Page 82 of Nothing But a Rakehell
“She retired a bit late last evening,” Mr. Sommers said. “A group of us spent too long discussing the pleasures to be had in London’s Season.”
Miss Vernon cast a glance at Keswick, but he had picked up an abandoned newspaper and pretended not to notice.
“I have not seen her this morning,” Hope answered, “but do come in and sit down. Have you breakfasted yet?” She waved for the footman to bring the girl a cup of tea.
“I wouldn’t refuse a bit of tea and toast, thank you.”
“Well, we haven’t any amusements planned for today. Most of the guests expect to spend a quiet day in preparation for dinner and the ball this evening, but I’m sure Miss Parscate will be down directly.”
“What of your sister, my lady? I daresay she must be interested in learning some of the newest, fashionable hairstyles. Is she available to spend the morning with us?”
Hope blinked at the girl a moment. Keswick felt sure she was trying to decide if Miss Vernon meant to be insulting. He could have told her that the girl absolutely did.
“How kind.” The countess had clearly decided not to waste time arguing with her uninvited guest. “Glory is not available, I’m afraid. She left early this morning. She’s riding to Brockweir to visit the saddler.”
Again, Keswick pretended not to be attending. But he was.
“The saddler?” Miss Vernon sounded incredulous. “On the day of your ball?”
“That’s our Glory,” Tensford chuckled. “She is a serious rider. She takes exceptional care of her mount and her equipment. Her saddles are specially designed.”
“How . . . unusual.”
“It doesn’t seem so, when you see her ride. I’ve never seen anyone with a better seat.” Keswick knew better than to speak up, but he could not bear to let the nasty creature get the last word on Glory.
“It’s true,” Tensford said cheerfully.
“She will be back this afternoon, in plenty of time to prepare for the evening.” The countess stood and the men did as well. “My preparations for the day begin now, however. I’ll bid you all a good morning.”
Miss Vernon turned a calculating smile in his direction.
“I will try to stay out of your way, my lady, and perhaps take a walk in the gardens while I await Miss Parscate. That is, if you will accompany me, Lord Keswick?”
Tensford set down his coffee. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Miss Vernon, but I’ve already claimed Kes for the day.”
Keswick nodded and tried to look like he knew what his friend was talking about.
“There’s a good bit of work to be done on my specimen before Mr. Simon, from the British Museum, arrives later today. I’ll need Keswick’s help to finish in time.”
“I’ve rearranged the seating for dinner, so be sure to ask Mr. Simon to join us,” Hope told him.
Tensford kissed her, right there in front of everyone. “Thank you, my dear.”
Keswick took a last sip of tea. “I’m ready when you are,” he told Tensford. He nodded to the rest of the table. “Until dinner and the ball, then.”
“What?” Miss Vernon stiffened in her chair. “Surely you’ll return for nuncheon?”
Hope looked at her, somewhat exasperated, but Tensford merely shook his head. “Very sorry. We’ll be working through, to get done in time.”
“I’ll have cook send out a tray of sandwiches.” Hope cast a cool look at Miss Vernon and departed.
Keswick and Tensford followed her out and set out for the workshop.
“She’s persistent, that one,” Tensford said over the crunch of gravel.
“You see why I imposed myself upon you, days early,” Keswick said. “She ran me right out of London.”
“Who would have thought she’d follow you out here?” Tensford opened the workshop door and nodded to the footman sitting inside. “Thank you, James. We’ll be here for the rest of the day. And I’m sure my wife will have a list of duties for you to help her with.”
