Page 19 of Snapdragons
“We, in the area, think so.”
“Then, I am certain we all will as well,” Liam said. “How very good of you to arrange the outing.”
Mr. Layton’s expression remained perfectly friendly, but there was the tiniest, fleetingest look of exasperation in his eyes. “I find myself unexpectedly the host of a house party. Thinking of ways to keep my guests entertained is part of the associated responsibilities.”
Liam was all apologies for the inconvenience when addressing Mr. Layton and silent expressions of concern when looking at Penelope. Though she did think her brother was overreacting, there was also reason to proceed with caution.
She was about to embark on a courtship, which she hadn’t planned on and was not at all certain how to approach. She had promised Violet that if Niles didn’t prove interested in the end, she would abandon her efforts. These were Niles’s friends. If she failed to capture his affection, they would make certain she kept that promise.
Chapter Eight
Niles had always liked Hamblestead.It was small enough to be idyllic, while also large enough for a new arrival to not draw a great deal of notice. He often preferred to be overlooked. Miss Seymour, however, didn’t appear to overlook anything or anyone.
“Why do you suppose the Seymours haven’t returned home?” Niles asked as he walked alongside the Gents during the group’s excursion to the village. He spoke quietly, not wishing either of those he was discussing, or Violet, who had become fast friends with Miss Seymour, to overhear the question. The three of them were a few paces ahead of the Gents, having their own conversation.
“Because of my innate ability to make any and every guest at Pledwick Manor feel instantly both at home and in awe?” Digby suggested.
“And your willingness to generously lend people access to your remarkably capable staff?” Lucas asked, clearly not serious.
“Your willingness to lend me a member of your staff has certainly mademefeel very welcome,” Lucas said.
Digby gave him a withering look. “I ought to have left you to sort the matter on your own when you arrived without a valet. Inexcusable, Lucas.”
“I’ll find a new valet soon enough,” Lucas said. “But in the meantime, I intend to take full advantage of your generosity.”
“Which brings us back to my original point,” Digby said. “If not for my superior ability as a host, Niles might not be in so uncomfortable a situation.”
Niles wasn’t distracted from the worry that had weighed on his mind for days. “Do you suppose they intend to try to force my hand on this match?”
His friends exchanged looks that told him they’d been wondering the same thing.
“We talked about it,” Kes said. “All of us intend to stay here as long as the Seymours do. They’ll not be able to browbeat you into acquiescing with all of us present to act as buffers.”
That made Niles sound like a helpless infant when he really was simply unaccustomed to demanding autonomy. He was further inexperienced in being ungentlemanly. His current predicament arose from having recently done both and the need to continue doing them.
“Digby,” Violet called back to the group from her place at a shop window. “We need your opinion on these shawls.”
“Gents.” Digby struck a very serious pose. “My expertise is being called upon. Do excuse me whilst I see to this utterly crucial matter.”
Lucas leaned a little closer to Niles and Kes as Digby joined the others. “WatchMr.Seymour.”
Niles did. The gentleman greeted Digby warmly, which wasn’t surprising. Mr. Seymour had seemed intent on gaining Digby’s good opinion. But then he nudged his sister a little closer to Digby. A subtle but unmistakable movement.
“I’ve wondered since supper last night,” Lucas said, still watching the scene play out. “But I’m more and more convinced that the focus of the matrimonial efforts might be shifting, at least from Mr. Seymour’s view of things.”
“Do we need to be acting as a buffer for Digby, then?” Niles didn’t know if that was more relieving or guilt-inducing.
Kes shook his head. “Digby acts empty-headed, but we all know perfectly well that he is entirely capable of looking after himself.”
“He has been doing so since he was a child,” Lucas added, looking genuinely sorrowful on their friend’s behalf. Lucas had known Digby far longer than Niles had and knew aspects of hishistory that no one else was privy to.
Digby was deep in an animated conversation with the two ladies about the items in the window. Niles didn’t feel equal to that topic, and Lucas and Kes wandered to the window of the next shop over to look at something there. Niles set himself against a wall, waiting.
Twice a year, a fair was held near Hamblestead, which brought in people from miles around. Digby had played host a few times when the Gents had attended. The autumnal fair would be held soon, if Niles was remembering correctly. And if he was further remembering correctly, it was here in Hamblestead that he’d bought a bit of incredibly delicious cheese. He ought to find that shop again and purchase a bit.
They were wandering the village while waiting for the hamper of picnic foods they’d requested from the Green Badger. The sky was overcast, but otherwise, the weather was beautiful. Niles had a bit of time. He made his way down one side of the market cross, where he thought he’d made the purchase before.
A villager tipped his hat to Niles as he passed. Niles nodded back.
