Page 16 of Finding Hope
Hope was expecting her sisters to be sharing a room with her, but no one was there. The door opened into a bright chamber of soft jonquil and cream with embroidered butterflies on the coverlet and wallpaper.
“Where are my sisters?” Hope asked.
“They are on the same passage, but his lordship specifically wanted you in this room.” Her face was so stoic that Hope could not tell whether she approved or disapproved.
“Will you be needing anything else for now?” she asked.
“No, thank you, Mrs. Watson,” Hope said in dismissal.
There was warm water on the wash-stand and a fresh cake of soap that smelled of almonds and honey. She splashed her face and washed her hands, and then walked over to a set of French doors which had been left open to let in the summer breeze. They led out to a small balcony, from which the view could only be described as picturesque.
As the house was nestled into the side of a peak, before her was a cliff face which boasted a small waterfall that ran down into the river which they had crossed earlier. The view then extended out over a meadow dotted with grazing sheep.
Knowing Rotham had selected it just for her made her feel special, though it was probably more to do with the fact that she usually wore jonquil than anything else. She was dwelling too much on it. No doubt all the chambers in a duke’s mansion were equally grand.
There was nothing left for her to do but find her sisters. The hall held at least a dozen chambers, and she wished she had asked specifically which ones her sisters occupied. However, as she progressed, she was able to hear their voices. They had been placed in a large chamber with two beds.
“There you are, Hope. We were wondering what had become of you!” Grace said.
“I was speaking with Lord Rotham and was left behind.”
Patience turned and smiled knowingly at her, which Hope chose to ignore.
“Where is Joy?”
“She went with Mr. Cunningham. Apparently, there is a new litter of puppies.”
“Where is her chamber?”
Grace smiled. “Through here.”
Hope had missed a door that was connected behind the screen. Behind it was a smaller but enchanting room that was circular with floor-to-ceiling windows. It was fanciful and fairy-like and perfect for Joy. Hope walked to the window and looked out to a view of horses in the meadow in the distance, feeling that perhaps everything was going to work out. How indifferent could he be if he had taken such care to select rooms for her sisters and herself?
Max watchedMiss Whitford go upstairs with the housekeeper and reminded himself to be careful. Their friendship made being with her natural, but it still did not mean she was the best choice for his duchess. He had seen the look Mrs. Watson had given her, and by favouring her with one of the best chambers, he had already signalled to his household that he had a preference for Miss Whitford.
In order to make the best decision, he had asked several young ladies to visit and vowed to give them all fair consideration. He’d even asked Vivienne Cunningham to attend, because it would look poorly not to include her, and he wantedto make certain he wasn’t excluding her because of his mother’s preference.
However, there were enough eligible bachelors there that Vivienne could very well choose someone else.
“Max!” Diana said and greeted him. Max adored all his siblings, but Diana was closest to him in age and looks, except she was softer in demeanour, and wore the glow of motherhood like a badge of honour.
“You came! When did you sneak in?”
“Of course I came! We have only just arrived. How could I ignore what you said about Father? I have not seen him yet.”
“Prepare yourself. I had no warning myself and received quite a shock.”
“Mother did not tell you he was ill?”
“I do not think she had any notion of it herself.”
“Why the house party, Max? Would it not have been better to share this in private as a family?”
“I debated it, but then Father mentioned he would like to see me wed, and you know how he thrives with people around him.”
Max almost laughed at the look on his sister’s face.
“Please do not tell her Grace my intentions. We have already had a falling out over Miss Cunningham.”
