Chapter Three
Stanwick Hall
Near Chalgrove
South Oxfordshire, England
Mary checked her reflection in the cheval glass before she left the room she shared with her husband.
They had arrived at Stanwick Hall last night an hour before they needed to sit down to dinner.
As a result, they had been rushed dressing for the occasion with no time for the usual hanky panky, and by the time they arrived at the table, there were introductions to be had and conversations with other guests to participate in.
Tonight, however, the Viscount and Viscountess of Stanwick were throwing a rout to officially open the house party since all the invited guests were in attendance.
Before that, however, she and Bright had been asked to join his brother and sister-in-law in the private family parlor ahead of that event.
“How are you feeling about tonight?” Gabriel asked in a whisper as they made their way to the private parlor.
“I suppose I’m peaceful enough. Francis was on his best behavior last night at dinner, so I don’t expect anything differently tonight.”
For most of the day, she and Bright joined a walking party because the weather was fine and the sun was actually shining.
Luncheon had been a spirited affair where her husband was much in demand once the guests discovered he was a private investigator.
Since he’d been well mired in admirers, Mary sat herself within a group of ladies of varying ages.
Conversation centered around childrearing and innovations in house decorating.
They were interesting topics for a while, but she was soon bored.
Afterward, Gabriel had gone off with some of the new friends he’d made; they intended to play a couple of yard games and then they planned to indulge in billiards with Francis.
With nothing to fill her time and failing to acclimate to being by herself again since Cassandra had come into her life, she’d opted to take a nap.
Even during the holiday, she and Bright weren’t spending much time together, and she found herself at sixes and sevens about that.
“Ah, Gabriel, Mary, I’d thought you might have gotten lost on your way here,” Francis joked with amusement in his expression. Clad in the requisite dark evening clothes, he could almost pass for his brother.
Almost.
Bright snorted. “Why would I have been lost? I grew up here the same as you.” A fair amount of irritation wove through his voice.
She bit back a huff before it could take hold.
“He wasn’t serious,” she whispered. “It was all a bit of fun. Put your hackles away.” Good heavens, why was he in such a grouchy mood?
When she cast a glance to Francis, she noted that not only did he seem happier than the last time she’d seen him, but he also looked a bit older.
More gray mixed with his brown hair than it had before, but unlike her husband who was handsomely distinguished with the silver, the viscount was just…
older. However, he had the same eyes as her husband, and that in itself was disconcerting, especially with their history together.
“Fine.” Her husband nodded at his brother.
“Mary and I have spent the day enjoying some of the entertainments you’ve set aside for guests today.
” Then he transferred his gaze to the viscountess who sat on one of the low sofas.
A babe rested in a tulle and lace-edged bassinette within her arm’s reach. “This must be my new nephew.”
“Yes.” The serene expression on Vivian’s face tugged at Mary’s heart. Her blonde-brown hair had been elegantly dressed, and a tiara sat upon those tresses, the diamonds and emeralds sparkling in the candlelight. “Just look at him, Gabriel. Isn’t she precious?”
“He is indeed.” He held out a hand to Mary. “Come give him a peek, darling.”
He was doing this up too brown, but perhaps he was intimidated, somehow, by his brother.
Biting back the retort she wished to give, Mary joined him and peered into the bassinette.
A dear infant swaddled in an ivory-hued blanket stared back at her with hazel eyes and chestnut hair.
The babe had faint characteristics of Francis, and because of that, Gabriel.
There was a distinctive Bright stamp to the child, and when he grew, he would no doubt heavily resemble both the Bright men.
“What a beautiful baby,” Mary breathed with nothing but honesty in her voice. “You must be so proud.”
“Oh, we are.” Vivian nodded, and the fondness in her eyes as she looked at her husband made Mary think the same was missing from Bright these days.
The gown of bright pink satin made her complexion brighten and seem fresh and youthful.
“Francis and I were quite surprised by the pregnancy and frightened since I’m older, but when Louis was born, all those emotions turned into adoration. ”
Gabriel nodded. “You finally have your heir, Francis.”
“I do.” The viscount was every inch the proud papa. “Don’t misunderstand me, I adore my girls, but there is something special about having a son.”
“There is, indeed.” A grin flirted with her husband’s lips while he cast a quick glance to her before focusing on his brother once more.
“Henry never ceases to amaze me with what he’s managed to accomplish in his life, what he’s striving for, while Charlie’s curiosity will forever keep me on my toes. ”
“I can only imagine.” Francis waved them both onto a sofa across from where Vivian sat cooing to the baby. Then he settled beside her. “I can’t wait to meet the young scamp.”
It was shocking to remember that they had only had Charlie in their family for four months.
He’d come to live with them shortly before Christmastide last year, but it felt as if he’d always been a part of their lives.
“To be honest, I can’t remember a time when Charlie wasn’t underfoot.
He’s charming and cheeky and clever. In that, he is taking after Gabriel more and more each day.
” To say nothing of the fact that with his mop of brown hair, he truly did look like his adopted father.
“I agree.” Bright took her hand and held it.
While she was glad for the affection or the show of bonding, it was odd to share it in front of his brother and sister-in-law.
“Cassandra is the sensitive one between them. She is showing real promise in drawing and painting. And though she isn’t fond of lessons, she oddly has an ear for languages.
Perhaps she’ll grow into quite the scholar. ”
Vivian rested her bright gaze on him. “She is a lovely little girl. No doubt she’ll have wildly successful Seasons.”
Oh, dear. Knots of worry pulled in Mary’s belly at the thought of her shy and gentle Cassandra being old enough to be introduced to society. “Well, thankfully, that won’t be for many years yet.”
“Absolutely.” Gabriel nodded and released her hand. “Any young man thinking to even talk to my daughter will need to convince me of his worth.”
Unexpected laughter came from Francis. “In that I am agreement with you, for I have the same thoughts about my girls.” He shook his head then glanced at his wife with fondness. “Remember when Belle made her Come Out last year? I was nearly out of my mind with protective instincts.”
“Good heavens, Stanwick almost drove me to Bedlam.” Vivian shared in his chuckle. “However, Belle has a good sense of humor and didn’t make a fuss.” She flicked her gaze to Mary. “She’s the same age as your niece, Adelaide.”
“Yes, I remember. Adelaide talks about her from time to time. I think both girls wish to see where life will take them before they settle into an engagement.” At least she hoped so.
“But it will be such fun to plan a wedding,” the viscountess insisted. Again, she made cooing noises to the baby. “Although, that will add to my already hectic schedule.”
“I suppose it would,” Mary said in a distracted voice, for she was busy as well. “How is Christiana doing in finishing school?” Their second daughter was a couple of years younger than Belle.
“As far as I know, she’s enjoying herself.”
Francis snorted. “She continues to pester and badger us in letters to send her to Rome with one of her friends’ family this summer.”
“That is actually a good idea,” Bright said with more animation in his expression than she’d seen from him in a long while. “Traveling can prove quite educational. She’ll learn more from that trip than months of sitting in classrooms.”
“I shall think more upon her request.” Francis nodded.
He slipped an arm around Vivian’s waist and drew her close.
A giggle escaped the viscountess. Clearly, they were enjoying a second honeymoon of sorts, especially since the babe had been born.
“It will be quiet around here without Christiana or even Belle should she marry soon. She’s out with friends just now. ”
Gabriel cleared his throat. “Well, you have the boy now, and he’s young yet.
Things won’t be that quiet.” When Francis dropped a kiss onto his wife’s cheek, Mary stifled a sigh.
“Well, you have a rout to prepare for, but congratulations on another successful year of marriage as well as the health of your son.” As he stood up from the sofa, he brought Mary into a standing position.
“Thank you, brother. I appreciate that.” Francis shoved to his feet as well.
Mary frowned as she addressed Vivian. “I miss those cozy and intimate moments with Gabriel. Enjoy them,” she said softly to the other woman.
Of course, her husband fixated on that. “Meaning what, darling?” Tension caused his body to stiffen beside her.
“Oh, just thinking.” She shrugged while her mind raced to form an explanation, but then she settled for the truth as she glanced at him. “It’s no secret that we are both busy and rarely see each other, and when we do, there are the children who need attention, among other things.”