Page 25 of The Earl and Miss Muffet
“He had eyes for Mary, and I am clearly the better man for her.” Mr. Gunther said, his voice dropping to a whisper as Lord Templeton stepped up to their blanket.
“Mr. Gunther,” Lord Templeton tipped his hat. “Lady Mary.” He looked at Elena. “I do not believe we’ve met.”
“This is my favorite friend, Miss Muffet,” Mary said. “Miss Muffet, meet Lord Templeton.”
Elena would never tire of hearing Mary’s affectionate words.
Lord Templeton bowed. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you visiting the castle then?”
“Yes.” Meeting a stranger was easier than in the past, but she still had to remind herself to look him in the eyes. “I hope to stay for the wedding.” Her gaze sought out Terrance and Sophia, only a few feet away, speaking with the rector.
“Of course,” Lord Templeton followed her line of vision. “I was hoping to gain an introduction to Mr. Hasting’s intended today. I have heard a great deal about her from the family.”
“Then you are here often?” Miss Muffet asked. It seemed strange that he knew much of Miss Bliss when Elena had never heard or seen this man, and she had been there for several weeks. The engagement of Mary to Mr. Gunther was surely the reason. This poor man was one of many thwarted in matrimonial pursuits. She felt instant sympathy for him.
“Lady Crawford has been exceptionally generous to me. I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with both Mr. Hastings and Lord Crawford, though I have lived here not two months.”
At the mention of Lord Crawford’s name, Elena did her best to resist seeking him out with her gaze and focused on Lord Templeton. “We are both fortunate in our friendship.”
Lord Templeton’s eyes were soft and kind. She liked him immediately, and she wondered if it was because of his friendship with Anton that made her able to trust him so quickly.
“Everyone in this neighborhood is most exceptional. I am drawn to the history here too. This castle alone tells many stories. Have you seen the foundation stone?”
“No, I have not had the pleasure.”
Mary put her hand on Elena’s arm. “Oh, but you must. It’s a favorite tale of my family.”
“Allow me to show you,” Lord Templeton said. “I remember such few names of people here. I would be glad for an excuse to walk with you.”
“Is it far?” Elena did not want to miss speaking with Anton when he finished his duty as host.
“It is just around the back of the keep.”
“Very well.” Elena climbed to her feet and walked alongside Lord Templeton. They passed the refreshment table and walked away from the others.
“The stone has two stories to it,” Lord Templeton began. “There are those who believe it is a faerie stone which blesses or curses the inhabitants of the castle based on their good works.”
“And what is the second story?”
“That it is just an ordinary rock.”
Elena giggled. She would choose to believe the first story, since Banbury castle allowed her to laugh whenever she chose to.
There was a swish of legs walking behind them, and she turned to find Anton coming toward them.
“Crawford,” Lord Templeton said in greeting. “I thought there would be rain today and the picnic would be canceled.”
Anton blew out his breath. “Yes, my mother has been worried about nothing else since yesterday. She thrives when hosting, and yet, it wears me out just to watch her.” Anton’s gaze swung to meet Elena’s. “Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Muffet?”
“Indeed. Lord Templeton was about to show me the castle’s foundation stone.” Did he approve? Something about his stance looked wary, but of what, Elena was not sure.
Anton looked from her to Lord Templeton. “Might I join you?”
“Won’t your guests miss you?” Lord Templeton asked.
“I think they can spare me for a few minutes. They all came to see Miss Bliss anyway.”
Elena wondered if Lord Templeton knew about Anton’s feelings for Miss Bliss. And what would they both think if they knew Elena’s feelings for Anton?
