Page 16 of Love Abandoned

Bentley turned beet red. Richard worried the man was apoplectic until he registered what had caused the outburst and realized Bentley was genuinely mortified at being caught gaping. His Grace glared across the table at him.

The countess’s musical laughter broke the tension. She tsked at Bentley and laughed again. “Do respect your elders, Lord Bentley,” she teased.

Richard wasn’t sure if she was referencing Catherine’s aunt, herself, or the duke. For Countess Tessaro was several years older than Bentley, and the duke was a good double hers. His Grace seemed an odd choice of partner for a woman so vibrant and independent, but he’d seen stranger matches. And Sophia flitted from man to man, so possibly there was nothing to make of it at all.

Walford pushed from his chair and stood. “Thank you all for joining us tonight. It’s a special time in our home, and we appreciate you sharing it with us.” He smiled down at Catherine and held out his hand. “No, don’t get up. Simply hold it,” he said.

“Stuff and nonsense.” Catherine got to her feet. “I am not an invalid…yet.” Her cheeks were rosy as she smiled at him fondly.

“Tonight we officially announce our very poorly kept secret. A new little lord—” Catherine tapped his arm and wagged a finger, and he grinned. “—or lady will grace the halls of Woodfield in the spring.”

There were claps and cheers around the table, and Walford raised his glass. “To the future. And to the women who make it happen.”

Richard raised his Madeira and cheered along with everyone, although a slight pang perforated the joy he should feel for them. A future world with Elizabeth in it was exactly what he wanted. He’d continue to do whatever he must to ensure that was the case.

*

Although the selectionof sweets set out on the table looked positively delicious, Elizabeth could not eat another bite. She gazed at them ruefully. Poached pears and trifle and a tier of small cakes—some glazed, some plain—were all enticing, but she would need to loosen her stays were she to consume one more thing. She was relieved when Catherine announced the end of the meal. The return to the drawing room was a welcome stretch for her body. She suspected she was not the only one who had overstuffed herself, as several groans were emitted as the ladies climbed the stairs.

Sarah Randall spoke quietly with Catherine while she busied herself with the tea, so Elizabeth sat beside Sophia on the elegant settee.

“Oh, the poor thing,” Sophia said in a pseudo whisper. “I do hope she has better prospects than this evening has brought her.”

Elizabeth followed Sophia’s gaze. “Oh dear. I’ve forgotten her name.”

“Margaret. She’s the daughter of Nicholas’s man, Mr. Langdon. She lives with them at Woodfield now.”

“I had no idea.” She was a lovely girl and a patient one, as her face showed only serenity as Catherine’s aunt shouted at her. “Should we rescue her?”

Sophia waved the suggestion away. “She must earn her dues like the rest of us. Besides, we would get stuck with Signora I’ll-Have-Your-Attention-Young-Sir.” Sophia’s laughter sprinkled throughout the room as Lady Setherington entered. She came directly toward them and sat on the nearest chair.

“Oh, do tell, what is so funny?” she asked, looking from Elizabeth to Sophia and back again.

“The signora’s chastisement,” Sophia said. “It was delightful. Did you see Lord Bentley’s color?” She laughed again as the final three ladies entered the drawing room. They sat snugged together on the sofa opposite Elizabeth. “Good evening,” Sophia said amiably. “I trust you are enjoying yourselves.”

“I most definitely am, Lady Tessaro,” Lady Adsworth said. “But my girls are not so amused as I am by the company.”

“Mama!” the two of them said in unison, their matching faces shocked.

“Shush. We are among friends, are we not?” She addressed the question to Sophia but was looking pointedly at Elizabeth.

“Of course,” Elizabeth said. Elizabeth had only a passing acquaintance with Lady Adsworth. Her husband had passed away five years ago, and she’d been broken by his loss. She’d remained in the country until recently. The twins would have their season next year.

“They were hopeful for more young men, but as I told them, we are only in town for a short time to practice our social skills. I fear, I did not do well by them these past few years.”

“Hai fatto bene, Mary,” Sophia said quietly. “Hai fatto bene. Do you not agree she has done well, Elizabeth? Look how graceful they are.” She looked at the girls, who were blushing prettily. “I can give you His Grace if you’d like. You may practice on him.”

Simultaneously, the girls scrunched their faces and shook their heads, and Sophia laughed again. “Go play me something on the pianoforte. Somethingfelice…happy!” The girls headed over to the far corner of the room.

“Oh, that’s lovely,” Catherine said as music filled the room. Sarah passed out the cups, and Catherine poured the tea. The other two ladies joined them, with Catherine’s aunt taking the hostess’s chair. “Auntie,” Catherine said, unruffled, as she handed her a full cup.

“She’d take the regent’s seat, given the chance,” Sophia said, not even pretending to whisper this time.

“Now, Sophia, you must abide by the advice you gave Bentley,” Elizabeth whispered, fighting a smile.

“I must confess I have an ulterior motive for having you join us this evening, Elizabeth,” Catherine said. “Oh, you look alarmed. Don’t be.”

Elizabeth would not describe her reaction as such, but she was certainly uncomfortable with the focus on her.

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