‘Miss Gardiner and her nephews accompanied me,’ Sebastian announced, deciding to dive straight in before anyone could start asking questions. ‘We decided we were all in need of a holiday. Mama, meet Peter, Michael and Oliver.’
‘What fine-looking young men.’ His mother gave them all a wide smile. ‘Now, let me introduce you to my mother, Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Messingham.’
Sebastian tensed as he looked towards that formidably titled personage. Small and white-haired as she was, it was impossible to doubt the family relation. She looked so much like his mother they might as well have had mother and daughter stamped across their foreheads.
‘My friends call me Ottoline.’ The woman smiled. ‘I’m so pleased to finally meet you.’
‘Your Grace.’ He bowed politely, unable to agree with anything resembling honesty, though fortunately he was saved by the arrival of the gentleman from the inn.
‘Tobias!’ His mother waved. ‘Look who we found.’
‘My nephew, I presume?’ The man beamed as he shook his hand. ‘I wondered when I heard your name, but I couldn’t be sure. It’s a pleasure to meet you.’
Sebastian exchanged a quick glance with Henrietta. She and the boys were standing off to one side, huddled together and looking faintly bewildered by the number of greetings being exchanged. He was experiencing a similar feeling himself. As first meetings after long estrangements went, it was frankly bizarre. Everyone seemed so...happy.
‘Would you do me the honour of introducing your companions?’ His uncle turned towards Henrietta, still beaming.
‘Of course, forgive me. Lord Tobias, this is Miss Henrietta Gardiner.’ He paused, rebelling at the thought of referring to her as just a friend. ‘She’s the current manager of Belles.’
‘Miss Gardiner, I’m delighted.’ His uncle bowed over her hand. ‘I hope that you’re coming to visit us at Feversham Hall, too? And I presume these young marble-players belong to you?’
&n
bsp; ‘Yes, they’re my nephews.’
‘Then you must all come to stay. How jolly!’
‘I...’ She looked somewhat overwhelmed. ‘Thank you. If it’s not an inconvenience?’
‘Balderdash! Where are your bags?’
‘At the inn.’
‘Then let’s go and fetch them! Ah.’ Lord Tobias took a few steps before stopping and clucking his tongue. ‘It occurs to me, we’re not going to fit everyone in one carriage.’
‘Sebastian was going to hire a cart.’ Michael found his voice again.
‘What a splendid idea!’ Lord Tobias snapped his fingers. ‘In that case, why don’t we fellows go and organise that while the ladies go ahead?’
‘If that’s all right with Henrietta?’ Sebastian threw her a questioning look.
‘Ye-es...’ She looked from him to her nephews and back again. ‘If you think it is?’
‘I’ll collect the bags and keep an eye on the boys.’ He gave her a reassuring smile. ‘And I’ll see you soon. Very soon.’
‘Well, that’s settled. Come along, my dear.’ His mother slid her hand through Henrietta’s arm. ‘The carriage is just over here.’
* * *
It was the first time Henrietta had ever been in a private carriage, but despite the cosy leather interior and silk cushions, she fervently wished that she might have got out and walked—or at least travelled in a cart with Sebastian and the boys. Mrs Fortini and her mother were both perfectly pleasant, but she found herself answering their questions in awkward monosyllables, far too aware of the questions behind the questions. They were both much too polite to ask outright, but they had to be wondering what on earth she was doing there, never mind her nephews! They had to be wondering about her relationship with Sebastian, too, but it wasn’t as if she had any answers to give them, not yet anyway. It was a huge relief when the carriage finally drew to a stop, less so when she climbed out and saw a grey brick manor house roughly twice the size of the Bath Assembly Rooms.
‘This way.’ Sebastian’s mother took hold of her arm again, leading her up the steps as a footman came to escort the Dowager Duchess. ‘Let’s get you settled.’
‘I’m so sorry to intrude, Mrs Fortini...’ Henrietta glanced over her shoulder, already hoping for a glimpse of the cart following behind. ‘It was all such a rush and there was no time to send a message ahead. If we’re causing you any inconvenience, then please say so.’
‘It’s nothing of the sort.’ Mrs Fortini smiled benignly. ‘And you used to call me Elizabeth, remember?’
‘Ye-es, but it’s been several months and so much has changed.’