fine pair of bays you recently bought.” Hugh considered it a nod from fate that he’d happened to be at Tattersalls, the popular horse auctioneer, with a friend when Waverly had made his purchase.
“Then you must know horses.” Waverly enthusiastically recounted the horses’ attributes.
Hugh enjoyed the conversation, grateful to have something in common with the man. The hours passed quickly and twilight soon darkened the view, marking the time to dress for dinner. A brisk wind had kicked up, giving a bone-chilling feel to the air, according to the newly arrived guests. The men dispersed, and Hugh found himself alone in the foyer, wishing a servant was there to direct him to his room. Hopefully, his memory would serve him well, and he turned toward the stairs.
A knock on the front door gave him pause. He didn’t want to leave guests standing on the doorstep in the foul weather. Surely whoever had arrived would have the good sense to open it themselves. As if those arriving had read his thoughts, the door rattled, suggesting someone tried but failed to open it.
Hugh glanced around but no one else was in sight. With a resigned sigh, he hurried to the door and opened it wide.
Two figures bundled in hooded capes and scarves stood on the doorstep with bags beside them. The coach in the drive pulled away toward the stables.
“Good heavens,” the shorter bundle declared in a feminine tone as she stepped inside with the aid of a cane in one hand and her companion on the other side. “What took you so long? It’s freezing out there.”
“Thank you,” added the other bundle as the pair moved forward.
“Don’t just stand there with the door open. Bring in our things.” The woman thumped her cane on the floor with her demand.
Hugh did as he was bid, not bothering to explain that he was a guest. He set the bags inside and closed the door against the cold wind that now held bits of stinging sleet.
“Do you need to be told everything?” The woman with the cane pushed back her hood to glare at him. “Show us to our rooms.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t know where they are.” Hugh hoped the butler or a footman would return to assist the unhappy woman and her companion.
“Why not?”
Hugh frowned at her demanding tone then glanced at the silent woman to find a pair of large brown eyes just visible between a red scarf and the drooping hood that covered her hair. The apology in those lovely eyes was amusing. Did she think the older woman’s request had insulted him?
“Aunt Edith, please,” she said in a soft tone as she glanced at the older woman. “There’s no need to berate anyone.”
“I wish I could be of assistance, but I’m a guest and unfamiliar with the house,” he replied then bowed. “Hugh Raybourne at your service.”
Those brown eyes widened in surprise, making him wonder why. His fingers twitched with the urge to remove her wrappings so he could better see who lay beneath. Based on her beautiful brown eyes, he had to think Miss Waverly also had some competition among the guests.
Hugh was left with his burning curiosity unfulfilled as the butler and a footman hurried into the foyer to assist the new arrivals. He could only hope the woman would join the party for dinner so he might have the chance to see her face and learn her name.
Chapter Two
Lucy checked her appearance in the cheval glass that evening after she’d dressed for dinner. She didn’t bother to look too closely. Not when she’d be with Emma.
The pale pink wool was her best gown and flattered her slim figure though she hoped its classic lines weren’t too out of fashion. A deeper shade of pink velvet marked the high waist and the neckline. Her stomach danced with excitement at the thought of joining the other guests in the drawing room before dinner. It had been a long time since she’d attempted to make conversation with strangers. What if she’d forgotten how?
She pressed a hand against her racing heart at the thought of seeing Mr. Raybourne again. Emma had been highly entertained by the details of their arrival and how Aunt Edith had assumed he was a servant. The situation had been terribly embarrassing with Aunt Edith being at her worst after travelling. The older woman had taken it as a personal affront that no one had greeted them at the door.
Mr. Raybourne’s kindness and humor had surprised her, given her aunt’s poor behavior and the fact that Emma had described him as a rogue. Lucy didn’t think she’d ever met one and was curious. Did he indulge in debauchery or lechery? Was he dishonest in some manner? She had difficulty believing any of those, considering Emma’s interest in him and that Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jane had invited him to the party.
He was certainly handsome, his rough good looks well suited for a battlefield. A small scar near his eye and a slight bump on the bridge of his nose suggested he lived an active life. Golden hair swept carelessly to the side framed his face and sideburns a shade darker emphasized his firm jawline. His wide blue eyes with long lashes several shades darker than his hair sparkled with good humor as if he found life amusing.
And that smile—smiles like that should come with a warning to inexperienced ladies. His white cravat had been tied in an intricate knot and his tall collar should’ve looked ridiculous but hadn’t.
She gave herself a mental shake. Admiring the man was the last thing she should be doing, especially since Emma was interested in him. Of course, she was also attracted to two or three other men in attendance.
Lucy had her work cut out for her if Emma had her way, though she still didn’t understand what exactly Emma wanted her to do. She already looked after Aunt Edith and wasn’t certain how much free time she’d have. However, Emma had been kind enough to lend her several gowns as well as offering the maid’s sewing skills to lower the hem so they would better fit Lucy. The least Lucy could do was assist her with her plan.
She’d spent well over an hour making certain Aunt Edith was comfortable in her room just down the corridor, then requested her aunt’s dinner be sent up on a tray. The coach ride had tired her more than they’d expected. Lucy hoped all the older woman needed was a good night’s rest to recover her spirits. Lucy dearly wanted to partake in some of the festivities and wanted Aunt Edith to enjoy her stay as well.
She opened her bedchamber door to find Emma with her hand poised to knock.
“I was just coming for you.” Her cousin looked her over with a smile. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you. Collette does excellent work.” The lady’s maid had twisted strands of Lucy’s long, brown hair then coiled them around her head along with a string of seed pearls. A few shorter strands curled in tight ringlets around her face. Lucy hadn’t taken so much time with her appearance in an age. “You look wonderful as well.”
“Thank you.” Emma’s gown was white with a small band of pink silk roses adorning the high waist and the capped sleeves. Her pale hair held several strands of crystals, which added an extra sparkle to her appearance.
Emma looped her arm through Lucy’s. “I’m so pleased you’re here. It’s been too long since we spent the holidays together.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Lucy smiled with genuine excitement. “I just hope Aunt Edith will enjoy it.”
“Mother is visiting with her now and brought her favorite dessert.”
“How thoughtful of her.” Aunt Edith’s sweet tooth was well known among the family despite her petite figure.
“Now then,” Emma began as they made their way down the stairs. “I should like you to meet each of the gentlemen this evening and speak with them individually over the next few days. I want your opinion.”
Lucy was flattered. Normally her cousin was independent and a bit headstrong, as she knew from their frequent letters, and rarely bothered with other people’s advice.
“We shall start with Mr. Raybourne and try to seat you together at dinner.”
“Do you think that wise?” Her stomach tightened at the thought of conversing with the man after their unfortunate initial meeting. “I worry whether he’s forgiven us for the confusion earlier.”
“If he hasn’t, then he isn’t the type of man I want as a husband.”
“True enough.” Lucy was relieved to think Emma wasn’t solely basing her selection of a husband on the physical experiments she intended to conduct.
“I want to hear anything the men say and do that might help me decide. I’m depending on you to help me.”
Lucy pushed aside a pang of hurt that it hadn’t crossed Emma’s mind that Lucy might hope to marry. Yet how could she with Aunt Edith to care for?
“Smile,” Emma whispered as they neared the drawing room where the sound of the guests conversing spilled out. “This will be fun.”
Lucy smiled despite her nerves, pleased when Emma kept a tight hold on her arm as she paused to introduce Lucy to some of the others. Was her outgoing cousin nervous or did she simply want to put Lucy at ease? Whatever the reason, Lucy appreciated it.
They slowly made their way around the room, visiting briefly with many.
Viscount Jameson was another of the gentlemen Emma was considering. The lord was handsome with dark hair and a narrow face. He had an air of watchful reserve about him when he looked at Emma that suggested he was well aware of the game she was playing. As far as Lucy was concerned, that was a point in his favor.
Mr. Charles Barnes and his sister, Prudence, were nice but both seemed slightly ill at ease among the others. Mr. Barnes watched Emma with a hunger in his eyes that Lucy didn’t care for. Was that look for Emma herself or her fortune?
Her cousin hadn’t mentioned Viscount Comerford, but Lucy wondered if he was also a potential suitor. He raked a practiced eye over them that Lucy found distasteful. He leaned forward when he spoke, lending an intimacy to his manner that she didn’t appreciate. But Emma seemed to find him pleasant.
At last, they came to Mr. Raybourne. Lucy felt her cheeks heat while Emma made the introduction.
“I would recognize those eyes anywhere,” he said with an engaging smile that had Lucy’s stomach quivering. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Please accept my apology for the misunderstanding upon our arrival,” Lucy began, forcing herself to meet his blue eyes. Was it embarrassment that caused the flutters within her or something else?
To her dismay, Emma stepped away to speak with someone, leaving Lucy on her own.
“Think nothing of it,” Mr. Raybourne said. “I’m certain your aunt won’t be the last to assume I’m a servant.”
“I hardly think anyone in their right mind would take you for a footman.” Her cheeks grew warmer as she took in his tall form and broad shoulders, only to see he could easily fill the role of a footman, who were prided for their good looks and fine physique. Too late, she realized her mistake. His remark hadn’t been an invitation to ogle him. Would she ever gain her footing with this man?
“I would be happy to assist you anytime.” His suggestive smile sent her heart racing even as her stomach dipped.
Her hope of putting their awkward beginning behind them was dashed. Good heavens. How did Emma flirt so effortlessly?
Before she embarrassed herself further, she smiled politely then turned to rejoin Emma. How was she going to manage an entire meal seated next to the man?
Pleasure filled Hugh as he sat beside Miss Gray at the long dining room table for dinner. He hadn’t expected to sit next to Miss Waverly but feared he’d be stuck with Mrs. Penrose or the like. Luckily, the grumpy woman wasn’t in sight.
He reminded himself not to be too forward with Miss Gray. His earlier remark had obviously made her uncomfortable. “Hello again.”
“Hello.” She smiled politely but kept her gaze on the table.
“I’m famished,” he said in an attempt to put her at ease as he adjusted his chair.
Lucy Gray was much different than her flirtatious cousin in both looks and manner. With dark hair, creamy skin, a hint of rose in her cheeks, and that shy smile, she was a gentle beauty rather than displaying Emma’s brightness. Her watchful eyes reminded him of a colt, uncertain whether to bolt or come forward to investigate.
He realized he very much wanted her to do the latter even if he was out of practice in dealing with shy ladies. He avoided them at London balls as they came with matchmaking mamas looking for the slightest infraction to pounce on an eligible bachelor.
“How is your aunt?” he asked as chestnut soup was served.
“She’s resting. I hope she’ll recover from our journey and join some of the activities on the morrow.”
“I gather from what Miss Waverly said that you watch over her?”
“Yes.” Her lips twisted to the side as if she debated what more to say. “My parents died several years ago, and I’ve lived with her since.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How kind of you to stay with her.” The notion of this beautiful lady living with an elderly aunt in the country didn’t please him in the least. She must be missing out on much of what life had to offer.
“Aunt Edith was kind to take me in.”
Why didn’t Miss Gray live with Emma and her parents? Yet Miss Gray didn’t seem the least bitter about her circumstances.
He turned the subject to the activities planned for the coming days before he slipped up and shared his opinion. It wasn’t any of his business and without knowing the details, he shouldn’t pass judgement.
The lady seated on his other side addressed him as the second course of Mackerel with fennel along with roasted beef and pickled vegetables arrived, and he turned his attention to her as he ate. But that did little to diminish his growing fascination with Miss Gray whom he could see out of the corner of his eye.
He soon found himself speaking with her again, partly for the pleasure of watching her. Her wary brown eyes seemed to notice everything and everyone. The graceful movement of her hands as she enjoyed the meal. The way her guarded expression shifted as she considered how to answer the various questions he asked.
