Page 36 of Nothing But a Rakehell
She managed a nod. “How do you do?”
Sir Blackwell was a man approaching middle age. He had contrived to find a suit of clothing that exactly matched the brown shade of his thinning hair and bushy brows. Everything was of fine quality but with his slender build, the overall effect reminded one of a walking stick. He gave a perfectly correct bow, but his eyes—also brown—darted toward her skirts as he rose. The relief on his face at not seeing any direct evidence of her . . . deformity . . . was plain.
Keswick saw it too, if the tightening of his magnificent jaw was any indication.
“Your home is near Castleton, is it not, Sir Blackwell?” Hope tried to smooth the moment over.
“It is, madam.”
“Sir Blackwell enjoys a friendship with the Prince Regent.” Keswick said, clearly trying to recover from that glance.
Sir Blackwell grimaced. “Perhaps friendship is too strong a word,” he hedged.
“He knighted you for your friendship and service? Did I not hear you say as much to the squire?”
“Fascinating. What sort of service do you provide for the Prince?” Hope sounded genuinely interested.
Glory was interested in the color rising in Sir Blackwell’s face—and the puzzlement in Keswick’s.
“Well, I . . .” The gentleman sighed in defeat. “The Prince Regent brought a party to our area. They spent some time enjoying the scenery and the air and the local ale and uh, other attractions. It seemed he ran up quite a number of large expenses, but found it was not so easy to make restitution, away from London and his banks . . . In any case, I helped him out of the situation.”
Keswick looked disgusted.
Hope was trying not to laugh. “How kind of you.”
Mr. Sterne suddenly looked over from his conversation with Miss Munroe. “Heknightedyou for that? It must have been quite a debt.”
Sir Blackwell cleared his throat. “I understand it was quite a party.”
“You didn’t even get to attend?” Glory asked, indignant for him. “What a shame.”
“Sir Blackwell’s estate is in the Peak District,” Keswick announced. “His properties encompass some of the most beautiful scenic views in England.” He glanced significantly at her. “Lady Glory also enjoys beautiful scenery.”
Hope blinked. “Do you, Glory?”
“Of course I do,” she answered. “Who does not?”
Sir Blackwell cleared his throat. “Perhaps I can make up for the missed revelries during the next Season in London. Lord Keswick has extolled the virtues of spending spring in Town. It’s such a busy time of year on the estate, but the rewards of investing a few months might last a lifetime.”
“Lady Tensford intends to introduce Lady Glory in Town next year,” Keswick interjected helpfully.
Glory wanted to sink into the floor. Was he a notorious rakehell or a matchmaking mama at Almack’s?
“What a treat for you,” Sir Blackwell told her warmly. “Your sister is very kind.” He glanced across the room to where the young ladies were gathered. “Lady Tensford, would you know if Miss Ruddock spent the spring in London this year?”
“I don’t believe she did, sir.”
“Do you know if her family intends to present her next year?”
Hope blinked. “I’m sure I do not, but her mother is just over there, should you like to inquire.”
“Yes. It might be the thing, to make my interest known early.” Pursing his lips, he nodded. “Would you be willing to favor me with an introduction to the family, my lady?”
“Oh!” Hope looked startled, but she rose from her seat. “Yes, of course.”
Sir Blackwell bowed. “Lovely to meet you, Lady Glory.” He gave Keswick a nod. “Sir.”
They departed and Mr. Sterne turned back to enticing Miss Munroe with talk of the glowworms that thrived in nearby Gorsty Knoll. Glory looked over at Keswick’s astonished expression—and burst out laughing.
