Page 62 of The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon 4)

But then, as hostess, it was Hattie’s duty to make it so, and she had failed in that regard.

“I only stopped by to thank you for the invitation to dine,” Mr. Warren said.

Lucy straightened, inclining her head. “It was our pleasure. May I presume to guess that you shall be joining us?”

“Indeed, I would be delighted. The duke and I are both honored to accept the invitation.”

Hattie sucked in a quick breath. “But surely the duke would prefer to speak for himself on such matters.”

Mr. Warren’s face betrayed nothing, but he tilted his head just slightly to the side. “I can assure you I have his blessing to relay this bit of news. He is quite looking forward to it.”

Given Bentley’s reaction to learning of the invitation in Graton, Hattie very much doubted that to be the case. Lucy stared at her hard though, and Hattie closed her mouth before she said anything she would later come to regret. If nothing else, Bentley could beg off later by his own hand, and Hattie would make certain he was given the opportunity to do so.

“You must have such an exciting life, traveling to and fro.”

Mr. Warren nodded at Lucy. “It has been quite the adventure, I’ll admit. Though I do wonder at times if I am too old to keep it up much longer.”

Lucy’s tittering laugh grated on her nerves, and Hattie clenched her teeth. She wanted to speak to Mr. Warren, of course she did, but she could not remove from her mind the image of Bentley waiting in the cold barn loft alone. Her toes tapped the plush carpet as she did her best to appear interested in the conversation circulating around her, all the while wishing it would end.

Lucy had been right; Hattie had certainly needed a plan before entering the parlor. Instead, she was wasting this time by wishing she was elsewhere. She believed herself adept at slipping away from unhappy scenarios. How could she manage to escape this one?

“Miss Green is quite the dancer,” Mr. Warren said, nodding as though he was agreeing with Lucy on that score.

Lucy’s eyes were wide, her head tipping toward the gentleman. She could not be more obvious if she made an effort to be so.

“I enjoy dancing quite a lot,” Hattie agreed.

“But not nearly as much as painting,” Jeffrey said, chuckling. “I believe my sister was born with a paintbrush in her hand.”

“Oh, it was nothing of the sort,” Hattie said. “I developed my immense skill much later than that.”

Jeffrey barked a laugh. “And she’s humble, to boot. But we love her just the same.”

Hattie grinned. “Speaking of painting, I do have a project I would like to return to—”

“Say no more,” Mr. Warren said, rising. “I’ve overstayed my visit.”

“No, no.” Lucy rose, seemingly desperate to force him to remain. “You are quite welcome here, I assure you. We are practically starved of company so far out here, and it is a blessed thing to have one so comfortable to speak to.”

Hattie closed her mouth against further arguments, unable to keep her brow from furrowing. Was she truly such horrid company?

Mr. Warren would not be deterred, however, much to Hattie’s relief. “I have remained far longer than I should have, and I thank you for your kindness and hospitality.”

“It was nothing,” Jeffrey said, motioning toward the door. He left to see their guest to the door.

When the sound of footsteps had receded, Hattie moved to go upstairs, and Lucy followed close behind her. “Well, that could have gone better, but I do think it wasn’t a complete failure.”

“Thank you, I think.” Hattie mounted the stairs toward her bedchamber, Lucy continuing along just a step behind her.

“He seemed eager to see you again. I do think it is a good sign that he was willing to wait such a length of time just to speak to you. There could have been no other reason for waiting as long as he did.”

“No other reason except a delight in Jeffrey’s conversation, of course.”

Lucy was quiet for a moment before agreeing. “Well, yes. There is that, too.”

Opening the door to her bedchamber, Hattie was happy to find Agnes there smoothing the gown of her habit over her bed. Her maid was such a gem.

“If you will excuse me, Lucy, I think I shall go for a ride.”

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