Page 29 of A Marquess to Save Her
“And why does that bother you?” Callum asked.
“Bother me?” Felington said, laughing, “I am, in fact, happy that she would not have to spend all of her days moping around as a jilted woman.”
Callum rolled his eyes. “I suppose you have not called me to talk about Lady Louise.”
“Of course, not. I do not know if you have noticed that more and more guests are beginning to leave,” Felington said.
“I have. And I overheard another guest today say she would be leaving before the end of today,” Callum said.
Felington ran a hand through his hair. “The party is interesting and lively. I just cannot fathom why they are leaving?”
“Is that so?” Callum asked, raising an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” Felington asked.
“I am simply speaking based on what I have heard the guests say. They are bored to death as they do not find the party entertaining...not even in the least,” Callum said.
Felington looked genuinely surprised. “But...but the party has been...”
“Boring,” Callum cut in, “you have been too busy spending time with your fiancée that you have not been able to properly entertain your guests. Every day, your guests should have a major event that they would look forward to.”
Felington nodded. “I have never seen it that way. What do you suggest I do, Callum? I cannot have my guests all leave because my party is boring. Everyone in thetonwould see me as the person that throws boring parties and no one would ever attend my events again.”
“You could organize an event for tonight and announce it now. That way, those who have been preparing to leave today would at least be deterred.”
“You are right,” Felington said, “I could announce that we would go hunting.”
“The guests cannot hunt at night so that has to be slated for tomorrow. We need an event for tonight,” Callum corrected him, “moreover, men are the only ones who are interested in a hunt. Most of the women would rather not be involved in that.”
“I do not know what we could possibly do that both men and women would be interested in,” Felington said.
“How about we have a musicale night?” Callum said, “Both men and women can participate in that.”
Felington patted Callum on the back. “You are a very smart man, my friend,” he said as he made to go, “let us go inform the staff of what is needed for tonight's event.”
“Before you begin to prepare, Felington,” Callum said, “ensure that all the guests that would perform are informed beforehand and are informed of the music that they would perform.”
“Callum, let us go inform the men in the gentlemen's quarter,” Felington said, “Emily would inform the ladies.”
“That is perfect then,” Callum said as he headed for the gentlemen's quarter with his friend.
Fortunately, they saw a large group of men drinking and talking rather loudly in the lounge.
Felington approached them. “Gentlemen, we will be having an interesting event tonight and it is important that you prepare for it. We will be having a musicale night and some of you will be required to sing and play music for everyone.”
“Are we allowed to pair up with the ladies?” Lord Wessex, a gentleman who fancied himself a jester, said, and everyone laughed.
Felington shrugged. “If you can find a lady who would tolerate you.”
There was more laughter.
“If no woman would give me attention, I can always go for Lady Louise,” he said, and there was even a burst of bigger laughter.
“Are you going to let them say that about a woman you were once courting?” Callum said to Felington in a low tone.
Felington shrugged. “They are young men who are simply jesting around. They mean no harm, I am certain.”
“I know for sure that Lady Louise would never say no to me. Not after she made a fool of herself chasing the Earl all over the grounds. At this point, she would even entertain a peasant,” Wessex said amidst even more laughter.
