Page 33 of Her Impeccable Scoundrel
Under her son’s fierce glare, she pressed her lips together.
“What a shame,” Graeme said. “I had thought to host a party, perhaps a picnic or reception or other sort of fête to meet neighbors. You are telling me no one will accept Chilcombe hospitality because her ladyship is in residence? Well, I will certainly have the invitations sent anyway and we will see what we see.”
He stood and dipped his head. “Mrs. Jarrow. Jarrow. Good day to you.”
“I’ll walk with you to the stables,” Jarrow said.
Boots crunching on the gravel, Jarrow kept pace with Graeme.
“My apologies for my mother’s frankness,” Jarrow said, as they neared the stables. “In truth, she is only saying openly what people will whisper behind backs.” He stopped and grimaced. “The better families, that is.”
“The other-than-better families are not cutting Lady Chilcombe?” Graeme asked, struggling to master his sarcasm.
Jarrow glanced at him. “There are cats in that crowd as well. However, in certain lesser families, Lady Chilcombe is pitied, and in one or two others, she’s seen as heroic.”
“How so?”
“It is not my story to tell. But if you invite the Jarrows to a party, my sister and I shall attend, and beware; I know my mother, and wild horses wouldn’t keep her away.”
“She and the other ladies from better families.”
“They’ll want to have a look at the scandalous Lady Chilcombe and her lady friend who might be not quite the thing. Forgive me, Lord Chilcombe. I’m appalled at my mother’s gossiping. Unless it would be very hard on the ladies, it might be a good thing for your party to attend the assembly tonight and confront the dragons head on. I will promise a dance to each lady, if you will lead Georgiana out once.”
Graeme paused outside the stable and studied the other man.
Jarrow held up both hands and laughed. “Not matchmaking. Georgiana’s interests lie elsewhere. It will not hurt her to be seen dancing with an earl there.”
“If I were a wagering man, I’d bet that neither lady in my party will dance at all. But in any case, I will ask your sister to dance. If I attend.”
“The assembly rooms are at the White Horse Inn. Your grooms will know how to find it.” Jarrow extended his hand and Graeme shook it. “I’ll send over my father’s report and notes for you to review. Let me know when I may call on Lady Chilcombe.”
A horse clattered into the stable yard.
“Rupert,” Jarrow said. “What’s afoot?”
“I’m looking for Lord Chilcombe.”
“I’m Chilcombe,” Graeme said, unease rising. The lad couldn’t be more than ten, and his trousers and boots were coated in mud.
Rupert tugged his forelock and reported. Mr. Stockwell would not be able to see him today. A drain at Bluebelle Lodge had caved in and flooded the new corn. He was helping young Mr. Stockwell see to it.
“You’ve just come from there?” Graeme asked.
“Yes, milord. Going right back.”
“Was it the newly dug drain near Wickworth Hall?” Jarrow asked, looking grim.
“Yessir.” Rupert nodded. “Just like the last one.”
There’d been other incidents?
“Wait a moment, lad,” Graeme said. “I’m coming with you.”
“I’m coming as well,” Jarrow said. “Have you eaten, lad?”
“No, sir.”
“Go along to the kitchen.” Jarrow spotted a maid across the yard leaving the kitchen garden. “Jilly, tell Cook to feed this lad and make up sandwiches. Go along, Rupert. Eat and bring food for the others. I’ll show his lordship the way.”
