Page 24 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

She felt her cheeks heat at the attention from a duchess and said, “I, too, have been eager to meet you, Your Grace.”

“And this is the Countess of Middlefield,” Lady Danbury continued.

Minta turned to the tall, lithe woman with golden blond hair and bright blue eyes, which danced with interest as she took Minta’s hand.

“I have also looked forward to our meeting, Miss Nicholls. My cousins are my dearest friends and I spent years in the country nursing my ill parents so I have not been in society for very long. I hope a friendship will take root between us.” The countess smiled sweetly.

“I am overwhelmed by such a welcome, Lady Middlefield,” she said. “My sister and twin is my greatest friend. She is currently living in Canada with my parents. It is the first time we have ever been separated. I’ll admit I have been a bit lonely and hoping to make friends with a few others in Polite Society once the Season begins.”

“By the time the Season begins,” Lady Danbury declared, “we shall be good friends, the four of us. Shall we have a seat?”

They settled themselves just as a servant entered, rolling a teacart. Minta’s eyes widened at the lavish number of items, all looking scrumptious. Lady Danbury poured out for them and they each made up a plate for themselves.

“I know my cousin got to spend an evening in Essex with you when she and her husband were visiting Lord Kingston,” the duchess began. “She must know a few things about you but I wish to learn about you, as well. Would you please tell us about yourself?”

Minta nodded. “I would be happy to do so, Your Grace.”

She told them a bit of what her life had been like in London before her father received the promotion to assist the Administrator of Upper Canada.

“Papa was thrilled with his new position and Sera and I accompanied him to North America. Mama stayed behind because her father hadn’t long to live and she wanted to nurse him during this time. It led to a lengthy separation, however.”

“Oh, the war with the Americans,” Lady Middlefield said. “That conflict went on almost three years. Did your mother remain in England that entire time?”

“Yes, my lady. She stayed with her sister, Lady Westlake, so at least she was with family. We wrote constantly to her and she did the same but the letters delivered were few and far between. Mama arrived in Ontario last summer, once traveling the Atlantic was safe again and the weather was cooperative.”

“It must have been wonderful to be reunited with her,” Her Grace noted. “The three of us were all close with our mothers.”

“I was happy to be with Mama again but my twin especially was. Mama and Sera are very much alike, both shy in nature. It is one of the reasons Sera remained in Canada instead of coming back to England with me.”

She swallowed. “Sera had become friendly with an officer posted to the army in Ontario. Unfortunately, Captain Marsh was killed in action two years ago. That incident, along with Mama’s absence, left Sera feeling quite fragile. I am happy to report, however, that I have received a letter from her. She regrets our separation and has booked passage on a ship leaving near the end of April. She should arrive in London from mid to late-June.”

“Will she become active in the Season once she arrives?” Lady Danbury asked with interest.

Shaking her head, Minta said, “No, Sera doesn’t wish to do so although I hope she will reconsider and accompany me to a few events. We are similar in size and she could wear anything in my wardrobe that she chose.” She paused and then added, “Lady Danbury may have shared with you that I am seeking a husband during this Season. Since Sera is my closest confidante, I would like her opinion on any suitor that I might be interested in.”

“I am happy for you that your sister will be joining you, “Lady Danbury said. “Even if she chooses not to partake in events of this Season, she—and you, Miss Nicholls—are invited to the house party my husband and I will hold in August after the Season concludes.”

“A house party?” she asked. “I am unfamiliar with that, my lady.”

Her Grace chuckled. “Miss Nicholls, there is nothing like a good house party. They usually last ten days to two weeks and are full of so many activities that your head will spin.”

“What kind of activities?”

Lady Middlefield smiled. “Things that are usually done in the country. Riding and walking and sometimes hunting. Picnics and boating. And all kinds of lawn games.”

“It sounds wonderful,” she said, awed to think of Sera and herself in such exalted company. “I am grateful to think you would ask Sera and me to attend.”

“House parties are more than amiable gatherings,” the duchess told Minta. “While the activities are delightful, the true purpose of many house parties is to encourage a match between eligible men and women. The relaxed nature and small numbers in attendance guarantee the chance for those seeking a spouse to get to know one another in a more intimate atmosphere.”

Lady Middlefield added, “It is hard sometimes to get to learn much about a gentleman during the Season. Do not feel compelled to commit to anyone unless you truly know his nature. A house party is ideal for deeper conversations. You might choose to put off accepting any offers and go into this house party with an open mind.”

“Since you mentioned your sister is shy, she might be more comfortable stepping into Polite Society at a house party instead of being overwhelmed at a ball or some othertonevent,” the duchess said. “Who knows? Your twin might find her perfect match and avoid having to hunt for a husband next Season.” She looked to Lady Danbury. “You must let me help you prepare the guest list, Tessa. I will keep in mind which bachelors might make for good husbands for the Misses Nicholls.”

Minta found this information fascinating and eye-opening. Sera would certainly prefer a setting involving a smaller group of people.

“Rest assured that Lord and Lady Westlake are also welcomed to come,” Lady Danbury said. “My cousins and their husbands and children will be there, as well. Also someone you have met, Miss Nicholls. Lord Kingston and his cousin, the Duke of Woodmont.”

Minta’s cheeks burned at the mention of Lord Kingston. Then she realized what Lady Danbury had said regarding the marquess’ cousin.

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