Chapter Seven

 

After a hot bath and a short nap, Colin made his way downstairs to join his cousins in the drawing room. Thoughts of Anna still occupied his mind. Was her brother very angry with her? He prayed not, for the thought of anyone harming her in any way caused his ire to ignite.

Plus, he hoped the picnic they had planned would not have to be canceled.

Well, he did not have time to think about that now. He would speak to the cook after dinner about preparing a basket of food. For now, he needed to focus on his cousins.

When he entered the drawing room, he smiled upon seeing Caroline, who sat with a book in her hand and a smile on her lips. She had always been one with an insatiable appetite for reading, and he hoped she would always remain so.

Evelyn appeared far different from her earlier mournfulness. Gone was the black, now replaced by white gloves and a fetching dark-blue dress with tiny yellow flowers. A pretty woman with dark hair and blue eyes, she should have been married and raising children, not living as a spinster in waiting. She was family, and guilt tore at him for not inquiring after her and Caroline sooner.

“Colin,” Evelyn said as if seeing him for the first time. Her dress swished as she walked over to kiss his cheek. “I’m so pleased you’re here. It’s good to see you again.”

Colin welcomed the embrace, and then she held his arms and gave a small shake of her head.

“The days have passed so quickly since we last saw one another. Has it truly been seven years? Or is it six? My memory does not serve me well these days.”

Her odd behavior brought Caroline’s earlier words to mind. She had made mention that Evelyn had moments of lucidity, but this only made her actions that much more bizarre. Nonetheless, she was his blood, so he held no judgment against her.

“I’m afraid it has been too long,” he replied. “I beg your forgiveness for my lengthy absence.”

Evelyn returned to her seat. “There’s nothing to apologize for. Please, sit. Davis can pour you a drink.”

The drawing room consisted of a couch for two and four wing back chairs, all covered in cream-colored fabrics with blue flowers. Blue drapes had been drawn and held back with cream ropes, and a blue rug with white roses sat beneath a dark-stained table in the middle.

Selecting a chair, Colin indicated to the butler that he preferred a measure of brandy.

“Markus sent word that he’ll be arriving early next week,” Evelyn said. “You will stay here with us until then, will you not?”

“Oh, yes,” Caroline added as she closed her book. “Please say you will. He plans to stay for a few days. Though I hope he’ll stay longer.”

An image of Anna came to mind, and he nodded. “I’m in no hurry to return home,” he said with a wide smile. I may stay longer than I had originally planned. If you’ll have me, of course.”

Evelyn laughed and waved a hand at him. “We are Remingtons, dear cousin. None of us ask permission for anything we wish to do. But your request will be honored all the same. Although I love my sister, having another family member around will bring about a nice change.”

Davis presented Colin his glass on a silver tray, and Colin took it in hand. Taking a sip, the liquid warmed his throat. Thankfully, the effects of the honey wine had worn off. “This is excellent,” he said. “Who selected it?”

“Markus did the last time he visited,” Caroline replied, rolling her eyes. “Twice a year, he comes for a visit that lasts no more than three days. He schedules everything ahead of time, including ordering whatever drinks he deems necessary. As far as he’s concerned, he’s the only one who has the ability to do anything correctly. Is that not right, Davis?”

The butler, who now stood in the corner of the room awaiting his next order, bowed his head. “You are correct, Miss Caroline.”

“Markus even instructs Davis on how to do his job,” Caroline continued. “Can you imagine the absurdity of it? Davis is the finest butler in all of England and, therefore, needs no one’s help. I find it offensive if you ask me. Is that not right, Davis?”

Colin had to hide a smile. Poor Davis had the very same look Pendleton gave him when Colin had made his strange inquiries before leaving Hemingford Home.

“Miss Caroline is much too kind in regard to my work. I have reminded her often that I’m only a simple butler who believes it an honor to receive instruction from any member of the Remington family.”

“What Davis means to say is that Markus is a fool,” Caroline said with a laugh. “He’s just too much of a gentleman to admit as much.”

The butler’s lip twitched, and Colin wondered if the smile would win its place on his lips. But although it appeared to be a worthy battle, the man’s face remained solemn.

“Enough with questioning poor Davis,” Evelyn said. “Now, Colin, tell me. Have you not yet found a bride? Were the women last Season so poor in appearance?”

“It’s their reputations,” Caroline interjected. “Ladies’ reputations are being scrutinized far more now than ever before. I’m telling you, a time will come when men will have to beg women to look their way.”

Evelyn frowned at her sister. “Caroline,” she snapped, “enough of that nonsense. And put that book away. We have company.” She returned her attention to Colin. “Please, go on.”

Colin took a sip of his brandy and crossed one leg over the opposite knee. “I must admit that the beauty of the young ladies I encountered last Season cannot be matched anywhere in the world.” An image of Anna appeared in his mind. “Well, nearly.” He smiled. “I’ve been speaking with a Lady Katherine Haskett, but I’ve no desire to wed her.”

He turned the glass in his hand as another image of Anna came to mind. This time the image was of her beneath him as he held her by the arms.

Such thoughts will surely send me to Hell, he thought, and he pushed the memory aside.

“Why is that?” Caroline asked.

“I find her far too dull,” Colin replied. “She is so like all the other women who’ve been paraded before me. They all think the same, act the same. So much so that if you were to speak to one, you’ve spoken to them all.”

Caroline stood. “You’re not alone in your assessment. Men are no different. All they speak of is hunting and playing games of chance. A woman does not wish to discuss such topics! It’s beneath us.”

“And what men do you mean?” Evelyn retorted. “There have been no men here other than our brother. I do hope you’ve not been speaking to any in the village and therefore have ruined your good name!”

“I speak of what has been written about in the newspapers,” Caroline said with a jut to her chin. “This past Season ended in nothing short of disaster. Some are saying it may be the worse Season ever. Men and women kept to their own circles, men speaking of their hunts and women of fashion. It saddens me, for not a single soul spoke of love.” She dropped back into her seat. “If there is no love to be found, then why live? This has been an important question asked since the beginning of time and yet ignored for far too long.”

Evelyn shook her head. “Forgive my sister. She is prone to dramatics. I’ve tried time and again to explain that her life is not like the heroines in her romance novels. That is one subject in which I agree with Markus and Father. What she reads corrupts the mind of the youth far more than any words of politics. Do you not agree, Colin?”

Colin set his glass on a nearby table. He knew nothing about love but also despised the politics discussed in London. “I must admit that I’ve never read a romantic book, nor would I, so I cannot attest to its worth.”

“You see?” Evelyn said with a gratified nod. “He has confirmed what I told you. You would do good to listen to Colin. He is a duke, after all. Now, no more foolish talk. You don’t want to embarrass our cousin and force him to leave.”

Davis left the room, and the conversation changed to matters of the estate. Colin learned that the arrangement under which the sisters lived was extremely generous. Markus paid all their expenses, and each sister received a generous allowance. Once Evelyn married, the estate would be gifted to her husband.

“Markus prefers to spend the Season in London,” Caroline explained. “He may not be invited to all the grandest parties, but being a Remington has its benefits. Then he returns to his estate in Barstow once the Season ends. He finds both far more desirable to here.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I think he’s hiding from the papers.”

“The papers?” Colin asked.

“Oh, yes,” Caroline said with a wide smile. “Lady Honor, who writes for the Morning Post, keeps her column ripe with gossip. Although I don’t necessarily condone such reading, a lady must keep abreast of what is going on with the ton. Rumor has it that Cousin Evan has been mentioned in one of her columns as of late.”

Colin gave a polite smile. He was not surprised by this news. Although he and Evan had been close as children, their lives had gone in different directions once they were grown. Evan was unscrupulous at best, but Colin still felt a bond whenever they encountered one another.

The conversation changed, and as the three talked, Colin considered Evelyn’s situation. The woman was nearing spinsterhood, if she was not already seen as such. If she waited too much longer, she would be deemed undesirable, Remington or not. What of her episodes like the one he had witnessed earlier this morning? Would any man be willing to accept her despite her varying moods and appearances?

Well, that was a riddle on which he did not care to dwell at the moment, but he would seek help for her one way or another.

“Dinner is served,” Davis announced, breaking Colin from his thoughts. Rising from his seat, he offered his cousins each an arm and walked them to the dining room.

The long table could seat twelve, and Colin was directed to the position at its head. Footmen hurried to pull out chairs for the women, Evelyn to his left and Caroline to his right. Several candles lit the table, and the large fireplace remained untouched. A large mirror hung on the blue-papered walls, flanked by two paintings of fruit on either side of it.

“You’ll find that the soup is wonderful,” Caroline said. “Mrs. Montgomery makes the finest dishes. I’d go as far as to say that her cooking is unmatched.”

A footman placed a bowl of white soup in front of him. The aroma of chestnut made his stomach growl with anticipation. He dipped his spoon into the liquid and took a sip. “You are so right,” he said, unable to keep the awe from his voice. “You must have Mrs. Montgomery give me her recipe before I return home so I may give it to my cook. If she’s willing,” he added with a light chuckle. He had encountered more than one cook, his included, who held their secrets close to their breast. Oftentimes as close as their purses.

Caroline seemed pleased by his reaction. “I’ll see that she does.”

When the soup course was done, the meat course was served. Tender venison, roasted potatoes, and vegetables slathered in butter. Colin, not realizing how hungry he was, had to pace his eating lest he choked.

“So, Evelyn,” he said to keep from devouring the entire slice of venison in one go, “how goes the hunt for a suitor?”

The room became eerily silent, the only sound the light click of his cousin’s utensils as she placed them on the plate with careful deliberation. Caroline gaped at him, her fork halfway to her mouth and her mouth on the verge of opening to accept the bit of potato on the fork’s tip.

Evelyn placed the tips of her fingers on the edge of the table. “My responsibility is to prepare Caroline for the day she attends the Season,” she replied in a tight voice. She clearly was doing all she could to not shout. “I’ve no time to engage in the absurd rituals myself, such as attending balls or accepting courtships.”

The silence that followed her outburst was deafening. Wanting to return to the lighthearted conversation they were having before he spoke, Colin said, “I believe your decision wise. Now, I would like to learn more about what has been happening here at Redstone Estate since I was last here.” He turned his attention to Caroline. “Do you have many friends?”

A look of relief crossed Caroline’s face. “I do. Many come during the week for tea.”

As they continued the meal, Colin learned about how Caroline spent her days. She had indeed grown in the years since they last saw one another, although reading novels had remained her favorite pastime. Friends called for what she deemed “polite conversation,” which he knew meant gossip. By the time they had completed the meal, his head was aching with its attempt to keep up.

“Coffee will be served in the drawing room,” Evelyn said as she rose from her chair. “I, however, shall not be joining you. My head aches and I must rest. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“Not at all,” Colin said, concern filling him. “Rest and we’ll speak tomorrow when you’re feeling better.” Once Evelyn had hurried from the room, he turned back to Caroline. “May I speak to Mrs. Montgomery?”

After the lavish meal, he had nearly forgotten about the food basket. Nearly. It was as if Anna never left his thoughts, but at times, she waited in the recesses of his mind, jumping out at him at some of the strangest times. Like now.

She beamed. “Of course. She’ll be so pleased. Follow me.”

Collin followed his cousin to a door hidden at the far end of the corridor, down a narrow staircase, and into the kitchen area. “Mrs. Montgomery is very protective of her kitchen. And I should warn you, she’s not afraid to speak her mind to anyone she meets.”

“Thank you for the warning,” he said with a chuckle.

The kitchen was alive with maids and footmen hurrying this way and that. A woman of perhaps fifty with thin arms and a pile of red hair atop her head barked orders. When she saw Caroline and Colin, she hurried over and gave a small curtsy.

“Mrs. Montgomery,” Caroline said, “I would like to introduce my cousin, the Duke of Greystoke. His Grace wished to tell you that he believed your soup to be quite tasty.”

“Did he now?” the cook said with a wide smile. “Well, I’m pleased to hear it, Your Grace.”

Colin had hoped to speak to Mrs. Montgomery alone, but Caroline made no indication that she meant to leave. “I must admit,” he said, “I’ve never enjoyed such a splendid dinner.” He glanced at Caroline. He would have to simply make his request while she was there and hope his cousin did not become too inquisitive. “Also, I was hoping to ask a favor. I’ll be needing a basket prepared, with food for a picnic, in two days. Can that be done?”

“Of course it can be done,” Mrs. Montgomery scoffed. “And it’ll be the best you’ve ever had.” The clang of a pot falling to the floor had the woman’s jaw tightening. “Excuse me, Your Grace. I’ve got to attend to a certain clumsy maid. But I’ll have your basket ready by ten.”

After thanking her, he followed Caroline back to the main corridor.

“A basket of food?” Caroline asked with a grin. “And you were at the river earlier. That can only mean one thing. You’ve met Anna.”

Colin suppressed a grin. “I did meet Miss Silverstone.”

“So, it is she!” his cousin said, clasping her hands together and bouncing on her toes. “How romantic!”

“There is nothing romantic about it,” he said. “We are meeting as friends and nothing more.” Perhaps that was not the complete truth, but how could he explain that he found Anna much more exciting than just a simple friend?

Caroline waved a dismissive hand at him. “Yes, of course it’s not romantic. A woman as beautiful as Miss Anna Silverstone attracts many… er… friends.” She giggled, but Colin had never been more embarrassed in his life. “Oh, don’t give me that look, Colin. Anna makes men look as silly as you do now all the time. I’ve seen it in the village many times.”

“I look silly?” he asked as they entered the drawing room.

“Oh, yes, quite. It’s the look of a man smitten. But do be careful, for it can consume you.”

Colin smiled. He certainly was not in love, but he could not argue the fact that Anna intrigued him. So much so, he began counting the hours until he would see her again.