Page 10 of Leap of Faith
“Well! The insufferable, odious, high-handed ogre!” Faith muttered as Lord Westwood left the room.
“Did you see Mr. Cunningham? Was he not the most beautiful gentleman you have ever beheld? What beautiful blond curls he has! And Lord Rotham! He is dark and dangerous and promises roguish delights. And Montford, such presence! Not to mention our guardian is also very handsome, but he is more intimidating. The four of them together are quite arresting!”
“Do be serious, Hope. What if Lord Westwood forces us to go to London?” Faith did not hide her annoyance with her sister. All she could think about was the gentlemen’s appearance when their future was at stake!
“What would be so terrible about that? It would not be forever.”
“I know you have always dreamed about a Season, Hope, but I must think about what is best for everyone.”
“Forgive me. I did not mean to discount what you do for our family, but perhaps you take too much responsibility on your shoulders. Why not let our guardian help us?”
“You wish to be beholden to a man like…like that?” She pointed towards the door he had just walked through as though he had left a trail of fire behind him.
“Like what? He seemed very capable. He certainly managed you with very few words.” Hope did not realize the thin ice she was skating on with her words, doubtless because of the truth in them.
“What can I do until I convince him to give me my portion and let us manage for ourselves?”
“Precisely. Why not enjoy someone else being responsible for once?”
“But we know nothing about him!” Faith could not believe her sister was so willing to trust a handsome face.
“We know he is honourable. Why else would he remove himself and his friends but to protect our reputations?”
Faith crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “I suppose there is some merit in what you say.”
“There is nothing to do tonight but to rest.”
Mrs. Barrett knocked on the door. She was a plump, grandmotherly sort with white hair tucked neatly beneath a cap. “Ladies, I should be pleased to show you to your chamber, but have you dined yet? The gentlemen left before the second course, and there is plenty of food prepared. It would be a shame to waste it.”
“You are very kind. Dinner would be most welcome. Thank you, Mrs. Barrett.”
When the first course was brought in, Faith wondered if the King had been set to dine with them. She had never seen such luxury or richness at a table in her life. She smiled to herself, wondering what Lord Westwood thought about trading this feast for the common fare they would likely be served at the inn. Lady Halbury had held peculiar ideas about food, so their diets had been somewhat restrictive—for their health, of course. Soup, vegetables, and a small portion of meat were all they were used to, so after their onion soup was removed, the crab cakes, roasted pheasant, side of venison in bechamel, vegetables, and syllabub were more than either young lady could fathom doing justice to. And there was another course to come!
“The gentlemen must have hearty appetites! I do not think I could eat another bite!” Hope said as Barrett began to remove the dishes from the first course.
“Oh, yes, miss. Only the best will do for Lord Westwood. He is famous for his chef and his table.”
“Perhaps you might send the next course to him at the village inn? It would be a shame to waste such a fine meal,” Faith suggested.
Barrett smiled. “Aye, miss. That would be just the thing. I will see to it at once and let Mrs. Barrett help you ready yourselves for the night.”
Mrs. Barrett bustled in to usher them up to a luxurious chamber. Dark wooden panels covered the walls, with mahogany furniture tastefully arranged. The windows and bed curtains were draped with thick dark green hangings. It was clearly a masculine haunt, and Faith felt her intrusion more acutely. But what else could she have done? She refused to sit idly in London at Lord Westwood’s convenience. She had never before been separated from her sisters and did not intend to remain so a day longer than necessary!
“I thought you might wish to remain together, but if you prefer, I can have another room made up for you,” Mrs. Barrett said as she followed them inside.
“Together is perfect. I apologize for the inconvenience we have caused,” Faith said.
“Well, miss, I cannot say as I ever remember another female being in the house, not that it is not a pleasure to have you here.”
“How kind of you to say.” Hope smiled brilliantly and instantly made a conquest out of the elderly woman.
“It is hard to imagine Master Dominic with two wards, though I do think it will do him much good,” she said in a familiar way that Faith and Hope enjoyed with their own servants at Halbury Hall and thought nothing about it being too forward.
“Oh, there are three more sisters in Bath,” Faith corrected the kindly, elder woman who looked suitably shocked, then laughed. “But what I would not enjoy watching him handle that!”
“Watching what? Is he of a foul disposition?”
She clicked her tongue. “He is a wonderful boy, but is too much used to having everything his own way.”
