Page 49 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

He needed to kiss her again. No shying away. He should mark his territory. Kiss her. Call upon her. Offer for her. Eventually, at least. He didn’t think it smart to propose marriage a day into the Season. Still, he needed to let her know of his interest in her. Already, he believed Lord Boxling had tried to stake his own claim with Minta though she hadn’t treated the viscount with any special regard as he signed her programme earlier this evening.

Finishing with their plates, he returned to the table. Tessa was finishing up a story and the other three women burst into laughter as he joined them.

Percy placed a plate in front of Minta. “I hope I found some things to your liking.”

She looked upon it, a slow smile crossing her face. “You did quite well, my lord. I am a fool when it comes to sweets and I see several here. I also adore deviled eggs with ham.”

“Then I am glad to have pleased you.”

A footman brought wine to their table, pouring the rich, red liquid into goblets sitting there.

“A toast!” cried Owen. “To the Second Sons—and a Season to remember.”

Everyone raised their glasses and echoed Owen’s words. Percy shook his head as he took a sip of wine.

“What are you thinking of, Lord Kingston?” asked Minta.

He sighed. “Just how different my life is now than what it was a year ago. It was just last spring that Bonaparte escaped and gathered a new army. Waterloo had yet to occur.”

“I suppose you were in the thick of that battle.”

He nodded, not speaking, flashes of the cannon fire in his head.

“You do not have to speak of it, my lord. I know many men prefer to leave those memories on the battlefield.”

He saw no sympathy but empathy in her eyes. “Thank you. War is difficult to explain to those who have not been in the thick of it.”

She placed a hand on his forearm, causing a jolt to run through him. “Your past year has been difficult. You lost a beloved brother. You gave up a promising career. You returned to England and found yourself with a dizzying amount of responsibility. But you have weathered all of those storms, my lord. I cannot guarantee it will all be smooth sailing ahead but you are home, where you belong, with good friends. You have a new purpose in life, caring for the people on your various estates, just as you cared for your men.”

Removing her hand, she took a bite of custard and smiled. “This is marvelous.”

He tried some. “I agree.”

“I heard that you lost your steward. Have you replaced him?”

They continued speaking only to one another throughout supper, as if they were dining alone. Percy told her about Smith’s passing and the availability of Rowell, brought to Percy’s attention by his butler. He spoke of Kingwood and some of the changes that were being implemented this spring and over the next year, as well as what would be done and changed on his other two estates.

Before he realized it, supper had ended. He had cleaned his plate without remembering he had done so.

Embarrassment filled him. “I am afraid I have dominated most of our conversation, Miss Nicholls,” he apologized.

“I didn’t view it that way, my lord. I asked questions and you answered them. I was fascinated by what you spoke of. You must remember that my father owns no country estate and I lived in London for the majority of my life before we departed for Upper Canada. I enjoy hearing about the inner workings of an estate and life in the country.”

“Did you visit your aunt and uncle often?” he asked.

“They actually prefer town to country life,” she told him. “I saw them frequently during the year and my family would go down to Westfield and spend a few days at Christmas with them each year.”

“They think quite a bit of you.”

“They look upon Sera and me as their children since they had none.” She touched a hand to her ear. “Uncle West gifted me this pair of earrings for the Season. Papa would never have been able to afford them. I am fortunate to have them hosting me during this Season.”

“When will your family return from Canada?”

“My twin is coming sometime in June. From Mama’s last letter, she believes Papa will wrap up his assignment early next year. They will probably return to England in the spring once the harsh winter weather is gone and a sailing across the Atlantic is more palatable.”

“You must be quite happy to know your sister—and your parents—are returning home.”

“I am, especially reuniting with Sera. Aunt Phyllis wants Sera to make her come-out next Season but, in the meantime, Louisa has asked that both Sera and I attend the house party she is giving at the conclusion of the Season.” She paused and looked at him hopefully. “Might you be attending this as well, Lord Kingston?”

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