Page 17 of Finding Hope
“That child? She is almost of an age with my Susan.”
“Indeed. I always say she is much like a sister, but the reality is, she is more like my niece.”
“Do you have someone in mind? I assume the ladies you have invited are the candidates?”
“Not all of them, but some, yes.”
She eyed him a little too knowingly. “Do you have one in particular in mind? I assume this is what I get for living in Northumberland? I know none of what has been happening in London!”
“If you were a better correspondent, I am certain someone would enlighten you. Instead, you have been breeding an entire cricket team.”
Diana laughed. “There are only six of them, Max. And I am a passable correspondent, but so much of what my friends tell me is gossip, of which not even half is true.”
“You were aware that Westwood married, I assume?”
“The catch of the Season, yes. To some previously unknown provincial girl he had been named guardian of.”
“Faith Whitford,” Max supplied. “She happens to have four sisters, and when a situation arose where they needed protection, Westwood asked me and our friends to help.”
“So one of them has taken your fancy?” Diana grinned.
“She is lovely, yes, but I do not think she has any idea of what being a duchess would mean, nor has she been bred to it.”
“So by bringing her here, do you mean to test her?” Diana looked disbelieving.
“I mean to let her see if it is something she would want, while at the same time also seeing if any of the other ladies might suit.”
“I think you are playing with fire, Max. If word gets out…”
He held up his hand. “Word will not get out. Mother tried to force my hand in London, and therefore I am being extremely cautious. We had a grand row over it, and I have made it clear she is not to interfere. However, I will need you to play hostess.”
Diane looked sideways at him. “I expect you to give me more detail than that.”
“Later. Guests are arriving.”
“Very well. I will play hostess, but I mean to enjoy every minute.”
The remainder of the afternoon was spent greeting arrivals, and thankfully, his sister played her part beautifully.
Even though the Cunninghams were their neighbours, there were still several miles to travel between the two estates, so they would be staying at Davenmere.
Lord Brosner had an eligible sister, so they also numbered amongst the guests.
Unfortunately, Max had felt obliged to invite Lady Wilton and her two daughters. The eldest, Lady Agatha, was not too much of an antidote—an accolade everyone wished for in a future bride.
Montford’s mother, Lady Conway, and sister, Lady Caroline, also arrived, bringing equal numbers of eligible gentlemen and ladies. Max scoffed at his thoughtfulness. The remainder of the guests were composed of older friends of the Duke and Duchess of Davenmere. Hopefully, it looked like an ordinary house party.
Max had not yet heard whether the Duchess had chosen to sulk in her apartments or remove to the Dower House. She had not been seen since her arrival. He did not dare hope that she had returned to London.
His friends had retired to the billiards room with most of the other men. Before he greeted them, he turned when he heard his father’s familiar, boisterous laugh. Max could only smile. He was happy if the old fellow felt well enough to leave his chambers. It seemed like he had improved a bit with his friends present.
Max saluted his father, who was surrounded by his old cronies, then wandered over to Montford and Carew, who were playing against one another.
Max dropped into the leather chair next to Freddy and crossed his legs as one of his footmen placed a decanter of brandy with glasses on the table between them.
“Your father looks pleased,” Freddy remarked. “I almost would not know he was ill, had he not dropped five stone.”
“His spirits have certainly improved with his friends being here. Hopefully, it will not overtax him.”
