Page 12 of My Lord, My Rogue
“And you were right. I feel like this is a chance to get your life back, Honora,” her aunt injected. “Tell us more about the meeting.”
She gave a sheepish smile. “You will see for yourself. I have invited Lord Willington and His Grace to tea . . . tomorrow.”
Chapter 5
The next day
Benjamin felt both exhilarated and afraid at the prospect of this morning’s meeting at Brook Hall. He would see her again. However, that presented complications. Her parents would be there, which added a level of angst—at least for Lancaster. He gave a side glance to his friend, who also appeared deep in thought. Something his friend had mentioned last night kept replaying in his head.
“I offered to marry her before I left, but her parents insisted we wait until I come back. Had we done so, this horror would not have happened to her.”
“You could not have expected Aster’s interference, and neither could her parents. It seems they did what they thought right to prevent such a thing. Honora routinely left every party much earlier than any other guests,” Benjamin had interjected.
“And I would not have known about Evie. I would not want a life without her,” Lancaster lamented.
“Then, you are with whom you should be,” Benjamin supposed. “We cannot imagine a different outcome.”
Benjamin understood Lord Radcliff’s reluctance to permit his daughter’s marriage before Lancaster returned. Had he not returned, she would have been left a young widow, possibly with child. “Ironically, that happened anyway,” he mumbled out loud.
“Pardon? I could not hear you,” Lancaster said.
His mouth went dry as he scrambled to answer. “I did not mean to speak my thoughts. However, I understood Lord Radcliff’s refusal to allow the early nuptials, but what her father had hoped to avoid for his daughter transpired with a much less honorable man.”
A three-storied, pink-stoned manor house rose as they traversed the hill in front of them, and they heard laughter and voices.
“Yip! Yip!” Two sharp barks came from ahead of them and drew their attention. “I believe we will meet the young Lord Aster sooner than expected,” Benjamin gave a quick nod, pointing toward the boy on the front lawn.
“Woll over, Wiggy!” the little boy demanded.
“Yip…yip…gurrrrr…yip!”
“Hey! That is my stick Wiggs . . .” A peal of giggles followed.
“Master Oliver, it is time to remove into the house.” A petite brown-haired maid glanced in their direction and took the boy’s hand. Moving quickly, they continued toward a small portico on the left side of the mansion with the puppy in tow.
“That appears to be a small spaniel the lad has. I have not seen a Brittany in quite a while,” observed Lancaster. “However, that is a perfect example of one.”
“Magnificent animals!I have known people with them and have heard they are devoted and loving animals—not to mention skilled hunters,” Benjamin added.
A short drive covered in crushed shell intersected the road and led to the front of the manor house, where a liveried servant met them. “Welcome! Your Grace and My Lord. I will take your horses to the stable.”
They walked up the steps to the front door, and the door opened. “Good morning, Your Grace, My Lord,” a tall, balding man said, signaling for them to follow. “The Radcliff’s are waiting in the parlor. His Grace, the Duke of Lancaster and the Marquess of Willington,” he announced.
“Come in, Your Grace, Lord Willington,” Lord Radcliff walked over and shook their hands. They turned and gave an elegant bow to the ladies in the room.
Honora curtsied before walking up and greeting them. “I am so glad you could come today. I believe you are well acquainted with my parents.” Her parents nodded affirmation. “This is my Aunt Violet, Lady Violet Drake.” The diminutive woman extended her hand to each of them. Everyone nodded and gave hearty affirmations of each other. “This is my son, Oliver.” She turned to the small boy in the room. “And his new puppy, Riggs. They have been inseparable. Papa brought him yesterday, but you would think they have been together for years.”
“We spotted him on the front lawn and were just commenting on how handsome he is.”
“It is nice to meet you,” the little boy said before pointing to the puppy sitting at his feet. “This is Wiggs.”
Honora pulled the bell and spoke up. “Bridget will come to take the both of you to the nursery,” she said, pulling the little boy close and giving him a kiss on the top of the head. “I will join you later. Now, off!”
“Yes, Mummy.”
The door closed behind them. Benjamin glanced at Lancaster before he turned to his hosts. “My mother is in Bath for this Season. Would you mind if I share that you have recently arrived? She would be most displeased with me if I do not.”
“Of course not, my lord,” Lady Radcliff responded before looking at the startled faces of her husband and her sister. “What?” he saw her mouth.
