Page 18 of Married to the Lord

Chapter Seven

“I am not certain I can do this.” Augusta stilled at the bottom of the steps that led up to Carlton Manor.

Dressed in sandy bricks, tall columns, and high pediments that jutted out with all the dominance of the bow of a ship bearing down upon them, she could well understand why the house had such a reputation.

“Maybe Miles was right,” she murmured to herself upon hearing the chatter and laughter emanating from one of the open windows. It was still early—only three o’clock in the afternoon—but it sounded as though some guests had been drinking for a while already.

“Come on, Augusta,” Joanna urged, taking her arm. “There is no chance I am travelling all that way back home without at least a peek inside Carlton Manor.”

“You’ll be fine,” said Chloe, who was accompanied by her fiancé Brook. “After all, we are here with you.”

“I promised your parents I would look after you all,” agreed Brook. “Jenkins is known for some rather...boisterous events but I vow I shall not let anything untoward happen.”

“Why else do you think Brook came?” Chloe said, her brow arched. “He does not trust us alone.”

“Was it not you who complained of being invited, Chlo?” Brook’s lips curved. “Something to do with preferring to stay home and read?”

Chloe tapped her fiancé’s arm with a gloved palm. “We are here to support Augusta.”

“And support her we will.” Brook shot a dashing smile her way and Augusta could well understand why Chloe had fallen for him. Dark-haired, handsome, and with a charming—if flirtatious—manner about him, he seemed to bring out the best in Chloe.

Well, they seemed to bring the best out in each other. Augusta imagined that was rather the perfect concoction for a marriage.

It did warm her cheeks, however, to know that Brook understood the reasonings behind her sudden interest in parties and gatherings. It was a little embarrassing that one had to practically change oneself to get a fiancé’s attention. Not that it was working. There was still no word from Henry and only Miles seemed to be paying any heed. That was certainly not what she wanted.

Was it?

No, absolutely not. Straightening her shoulders, she walked up the steps with Joanna. They entered into a grand marbled hallway, large enough to fit a small house in. Nude statues in various poses of pleasure were tucked into corners and Augusta looked away. Her mother would think such a thing was in terrible taste and Augusta could not help agree. She appreciated fine artistry as much as anyone but there were some things that should not be used to greet one’s guests.

A butler took their coats and ushered them into the drawing room. Augusta’s mouth dried. When Mr. Jenkins had said a little soiree, she had foolishly believed him. Instead there were at least forty people spread between two drawing rooms. The doors at the end of the first room were pushed wide open, allowing her to see almost all of the guests. As they walked in, heads turned in their direction and she wished she could shrink until she was a mere few inches high then scurry away like a mouse.

“Goodness, this is quite the gathering,” Joanna murmured.

Augusta blew out a breath. Had she not vowed to cease being the shy, quiet mouse who would rather scurry away and be unnoticed? If she left now, she’d prove Miles right—that she did not belong amongst these people. Even though there was the tiniest part of her that had been glad he cared where she went, she could not let him dictate her every move. Especially if she was ever going to get Henry home.

Mr. Jenkins approached, revealing a flash of white, even teeth. He was attractive in a carefully polished manner. She suspected he took a great deal of time over his appearance, which she supposed was better than taking none at all but it led her to believe he could be quite vain.

Unlike Miles.

Lord, where did that come from? She had told him she would forget anything ever happened and yet here she was, comparing other men to him. What folly.

Mr. Jenkins greeted them all then fixed his attention on Augusta. His blue gaze made her feel a little breathless but not quite in the way he likely hoped. Although she was certainly getting better at engaging with men, it still left her feeling all hot and flustered, and her hands shook a little, making it hard to take the offered glass of sherry when a servant came around.

“So, do you like the house?” he asked.

“It is certainly beautiful.”

“It was built for royalty originally but it seems old George tired of it too quickly.”

Augusta nodded. “Yes, I had heard.”

“I should like to take you on a tour of it later,” Mr. Jenkins said, leaning in a little too close.

“I am sure we would be delighted,” Joanna replied for her, keeping Augusta’s arm tightly linked with hers.

Mr. Jenkins smiled again but the smile did not reach his eyes. “Well, do enjoy yourselves. We have plenty to eat and drink and, as you can see, some of the finest company in the country.”

Augusta glanced around at the men and women gathered. Indeed, there were some well-known faces in the room. Most were younger and highly fashionable. Many of them could be found in the gossip columns too. As much as Augusta wanted to show Henry she would not wait around for him, she was not certain she wished to end up as a line of text.

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