Page 13 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
The ladies stopped speaking, startled by his abrupt arrival.
“Lord Peterborough,” Tabitha murmured, curtseying. “I did not realize you were here.”
“This is my home.” He had no cause to speak so harshly with his future mother-in-law, but Ewan’s anger was displaced. Phineas was conveniently unavailable following the announcement of the engagement. Even Prudence made herself as scarce as possible, but it was decidedly more difficult for the Duchess when there was a wedding to be planned.
“Miss Oliver sends her regards,” Tabitha offered, flushing uncomfortably at his brusque response.
He didn’t face her. “Lovely.”
“It is a shame that she will be unable to join us before the nuptials,” the Duchess sighed, eying her son warily. She did not know what was likely to spring from his mouth, and for his part, Ewan was unsure why he remained in the salon, glowering at them.
It had been three weeks of restlessness, the decision to honor the engagement gnawing at his gut with vigor. After his initial fury had somewhat diminished, Ewan knew that his choice in the matter had been effectively removed. He was betrothed and resigned to accept the inevitable.
That does not mean I need be content with the situation,he decided.
“Ewan, is there a matter on your mind?” The Marquess remained rooted in place.
“A drink, Mother.” He grumbled. He nodded toward the corner and did not immediately recognize the man. There had been an influx of new staff since the marriage banns had been read.
“Who are you?” His voice was harsh.
“Gerome Buffond, Lord Peterborough. At your service.”
“Fetch me a scotch.”
“At once, My Lord.”
He moved to the ladies and raised an eyebrow.
“So, I am expected to wait until the wedding before I lay eyes upon my blushing bride, am I?” Tabitha visibly swallowed and forced a smile.
“I daresay there is an air of romance to that concept, do you not agree, Mrs. Oliver?” the Duchess intercepted before Tabitha could respond. “It fared well for the Duke and me.”
“I agree,” Tabitha appeared relieved to have an ally in the matter. “My daughter would have liked nothing more than to have been received by your House before the wedding, Your Grace, but I fear her travels will not permit her return on time.”
“Where is it she has gone precisely before our union?” That Henrietta Oliver was on a journey so close to such an important day did not bode well with him.
“She visits a sick relative,” Ewan saw through the lies Tabitha was offering.
“It is no matter.” The Duchess cast her son a withering gaze. “Miss Oliver will be here for the wedding.”
“Of course, she will!” Tabitha replied.
“Of course, she will,” Ewan mimicked, accepting the drink Gerome offered.Henrietta is being purposely kept from me, but why?
I wager she is plain or insipid.Possibly both. They are concerned I will run from Nightingale screaming in rejection. I imagine her face will be heavily veiled until it is far too late to recant my offer, even though the offer of marriage was not made by me.
“Would you care to offer your opinion on any of the matters pertaining to the wedding?” Tabitha was already wincing as she anticipated the resounding “NO!” apt to fall from Ewan’s mouth. He snorted in contempt.
“I am certain the Duchess will suffice in planning the event impeccably. She has a knack for plotting, after all.”
He moved toward the doorway with drink in hand, but he did not miss the look of devastation on his mother’s face. Ewan stepped into the hall, but he did not venture far.
“You must forgive Ewan.” The Duchess sighed. “The death of his first wife and their child has taken a rather destabilizing toll upon him. He is quite charming beneath that harsh façade.”
“I find him quite charming as he is,” Tabitha replied and Ewan grimaced.
She lies as easily as I drink this scotch. She seems to be well-versed in deception. I wonder if her daughter is the same.
