Chapter Nine #2
A housekeeper took charge of the gentlemen, saying she would show them to their bedchambers, while Lady Pebble took Lady Sarah in hand. Since Rowena already knew which bedchamber was Miss Tweedham’s, she slipped her arm through her friend’s, and they went up the stairs together.
“I hope you do not mind briefly sharing your bedchamber with me, Miss Tweedham.”
“I am happy to do so, Miss Stanhope. I knew with a large number in attendance, that most likely would be the case.”
“I will not be staying overnight at Pebblestone,” she explained. “My cottage is less than ten minutes from here. My cousin, Viscount Samuel, is also staying at Stanfield. We wished to free up rooms for the guests at Pebblestone.”
“Then why did you mention that we are sharing a room?” her friend asked, clearly puzzled.
“Lady Pebble has told me that ladies change their gowns several times during the day. I did not want to have to be taken home each time that was necessary, so I packed a trunk of clothing and had it sent here yesterday.”
By now, they had arrived at the room, and she saw a maid unpacking her friend’s trunk.
“So, you will merely change clothes here?”
“Yes, that is correct. The rest of the time, the bedchamber will be yours.”
Miss Tweedham took Rowena’s hands in hers. “I cannot thank you enough, Miss Stanhope. I know my name is only on this guest list simply because of your influence. Lady Sarah’s, as well. We came down together and spoke of your generosity in looking after us.”
“I have missed you both terribly,” she admitted. “While I am not in search of a husband, I know the two of you would be pleased if you found one amongst the gentlemen invited here.”
“I may be a bluestocking as you are, but I very much wish to have a husband and children. This house party gives me my best chance to date to find one. Lady Sarah believes the same.”
Hot water arrived, and she and Miss Tweedham talked while her friend washed and changed her gown, wanting to wear something which was not wrinkled from travel.
Once her friend was presentable again, Rowena said, “Let us go to Lady Sarah’s bedchamber. It is next door to yours. We can go down to tea together.”
A maid answered the knock and admitted them. Lady Sarah was sitting at the dressing table, adjusting the pins in her hair. She rose and came toward them.
“I know Miss Tweedham has already thanked you, Miss Stanhope, but I wish to also show my appreciation, as well. I have attended one other house party, years ago, and they are ever so much fun. You must be responsible for seeing us invited to this one at Pebblestone.”
“I do hold some sway over Lady Pebble,” she admitted. “She has tried to mother me my entire life. Naturally, I would wish for my two closest friends to be here with me.”
“Since you had a bit of a say-so regarding the guestlist, would you share with us which gentlemen will be in attendance?” asked Lady Sarah.
Quickly, Rowena ran through the list of the five gentlemen, sharing the little she knew about each of them.
“I am trying to get everyone straight in my mind,” Miss Tweedham said. “So, Baron Howell and Mr. Tompkins reside in the neighborhood.”
“Yes, that is correct,” she told her friend. “As does my cousin, Lord Samuel. Lord Cramer’s country estate is in Wiltshire, while Lord Clay resides in Bedfordshire.”
“I am eager to meet all the guests,” Lady Sarah said.
“It is time we do so. We are to gather for tea on the terrace. Lady Pebble told me since the afternoon is so pleasant, an outdoor tea would be an excellent way to begin the house party.”
They started down the corridor and came across another young lady leaving her bedchamber. She looked at them and quickly averted her eyes, leaving Rowena to guess it was Miss Lawson.
Wanting to include the diffident young woman, she said, “Why, I believe you must be Miss Lawson, the daughter of Lord Pebble’s cousin.”
Miss Lawson looked up, her gaze meeting Rowena’s. “Yes, my lady.” Her eyes fell to the ground again.
Rowena introduced herself and her friends, telling Miss Lawson that she was happy to make her acquaintance.
Suddenly, she saw Miss Lawson’s shoulders relax, and the young woman looked up again.
“I find it difficult to speak with anyone I am not acquainted with,” Miss Lawson said quietly.
Slipping an arm through Miss Lawson’s, she said, “Then you do not have to worry because you are now acquainted with the three of us. It is good to have you here at Pebblestone, Miss Lawson. I think this house party is going to be ever so much fun.”
They ventured down the stairs, coming across two other women just ahead of them. Since only two other ladies had been invited, Rowena took charge of the situation.
“Lady Jewell, Miss Bailey. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Miss Stanhope and live on Stanfield, the estate next to Pebblestone.”
She introduced her three companions, and Lady Jewell gave them a bright smile.
“I am so excited to be here,” she told them.
“The society in India is quite small. I have known the same people my entire life. Papa and Mama wanted a different life for me, and that is why they sent me back to England.” Lady Jewell glanced to her aunt and added, “Aunt Bailey was kind enough to travel to India and serve as my chaperone on the way home. We arrived too late to join in this Season, and that is why we were delighted to receive Lady Pebble’s invitation to this house party. ”
Lady Jewell was both attractive and personable, and Rowena believed of all the eligible ladies present, Lady Jewell would be certain to secure a betrothal.
“Shall we continue to the terrace?” she asked, shepherding their party down the remaining flight of stairs.
When they stepped outside, she saw Lord and Lady Pebble already present, along with Baron Howell.
The other man was a stranger to her. Quickly, introductions were made, and she was able to meet Mr. Tompkins.
Rowena thought they would enjoy speaking with one another over the course of the house party because of his work at Oxford and her interest in academic subjects.
Lord Cramer and Ollie joined them, and she noted only Lord Clay was missing from their group. Hopefully, he had arrived by now and would be able to have tea with them.
Teacarts were rolled onto the terrace, and Lady Pebble asked everyone to find a seat at one of the tables which had been placed upon the terrace.
Suddenly, someone was at her elbow and said, “Miss Stanhope, it is a delight to see you again. Let me assist you to a table.”
Shock reverberated through Rowena as she turned to face the familiar voice.
And found a smiling Lord Marley next to her.