Lara sighed and arched an admonishing brow.
“What?” The earl shrugged. “It is merely an observation. One I’m sure you will agree with after spending an hour in her delightful company.”
“Looks fade, my lord. You will not be this handsome forever. Take heed. Else you might be a lonely man of sixty-plus years wishing you had tried harder.”
The earl gaped at her incredulously for the umpteenth time.
Lara’s comment saw Lady Denham bring a trembling hand to her cheek and mutter, “Oh, Lord.”
The time had come for action, not lolling about glaring. After Lara’s outspoken comments, it was a time for honesty, too. “If you would prefer to direct me to the nearest village, my lord, I will be happy to take shelter there.” She turned to Lady Denham. “I wouldn’t want my presence here to disrupt your party or cause more distress than it has already.”
Lady Denham studied her through narrowed eyes. She glanced at her son, and after a moment’s reflection said, “You may stay, Miss Bennett, unless my son has any objection.”
The earl considered her with a level of scrutiny that thawed her frozen toes. “As a compassionate man concerned for your plight, I must insist you stay, Miss Bennett. And as the granddaughter of a peer, it is only right we invite you to join us for the festivities.”
“A room and a hot meal are all I require.” Lara glanced at the sodden hem of her dress. “We were in such a hurry to find shelter I left my valise in the carriage. This dress is unsuitable to wear to dinner.”
“Then I shall arrange for
someone to fetch your luggage.” He seemed most eager for her to join their gathering.
“In this weather? My lord, I cannot ask my poor coachman to brave such harsh conditions a third time.”
The earl shrugged. “As soon as I’ve settled you in the drawing room, Miss Bennett, I shall attend to the matter personally.”
“You, Hugo?” Lady Denham frowned. “You act the hired help? But it’s treacherous out there.”
“Indeed,” he said, his eyes brightening.
The gentleman seemed to be suffering from apathy. Clearly, he sought a means of escape. A ride or a long trudge in the snow seemed more appealing than the monotonous conversation of ladies looking to hook a titled husband.
Lara inclined her head by way of thanks. She doubted any of the ladies present would find her suitable company. When one lived with an eccentric, rakish sort of gentleman, one forgot how to pass pleasantries.
“Do you feel able to stand, Lady Denham?” Lara said, wondering why her grandfather liked a woman she considered haughty and overbearing? “Might I help you back to the drawing room?”
“Of course I can stand, gel,” the matron snapped. “I’m not an invalid.”
Lara pursed her lips. Some people were so angry with the world it infused every aspect of their being. “As you have no recollection of how you arrived at the chaise, I merely wondered if your faculties have returned.”
The earl cleared his throat to hide the obvious smirk. “Miss Bennett is simply concerned for your welfare.”
“And that of your appearance, Lady Denham. You might want to have your maid tidy your hair before you return to your guests.”
The comment saw the matron practically jump to her feet. “Crudging!” she called to the butler who had slipped out into the hall. The man returned with a bow and a pleasing smile. “Serve the guests some spiced punch and have Gabrielle come to my room.”
The earl offered the matron his hand. “Would you care for an escort upstairs, Mother?”
“I can mount a few stairs, Hugo. I’m not in my dotage yet.”
Lady Denham would turn sixty in the spring. Montague had mentioned that they shared a birthday, that he was five years her senior. When she wasn’t scowling at everyone who crossed her path, she had a beautiful face, a clear complexion, captivating blue eyes that her son had inherited. Lara tried to imagine the lady as her grandfather would, a vivacious woman with heart and spirit. Wasn’t that how he described seeing her the first time they met? Alas, Montague would be sorely disappointed. Life, it seems, had tainted the matron’s heart, dulled her spirit.
“If Miss Bennett means to remain here for the festivities,” Lady Denham continued, “you must introduce her to our guests.” She raised her chin. “Should anyone ask, I am away discussing seating arrangements, now we have an extra guest to contend with.”
Two extra guests, Lara thought, though she daren’t mention Lord Montague Forsyth would arrive at Wollaston Hall tomorrow. Based on her previous reaction, the matron would expire on the spot.
Lady Denham brushed her skirts and sauntered from the room, leaving Lara alone with the earl. Perhaps now he would reprimand her for her outspoken comments regarding his character.
“Allow me to play butler, Miss Bennett, and take your cloak.” Amused blue eyes scanned her face.