An Unconventional Countess (Regency Belles of Bath 1)

‘No, I believe it’s rather out of fashion now, but it’s home to me.’

‘Then let us hope you can return there soon, Miss Fortini.’

‘Yes, let’s.’ Anna’s tone was now openly belligerent. ‘Believe me, nothing would make me happier.’

‘Well!’ The Countess’s eyes narrowed to slits. ‘I seem to have lost my appetite. I shall return to my rooms.’

‘As you wish, my lady.’ Samuel got to his feet with relief, waiting until the sound of indignant footsteps had receded before slumping back into his chair. ‘That went well.’

‘Dear me.’ Mrs Fortini picked up the marmalade spoon with a sigh.

‘“Dear me?”’ Anna echoed angrily. ‘Didn’t you hear what she just said about Samuel?’

‘Yes, that was very unfair of her.’ Mrs Fortini threw him a sympathetic look. ‘But we still ought to make allowances. Think of how the poor woman has suffered. She’s lashing out, but it’s understandable. She’s lost her husband and, if her baby’s a girl, then she might lose her home and position, too. Her whole future is out of her control. Just remember that.’

‘Yes, Mama.’ Anna still sounded aggrieved. ‘But she had no right to talk about Samuel or his father like that.’

‘It’s all right.’ Samuel smiled, touched by her indignation. ‘I’ve heard much worse, I can assure you.’

‘That’s very forgiving of you, Captain, but now perhaps the two of you can explain your behaviour this morning. You must have left the house very early.’ Mrs Fortini looked pointedly at Samuel, her tone faintly accusing, as if she suspected him of having debauched her daughter among the trees. ‘It wasn’t very discreet.’

‘No, it wasn’t.’ Samuel exchanged a quick glance with Anna. She’d stopped him from mentioning their engagement twice already and he had no intention of being stopped a third time. To his relief, however, she smiled excitedly.

‘We really did go to see the water garden, Mama, but we have something else to tell you, too. Samuel and I are engaged.’

‘Engaged?’ Her mother’s eyes widened.

‘Yes. He asked me yesterday and I accepted this morning.’

‘As long as you approve?’ he interjected, alarmed by the sombre expression on Mrs Fortini’s face.

‘Of course.’ She nodded, though with a hint of uncertainty. ‘I would never stand in the way of any suitor my daughter chose.’

‘But surely you don’t have any objections, Mama?’

‘None at all. If you care for each other, then I’m delighted for both of you, but...you know it will be quite a change if Samuel inherits?’

‘We know that and we hope that he doesn’t. But if he does...’ Anna lifted her chin ‘...we’ll deal with it together.’

‘Well then, come here and let me embrace you, Samuel.’

‘With pleasure.’ He walked around the table, kissing her on both cheeks before going to stand behind Anna’s chair. ‘We’ve decided to marry as soon as we return to Bath. Which, given our recent reception, might be sooner rather than later.’

Her mother’s expression turned startled again. ‘But surely you’ll stay for a few days, at least?’

‘I don’t think the Countess wants us here.’

‘Perhaps not at the moment, but give her time. You might regret it later if you don’t try.’

‘A few days, then. Until the end of the week if it pleases you.’

‘Thank you.’ Her answering smile faltered.

‘It’s all right if you want to stay at Feversham for longer, Mama,’ Anna hastened to reassure her. ‘It might be best for your health, too.’

‘I admit I would like to,’ her mother conceded. ‘Your Uncle Tobias invited us both to stay for as long as we wish, but you can’t travel without a chaperon.’

‘Yes, we can. You can send a maid with us, too, if you want, but we intend to marry as soon as possible so there won’t be any scandal. You can trust me, Mama.’