Page 25 of Blame It on the Earl (The Duke's Estates 3)

Kenver led Sarah directly to the dining room. There was no gathering beforehand for cordial chatter. His parents were already there and seated opposite each other at an oblong table. Kenver and Sarah took their places on the empty sides—just too far apart for easy conversation, in Sarah’s opinion.

Soup was served, eaten in silence, and removed. The first course was set out. Kenver reached across to help Sarah to a variety of probably delicious dishes. She was finding it hard to taste anything.

“I have just received some splendid news,” said the countess. “We are to welcome two illustrious guests.”

“The Newsomes?” asked Kenver.

“No. It isn’t anyone you’ve met. They are acquaintances of your uncle.” She glanced at Sarah. “My brother,” she added, as if Sarah couldn’t have worked this out for herself. “He wrote from London that they had departed for Cornwall and required a proper place to stay. I sent my acceptance by fast courier along the route to be sure to find them. They are the absolute cream of thehaut ton.”

She withheld the names, clearly hoping that her listeners would beg to know. Sarah thought she would try complying. “Who is it?”

“No oneyouwould be acquainted with,” replied Kenver’s mother repressively.

So it was no good trying to defer, Sarah concluded. These newcomers would probably take their cue from the elder Pendrennons and treat her the same way. “I look forward to meeting them,” she lied.

She watched Lady Trestan realize that she would have to present the daughter-in-law she found so entirely inadequate to her fashionable visitors. Unless she locked Sarah in a storeroom until they were gone. She looked as if she’d bitten into something sour. Sarah almost enjoyed her chagrin. If this hadn’t been her new family, where shewishedto be at home, she would have.

“I see you have Hicks at work on the state suite,” Kenver said to his father.

“How do you know that?”

“The fellow there told me so when I showed Sarah the rooms. Is the attic much involved? Must we replace any roofing?”

“I’m leaving it to Hicks,” replied his father. “He knows his craft.”

“Yes, but…”

“Are you saying he doesn’t?”

“No, Father, I just wondered…”

“I haven’t gone feeble just yet. I am still able to manage a group of workmen.”

“Of course,” said Kenver. “I never imagined anything else.”

Sarah wondered at Lord Trestan’s attitude. Had Kenver questioned his father’s competence at some point? That didn’t sound like him. It seemed Lord Trestan was naturally a bad-tempered man. The earl and countess seemed well matched.

Silence returned. No one seemed inclined to break it. The clink of silverware was loud in the room, and the meal felt endless to Sarah. At last, however, it was over. The countess rose. Sarah quailed at the thought of retreating with her to an emotionally glacial drawing room while the men drank their port. It was one thing to confront Lady Trestan in a group. A hand-to-hand duel would be much harder. But Kenver stood as well, came to her side, took her arm, and said, “Good night, Mama, Papa.” Before they could reply, he whisked Sarah out.

The return to her room was a relief. Sarah breathed a sigh when they closed the door behind them. She wondered if there was a key to the lock. Unsurprisingly, no one had given her one.

“I hope you…” Kenver began.

There was a brisk knock on the door. Cranston came in without waiting for an invitation. “Are you ready to retire?” she asked, even though it was still quite early.

Once again, the small room felt very full with the addition of a third person. Sarah’s patience came to an end. “No,” she said. “You may go.”

Cranston did not move. “When shall I come back then?”

“I don’t need you anymore tonight.”

“Who is to help you out of your gown?”

Sarah thought that Kenver might do that. Though the day had seemed endless, this was just their wedding night. From the flush on his cheeks, the idea had occurred to him too. “You needn’t worry about that,” she said. She met Cranston’s stare and waited. Finally, the maid went out. But there was no sound of retreating footsteps. Sarah was certain that Cranston was standing just outside the door, probably with her ear against the panels.

From the angry look on his face, Kenver thought the same. “There is no need for us to…hurry anything.”

Everything about their union had been hurried. “If I am going to be married, I should like to be really married,” said Sarah quietly.

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