Page 37 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

“Tell us a little about her before she arrives,” Anthony urged.

He thought a moment, wondering how much he should reveal.

“She was brought up in Surrey. This is her first time in London. She lost her mother at an early age and spent every day working with her father. He was an inventor and passed along his love of creating new things to her. He recently passed and she’s come to live with relatives. Lord and Lady Trentham.”

“I know Trentham,” Jeremy said. “He’s a good man who’s spent years in service to England through the diplomatic corps.”

“Lady Mia is... well, she’s not used to society,” Hudson continued. “Her aunt is teaching her all sorts of things and insists she make her come-out this Season.”

“How old is she?” Alex asked.

“In her twenties,” he replied. “She’s doing so merely to be kind and repay her aunt for taking her in.”

“Taking her in?” Evan asked, frowning.

“Her cousin, the new Viscount Morrison, has washed his hands of her.”

“Wait,” Luke said. “That’s... Horatio Sloane, isn’t it?”

“He’s a nasty piece of work,” Anthony said.

Hudson explained how Morrison had refused to allow any more of Lady Mia’s inventions to leave the property, only to burn them once she had gone.

“What a cruel thing to do,” Rachel said. “I know his wife. Or know of her. Lady Hortense. Lady Morrison now. She’s deliberately cruel and hateful.” She slipped her arm through Hudson’s. “Don’t worry. We will be on our best behavior when Lady Mia arrives. I’m sure she’ll accept your proposal, Hudson.”

Barton announced the arrival of Matthew Proctor and their investors, who were the closest friends of the family. Jeremy had gone to school with Lords Neville and Morefield. Catherine’s friend, Charlotte, had married Morefield. Lord Rutherford was a childhood friend, while Lord Merrifield had almost married Rachel. Instead, he had become one of her and Evan’s closest friends and his wife, Diana, was a frequent visitor to various St. Clair households.

It took a few moments for everyone to greet one another and then Hudson said, “I’d like to tell you a little about the inventor you’ll meet. Her name is Lady Mia Sloane and it is her new variation on a steam engine that I hope will propel our venture in establishing a new railway in England.”

Hudson told them a little about the machine and said that Lady Mia would be able to speak of it in much more detail. He explained that he’d signed her to an agreement where she would work with the St. Clairs on its production and how he was interested in other devices of her making.

He concluded by saying, “She’s simply brilliant. I’m sure you’ll agree with me once you’ve heard her speak.”

At that moment, Barton entered the room and said, “Lord Trentham and Lady Mia Sloane are here, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Barton,” Jeremy said. “Have them come in.”

Hudson’s heart beat more rapidly as she entered the library. She wore a simple gown of lavender, which brought out the golden highlights in her caramel hair. She looked a bit nervous but held her head high as she and her uncle crossed the room.

“Let me make the introductions,” he said, going around the large circle and introducing everyone.

“My, this is an esteemed group of men,” Lord Trentham noted. “And ladies,” he added, smiling at Rachel and his niece.

“You might wonder why I am present, Lady Mia,” Rachel said. “I am Mr. St. Clair’s sister and also run my own business.”

He saw Lady Mia’s eyes widen.

“Once you’ve finished your presentation, I’d love to tell you about what I design and get your thoughts on my latest project.”

“I’d be honored to discuss it with you, Lady Merrick.”

“If everyone would come gather at the far end of the library, I had one of Lady Mia’s steam engines brought over from the warehouse.” He looked to her. “I thought it would help as you discussed it and demonstrated what it does.”

“That was very thoughtful of you, Mr. St. Clair.” Her brown eyes shone with approval.

The group moved in the direction where the steam engine stood on a small platform. He moved ahead of them and removed the drape covering it. Murmuring began as they started talking amongst themselves. He watched Lady Mia stand to the side as she observed them.

After a few minutes, Hudson asked them to step back and take a seat in the chairs he’d had placed around the device. Lady Mia slipped one of her notebooks from her reticule.

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