“May I come in?” the young lady asked. “I should have waited for Naysmith to announce me, but I heard the contretemps and thought you might be in need of reinforcements.”
“Yes, of course, do come in. Forgive my manners.”
“I am Raven Kendrick.” Stepping into the room, she held out her gloved hand. “A friend of Lucian’s. You might say he is my guardian in absentia, since my true guardians recently returned to America. I have been staying with my grandfather in the country for the summer, but when I heard Lucian had married, I had to come to London to welcome you… Which seems fortuitous,” Miss Kendrick added wryly, casting a glance over her shoulder where Lady Agatha had disappeared, “considering the reception you are likely to get from Lucian’s relations. I’m afraid few of them are likely to greet you with open arms, at least at first. They’re eager to claim a part of his fortune and hoped he might remain a bachelor forever.”
“I didn’t expect them to welcome me, but after meeting his great-aunt, I see I should be prepared for outright hostility.”
“At least Lady Agatha is the worst. Lucian calls her a battle-ax.”
“I cannot say I disagree.”
Raven’s laugh was musical and sweetly infectious, and her blue eyes danced when she regarded Brynn thoughtfully. “I heard you were a beauty, and I feared you might be the arrogant sort, but you aren’t in the least, are you? I think I am going to like you.”
Brynn couldn’t help but smile. “You can conclude that after barely meeting me?”
“Oh, I’m an excellent judge of character. And I don’t care at all for the starched attitude of London society. I was raised in the West Indies, where everything is much less formal and conventional.”
“Perhaps you should be concerned that you might be contaminated by a hussy and a jezebel.”
“If you are a hussy, then we will be well-matched. Lady Agatha considers me an utter hoyden. I confess, I have been aching for eons to put her nose out of joint as you just did. No one else dares speak back to her except Lucian.”
Brynn laughed. “Would you care to sit down, Miss Kendrick?”
“Thank you, but do call me Raven. And I would love some tea, if your offer is still open.”
Brynn glanced toward the door to find Naysmith hovering respectfully just outside. He gave a brief nod to indicate that he understood and then disappeared.
When they were settled-Raven on the chintz settee and Brynn in a chair opposite-Raven said with a frown, “Lucian is still out of town, I take it? It was really too bad of him to abandon you so soon after your nuptials, leaving you to face the wolves alone, but I suppose his job requires him to be away. Where is he this time?”
Brynn hesitated, not liking to admit she had no idea where her husband was. “He didn’t say, exactly. Just that he had urgent business to attend to.”
“Well, he is always gallivanting over the globe.” Raven gave Brynn a considering look that was both shrewd and sympathetic. “So you should not take his neglect personally.”
Brynn refrained from replying to that comment, finding it hard to repress her bitterness.
Evidently observant, Raven said in a firm voice, “Well, you needn’t think yourself all alone, for I intend to make up for Lucian’s despicable negligence.”
“Are you always this forthright?” Brynn asked, both bemused and charmed by her visitor’s frankness.
Raven laughed. “Ordinarily I am worse, but I am striving to be on my best behavior with you. Truthfully, though, I can get away with more scandalous behavior than many debs. I am engaged to wed the Duke of Halford, and my grandfather is an earl- which gives me more license. And I am not really showing conceit when I say I can help establish you in society. I mean to try, so consider yourself warned. I intend to take you under my wing.”
“Very well, then,” Brynn said with an answering laugh. “I am warned.”
“London is rather thin of company at present, but there are plenty of other pastimes. Do you ride? ”
“Not well, I’m afraid.”
“I customarily enjoy a gallop in the park early each morning, but I won’t mind curtailing my speed for the pleasure of having your company, if you will join me. Our first outing, however, must be to Oxford Street to shop for my bride clothes. My aunt has been helping me prepare for my nuptials, but her taste is vastly different from mine. Your opinion would be greatly welcome.”
“I would be happy to accompany you, if you think I can help.”
“And of course you must have a new wardrobe. You will need to maintain the height of fashion if you mean to establish your place as the Countess of Wycliff.”
Brynn frowned. “Perhaps I do need a new gown or two, but I cannot see any reason for the extravagance of an entire wardrobe.”
“Trust me, you will need it in order to stare down the despots of the ton such as Lady Agatha. You cannot have them saying Lucian refuses to dress his lady and add even more fuel for gossip after your unexpected marriage. In any case, Lucian can certainly afford it, and he truly should be made to pay for his dreadful treatment of you.”
Brynn felt her lips curving in a smile, finding herself in complete agreement. She was supremely grateful to have found a new friend among the hostile populace of London. And for the first time since coming here, she could look forward to something other than aching loneliness.