Page 13 of A Perfect Engagement
Daniel glanced over at Miss Grisham, but she was glaring at her friends, so he answered as Miles probably would. “I prefer London myself. The city has so many entertainments, and I am active in politics. But I do have an estate in Derbyshire, which we might repair to in the summer months.”
Miss Spencer frowned. “Will you allow your wife to visit friends, or will she be chained to your side in London?”
“Eleanor! What sort of question is that? You may ignore my friend, my lord. She must be feeling peckish before breakfast this morning,” Lady Susanna intervened.
He eyed Miss Spencer more closely—small in stature and a bit mousy in a dark gray dress and matching bonnet. She resembled a timid spinster, but clearly, she had a sharp tongue, and the eyes which were narrowed and shooting sparks at him were the most unusual color, a deep blue or violet perhaps.
“Yes, Lord Hawksridge and I were just taking this opportunity to get to know each other better. Weren’t we?” Miss Grisham looked to him for support.
“Yes, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about my betrothed.” He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles.
“Of course. We will see you inside at breakfast.” Lady Susanna tugged on Miss Spencer’s arm, but the smaller lady stood firm. Her expression was mutinous. What a prickly pear, she had taken an instant dislike to him for some reason.
Be nice. It’s just for a few days.Miss Grisham’s friends would be Miles’s problem in the future. He smiled at the two women. “Why don’t I escort all three of you to breakfast. If you will allow me.” He swept off his hat and bowed with exaggerated grace, earning him a giggle from Miss Grisham. Good, perhaps she would begin to believe he could pass as his twin brother. She gathered her basket. He winged out an arm and was gratified when her hand slipped around to grip his forearm. He winked at her. Let the games begin.
Chapter Seven
The breeze playedwith the long feathers attached to Miss Grisham’s bonnet. A few dark curls teased from her chignon lay across her shoulder, highlighting the pale creamy skin there. Daniel pulled his gaze away, taking a sip of his water. Sunlight slanted through the glass, creating a rainbow on the white tablecloth. Tables had been set up on the veranda to take advantage of the warm weather. Servants stood behind a long buffet table, doling out bread, meats, and cheeses.
Daniel sat with Miss Grisham and her friends, Lord and Lady Rivenhall. Rivenhall was a good chap, gregarious and full of entertaining stories. His wife, who was quieter, appeared content to let her husband dominate the conversation.
“After luncheon, we’ve planned an afternoon of games and cards in the drawing room. Or for those of us who enjoy the outdoors, it is a pleasant walk around the lake to Harper’s Folly,” Miss Grisham explained. “It was built by my grandfather for his second wife, Harper Grisham. She was the love of his life, even though there was quite an age difference. He was fifty-five when he met her, and she only twenty-five. They were happily married for thirty years.”
“The folly is an infamous trysting spot for lovers who attend Lady Markham’s parties,” Rivenhall chimed in.
His wife smacked his arm. “My lord, don’t sully the romantic nature of the spot by talking about lovers trysting.”
“What? It’s true! It doesn’t take any of the romance out of it. In fact, it proves what a prime spot it is for romance.”
Miss Grisham blushed. She was a champion blusher, her porcelain skin no match for the strength of her emotions. Daniel took pity on her and changed the subject. “Let’s get some food, shall we?”
As they stood to head to the buffet, Daniel spotted his aunt Diana waving frantically from a table nearby. She glanced sideways in both directions as though checking who was nearby and then waved him over again. Damn, had she figured out he wasn’t Miles?
“Excuse me for a moment, I see my aunt trying to get my attention. I will meet you back at the table.” He strode over to his aunt’s side.
“Miles, my boy.” Aunt Diana smiled at him from the shade of her parasol. She was an attractive woman of about forty-five. Her plump cheeks and jovial smile were sincere and inviting. Widowed some ten years ago, she reveled in her independence. But that didn’t stop her from playing matchmaker for her unattached family members. Daniel bent down to buss her cheek.
“Hawksridge, where is your brother? I thought you were going to invite him.”
He let out a sharp breath; she had not discovered their ploy. “Daniel will be coming a bit later in the week. Something about his sheep.” He shrugged, trying to mimic Miles-like indifference.
“I knew I should have written to him to insist he spend the week. He has been hiding out on his estate. When is the last time you saw him? It’s been at least six months since he has visited me in London. I think he is avoiding me.”
“Aunt Diana, I’m sure he is not avoiding you. He is just busy with the run-down old place.” Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. Had it really been six months since he had visited his aunt? Possibly. He had to admit he’d been avoiding his relatives because he did not know how to tell them about Josie and Phoebe.
“There are lots of eligible young ladies here this week. I will pick out a few I believe would be a good match for him. Whenever he finally arrives, he can dust off his flirting skills and see what happens.” She patted his hand. “I’m determined to see him settled with a nice young lady just like your Miss Grisham.”
Lord, he should have known he would be next on her list of targets. Best to extract himself before she started discussing the possible choices. “Aunt Diana, I best be getting back to my fiancée. We were just sitting down to eat.”
“Of course, dear. Go pay attention to your betrothed.”
Daniel started back toward the buffet, where Charlotte stood waiting for him. He paused when, from across the patio, Charlotte’s mother approached her with a frown. The two women spoke heatedly, and Lady Markham pulled the plate of food from her daughter’s hand. Charlotte’s face fell, her eyes downcast as she listened to her mother. She nodded. Lady Markham passed the plate of food to a footman, then bustled away.
Daniel quickly closed the distance to Charlotte’s side. “Miss Grisham, sorry to tarry. My aunt wanted to discuss my absent brother, Daniel.” He winked.
Charlotte brightened, then whispered, “I’m glad our secret is safe for now.”
“Where is your plate? Did you not make it to the buffet yet?”
