Page 26 of A Lovely White Christmastide
Bingham entered a few moments later and more introductions were made. Daniel had thought the young barrister's face could not get any more disgruntled, but upon hearing Bingham was a baron, his frown turned to a very disconcerting scowl. However, the grumpy gentleman held his peace.
“And how long have you held the seat at Hartly?” the rector asked.
“A six month.” Bingham took a sip of his coffee. He’d not collected a plate and Daniel wondered if he was not hungry or simply did not want the rest of the room to realize he needed help. He did not blame him. The transition from an able-bodied military man to a disabled gentleman must have been awful.
Daniel rose and filled another plate before setting it in front of his friend. Bingham nodded in acknowledgement but did not lift his utensils.
“We have servants who can do that, Mr. Kaye,” the barrister sneered.
“It never hurts to be kind.”
The rector nodded at him. “A good deed done is worthy in the sight of God.”
Daniel smothered a smile at the man’s piety. By the width of his girth and the fact it was Sunday morning, he doubted theman saw to his flock at all. He probably left some poor curate to do the job for him.
A grating voice in the hall heralded Mrs. Barker’s approach as she chastised the Misses Haynes in none too quiet a tone. Daniel had nearly forgotten about the woman’s existence after the wonderful day they’d had yesterday and almost wished her carriage had taken a wrong turn so they could have another. But that would be uncharitable, and knowing the determined lady, not even useful as she’d have found her way back like a cat one could not get rid of.
He sighed quietly. She would be another impediment for his slow-moving friend.
Bingham rose from his seat and crossed to the door. “Miss Haynes, Miss Julianna, how wonderful to see you this morning. I trust you slept well.”
Daniel was shocked into silence as the two women answered in the affirmative. Who was this gracious man who’d inhabited his friend's body?
“Lord Bingham,” Mrs. Barker said, “I have a few words to speak to you.”
“I am sure you do, but you shall have to do so after breakfast. You may take yours with us today if you wish.” The hint was subtle but clear. She was still in servitude and so needed to check her tongue.
Mrs. Barker’s mouth hung agape as the Haynes sisters passed her into the room.
Greetings were given to all the room's occupants, but when Mr. Caleb Waverly jumped to retrieve a plate for Miss Julianna, it was Daniel’s turn to frown.
The man was all politeness and Daniel was tempted to shoot back his own admonition about servants. The barrister’s pointed attention explained his disgruntled attitude. It seemed there would be some competition for Miss Julianna’s affection.
General Waverly was the last to enter the breakfast room. He greeted everyone with a nod and stopped to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Papworth before moving to the sideboard.
Bingham leaned and whispered, “I thought you said the general had a case of melancholy. He seems in good spirits to me.”
Daniel studied the big man, just as confused as Bingham. “Perhaps my mother was mistaken.”
Mrs. Waverly began speaking of all the entertainments they had planned, pulling Daniel’s attention away from the quandary that was General Waverly.
“Kendal has an assembly every year on the Friday before Christmastide, and we have several dinners and parties planned with our neighbors. Waverly, did you say you were going to take the men hunting as well?”
General Waverly nodded. “We have pheasants to collect for your fancy dinner.”
“I shall have to abstain from such excursions,” Mr. Papworth said. “My rheumatism and all. I will leave the killing of game to you young men.”
“I completely understand,” Mrs. Waverly said as if he were giving his excuses directly to her. “But at least you will be able to enjoy the game at the dinner I have planned for the eve of Christmas. I have invited several families from the neighborhood.”
Both the young ladies appeared excited at the prospect, but Miss Julianna was far more vocal about her delight.
“And will you have a masquerade for Twelfth Night?” she asked.
“Indeed we shall, only it is held at the assembly hall in Kendal where all of our neighbors can join us.” Mrs. Waverly’s eyes danced with delight. “I hope you have brought your best masks.”
Miss Haynes finally spoke up. “We have not attended a masquerade in several years, so I am afraid neither of us came prepared.”
Mrs. Waverly waved the comment away. “It is of no matter. I love to piece together masks and we have an abundance of leftover costumes from previous years. How about we set some time aside to design each of your masks?”
