Page 12 of Avoiding the Merry Viscount
Lydia climbed out of the bed as Tilly crossed the threshold and closed the chamber door behind her. Half an hour later, Lydia donned a fresh day gown and had her hair redressed. She took one last look at herself in the mirror, pleased with her appearance, and then exited her chamber to join the rest of the guests. Her parents’ chamber door was closed, and instead of knocking to see if they were ready to join her, she decided she would venture downstairs on her own.
Once she reached the bottom of the staircase, a footman showed her to the drawing room, where some of the other guests had already gathered. The warmth from the roaring fire in the enormous fireplace reached her cheeks as soon as she entered. It made the room feel quite cozy, with the snow flurries falling outside the window.
She spotted Lady Hannah by the window and moved across the room to join her. Lady Hannah was the Earl of Onslow’s sister and Lady Diana’s closest friend. Lydia had met both of the ladies when they made their come outs during the last season. Neither of them had declared a betrothal, and she’d enjoyed getting to know them better during the house party.
“I love the snow, don’t you, Lady Hannah?” Lydia asked, joiningthe lady’s side.
“Indeed. It’s quite beautiful,” Hannah replied, giving her a kind smile. “And please call me Hannah, as many in attendance will.”
“I will do so, if you call me Lydia.”
Hannah looped her arm through Lydia’s. “Of course. I shall be delighted to have your company since Diana will be so busy tending to all of her guests.”
“I was quite surprised she was hosting this house party at all, especially as an unmarried lady.”
Hannah’s expression turned somber. “This is a time of year saddled with many memories, some not so pleasant. I believe she wishes to distract herself and the family from such sadness.” Hannah leaned closer to Lydia. “Especially after having to experience her first season without her mama, and at the mercy of her brother, to chaperone her.”
Lydia eyed Hannah curiously. “Wasn’t it much the same for you?” She was almost certain that both of Hannah’s parents had passed unexpectedly a couple of years ago.
Hannah gave her a somber nod. “Yes. Which is why I understand her reasoning. Diana’s aunt Penny and our friend Juliana’s mother, Lady Morley, sponsored us for the season. Then Elias and Hudson attended every evening entertainment with us, along with Matt and Jude. We were thankful for morning calls and garden parties for the chance to escape our brothers.”
“You must also miss your parents very much,” Lydia said, giving her a sympathetic smile.
“I do, of course,” Hannah said, glancing around the room to see if anyone might overhear them. “But this time of year, we are most reminded of the loss of Diana’s mama. You see, our families have always been the closest of friends. I was here as a girl when Lady Snowdon passed, and it wrecked us all.”
Lydia frowned. “So she passed around this time, then?”
Hannah nodded, her eyes turning watery, but she held back her tears before drawing a deep breath. “Diana and I were only six then. We had played dress up and had tea with Lady Snowdon, just the three of us, not long before she passed. It shall always be one of my fondest memories.”
Lydia noticed Viscount Snowdon standing across the room, speaking with some of his gentlemen friends. She couldn’t help but wonder how the loss of his mother had affected him.
“Was your chamber comfortable for you, Miss Cary?” a distinct voice said, capturing her attention.
Jerking her head toward the newcomer, she noted Lady Diana now stood on her other side. “Yes, my lady. Quite.”
“None of that, please just call me Diana,” Diana said. “I am certain Hannah has said the same.”
Lydia giggled. “You are correct. And please call me Lydia.” Lydia was almost jealous that the pair had such a close friendship. Lydia had a few friends, but none as close as Diana and Hannah appeared to be. Young ladies on the Marriage Mart often made use of their hidden claws.
Diana grinned at them and then leaned a bit closer. “Did I tell you that Elias had the audacity to offer a string of threats if I should sneak off with a gentleman, and then I overheard him and Jude speaking about sneaking out to the village?” Diana directed her question to Hannah, but then glanced at Lydia as if seeking a reaction.
“Sounds typical to me,” Hannah said, rolling her eyes.
“Is your brother much the same way?” Lydia asked, directing her question to Hannah. She wanted to have something to contribute to the conversation.
Hannah shrugged. “I have no idea. Hudson isn’t the warmest or most forthcoming man. He’s always been a good brother, but he confides nothing in me,” she said. It was clear that the declaration saddened her. “What I know is that he will join the gentlemen if theyshould sneak out if there is even the slightest chance of him being left alone with Matt.”
“Matt will be right there with them,” Diana said quickly. “He’s one of them.”
“He’s not the same as they are,” Hannah said, defending Matt’s character, or Lord Wilton rather.
Lydia watched both of them, intrigued by the inner workings of their deep friendships. Such relationships weren’t a regularity among theton, where titles, standing, and gossip governed the behaviors of most.
“Why wouldn’t your brother wish to be alone with Lord Wilton?” Lydia asked, deciding it might be better to shift the conversation.
“We don’t know,” Hannah replied. “They were friends when they were younger, but they don’t get along now. It seemed more on Hudson’s account than Matt’s, but none of the men will tell us why.”
That was interesting. And interesting that both men still tolerated each other for the benefit of their other friends.
