Chapter 4
Chapter Four
“Good afternoon, Amelia,” Miss Francis Cartwright stepped into the parlor. “I was delighted to receive the invitation for tea. It’s been months since we last had tea together.”
Mia put her book to the side and stood up. She moved around the low table and reached out her hand to take Miss Cartwright’s. “It has been far too long, Franny.” She pushed out her lips in a slight pout. “I blame this abominable weather. We are nearly into winter, even though it is barely August.”
“It has been rather strange, has it not?”
Mia led her over to the couch and sat down on the opposite end. “Yes, well, I did not invite you here to discuss the weather,” Mia pulled her lip between her teeth. Perhaps it was best to start with the niceties first.
“Your parents are well?”
Franny nodded. “Oh, yes.” Her mouth pulled down into a frown. “Although, the weather has not helped Papa’s finances as he’d hoped.” Her voice had dropped to a whisper. “It is certain we will not attend the Season this year.” She sighed, obviously disheartened.
“I know it does not lessen the disappointment, but London is not as grand as everyone says.”
Franny nodded. “Yes, you’re right.” Her tone did not sound agreeable in the least.
Mia looked to the side. This was not how she’d wanted this visit to go. “All may not be lost. Papa is determined to go to London for the Season. He insists on sitting in the lords. Perhaps you could come with us?”
Franny’s eyes widened. “I should love to come.” Her smile slipped. “But will it not be a great inconvenience?”
Mia waved her objection away. “Not at all.” She smiled, trying to look pleased by the newly formed plan. “Having you there will make it bearable.”
Franny placed a hand on Mia’s arm and squeezed. “Oh, thank you, Amelia. I’m certain Papa will give his consent.”
“I shall have my father speak to him. I’m certain that will eliminate any of his concerns.” She tried to infuse excitement into her voice. “Now, as to why I asked you here, I had hoped you might do me a favor.”
Franny perked up but only slightly. “Of course, Amelia. You know I will do nearly anything for you.”
Mia put a hand over her friend’s and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you, Franny. You really are a true friend.”
The door opened, and Jenny brought in a tea tray. She placed it on the low table and dropped a quick curtsy before hurrying away.
Mia poured out and took a biscuit from the tray. She took a small sip and eyed her friend. The favor was not so very drastic. Indeed, she believed Franny would be quite excited about the prospect. While Mia found house parties trying and distasteful, there were those in the world who rather enjoyed them for reasons Mia could not fathom.
“Franny,” she put her teacup on the tray and straightened. “It seems we are to host a house party come September.”
Franny’s brows rose. “You are hosting a house party? At Hedlund Hall?”
Mia chose not to evaluate the incredulous look on her friend’s face. “Yes. Lord Berwick suggested it, and Papa latched onto the idea.”
Franny nodded. “Ah, yes, that makes more sense.” She frowned. “Although, I should think Lord Berwick would not think you pleased with the notion.” She gave a slight frown. “I’m surprised he suggested it.”
“He said it was a compromise between Papa and me.” Mia rolled her eyes at the absurdity. Franny did not believe his excuse any more than Mia had.
Franny looked pensive. “I suppose it is.” She eyed Mia. “Is that the favor you need from me? Do you wish to hide at my home for the duration of the party?”
Mia paused. She had not thought of that solution. Perhaps…but she pushed it away.
“While I appreciate the offer, I do not believe my father would approve.” She smiled and put a hand on Franny’s arm. “But I had hoped to convince you to attend the party as a guest.”
Franny’s brows rose. “You wish for me to attend?”
Mia nodded, uncertain why there was such shock on the lady’s face. “Indeed, you are one of my dearest friends. Why would I not wish you to be there?”
“I should love to attend.” Franny grinned, and Mia thought she heard her giggle. But then she turned serious. “Since Papa’s fortunes have turned, we have not had the invitations we once did.”
Mia picked up her teacup and settled into the corner of the couch as she took a small bite of the biscuit. “There will be many eligible gentlemen in attendance.” She waggled her brows. “If we play our cards right, you shall not need to come to London with me.”
Franny pinked. “I only wish to have an enjoyable time.”
Mia gave her friend an appraising look. “We shall see.” Between Ben’s entertainments and those that would come with helping Franny find a match, perhaps this house party would be bearable. But only just.
Franny looked into her cup as if she were reading the leaves lingering on the bottom. “Have you decided on the guests yet?”
Mia scoffed. “Of course. As soon as Ben voiced the idea, Papa took to his book room to compose a list.”
“Do I know any of the guests?” Franny looked up from beneath her lashes. “I assume many of them are friends of your fathers.”
“There are a few. Lord Grenville”—Mia made a face— “and Sir Andrew were invited so they might discuss politics. But I believe he invited more of the younger generation.” She rolled her eyes. “The party is his ploy to entice me into matrimony.”
Franny tilted her head. “What is your reluctance toward marriage, Amelia? I do not know what I should do for all of my life if I were a spinster.”
“I can think of plenty of things,” Mia looked away. She did not need to explain herself. Besides, it would do no good. No one seemed to understand.
“Who are the eligible gentlemen? Have they all sent their acceptance?” Franny had smartly changed the subject, and Mia was grateful for it. “Mr. Lamb, my cousin,” Mia leaned forward. “You remember him, do you not? He is my father’s brother’s son.”
Franny nodded. “Vaguely. Was he not the one who put bulrush in your bed when you were a girl?”
Mia raised a brow. “Yes, he was. I’d forgotten about that. Thank you for reminding me.” She twitched her lips. “I itched for days.”
“Has he improved?” Franny grinned. “Or shall I avoid him altogether?”
Mia shrugged. “He is a barrister, I believe.” She tsked. “While I do not believe he puts bulrush in beds any longer, I cannot vouch for his amiability. I have not seen him in years.”
“I shall keep that in mind.” Franny nodded. “Who else shall be in attendance?”
“Mr. Lymington, Lord Rayburton, Lord Montcort,” Mia held up her hand and ticked off the names, “Lord Ponsonby, and Mr. Bancroft. We invited the Duke of Larmont, but Ben doubts he will come as he is not yet out of mourning his father.” She tapped her chin and looked at the ceiling. “Oh, and of course, Berwick.”
Franny smiled. “Yes, of course. I should not think you would allow him to present the idea and then not attend.” She looked thoughtful. “What do you know of the other men?”
Mia shrugged. “Lord Rayburton is newly elevated to his title. While Mr. Lymington is in the Commons, I believe. Like Lord Grenville and Sir Andrew, my father invited them as much for politics as for his machination schemes. He wishes to speak with them about several issues while they are here.” She poured herself another cup of tea. “The other gentlemen are friends of Lord Berwick’s. I have met them a few times but do not know them well. I know they are all eligible—except for Lords Stoke and Heatherton, they are recently married—and all have at least six thousand a year.”
Franny raised her brows. “They are very eligible, indeed.”
Mia gave her a bland look. “I do not care what they are worth. I’m not interested in any of them. But I can see no reason one of them would not match well with you.”
Franny released a wistful smile. “While I once thought I might be fortunate enough to secure a match with the likes of one of Lord Berwick’s friends, I do not believe that possible now. Perhaps I must set my sights on Mr. Lymington.”
Mia put her hand on Franny’s arm. “Just because your father’s fortunes have turned, does not mean you cannot marry well. You still have a sizeable dowry. And your father is a knight. You may not garner a duke or a marquess, but a baron is not out of reason, I should think.”
Franny smiled softly. “You are too kind, Amelia. But I think it best if I set my sights lower.” She grinned. “Who knows, perhaps your cousin might prove amiable after all.”
“I should not hold my breath if I were you.” They both collapsed onto the couch in a fit of giggles. Mia sighed deeply. “I may just survive this party with you and Berwick present.”
“Did I hear my name?” Ben stepped into the parlor.
Mia looked up as a quiet buzz filled her ears. She lifted a brow at him. “Indeed, you did. I was telling Miss Cartwright about your dreadful house party idea.”
Ben bowed. “Ah, Miss Cartwright. It is good to see you again.”
Franny stood up and curtsied. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord.” Her face flushed, but Mia attributed it to their fit of laughter.
She motioned to the chair across from them. “I’m sure the water is still warm. Would you care for some tea? I can send for another cup.”
Ben shook his head. “No, thank you. I took tea with my mother before I left.”
Mia sat back down on the couch and Franny followed.
“I came to see if you’ve received any acceptance letters yet.” Ben crossed one knee over the other.
She could not help but notice the tautness of his breeches on his thighs. She shook her head. Small things such as that kept her from fully pushing her affections for Ben out of her mind. “No, but it has only been a few days. I guess many of them have not even arrived. Especially considering the weather.”
Ben nodded. “Yes, I suspected as much.” He looked pointedly at them. “What have you ladies been discussing?”
Mia shot a look at Franny, who returned it. Ben did not need to know everything they discussed. “I was telling Miss Cartwright who was invited.”
Ben smiled. “And what do you think of the list, Miss Cartwright?”
“I think it will be a lovely party,” she lifted her cup to her lips as if she were trying to hide behind it.
“What activities have you planned?” Ben turned his attention to Mia.
“Activities? Why should I have to plan every minute of their days? Can they not find things to entertain themselves? We have a library and a billiards room. That should suffice.”
Ben leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. “You cannot be serious, Mia. You know everyone will expect daily activities. How else do you suppose they will spend their time?”
She lifted a shoulder. “I neither know nor care.”
“Drat it all, Mia. Are you going to be this difficult every step of the way?” Ben dropped his face in his hands.
She frowned at him, a little hurt at his accusation. She was not trying to be difficult. In this case, it simply came naturally. “That is not my intention. You were the one with the idea. Why do you not plan the activities? Most of them are your friends. You know what they enjoy.”
“But you are the hostess,” he lifted his head and stared up at her through his fingers.
She looked askance at him. “But I have no notion what activities people will delight in.” She lifted her hands in question. “Besides, what can we even do with weather such as this?” She looked toward the window where rain ran down the pane.
“Everything does not need to take place outside. Perhaps you could plan some sort of art for the ladies to do one day?”
Franny sat quietly, shifting her gaze from Mia to Ben and then back again.
“Very well. We shall do some feather art.” Mia lifted her chin, daring him to challenge her.
Ben squinted at her. “Feather art? Do you have enough feathers for such an activity? You’ve invited more than a dozen ladies.”
“I did not invite a single person. My father issued the invitations.” Mia lifted her chin. “And as a matter of fact, I do have enough feathers. We turned the folly into an aviary last year. Mr. Tuttle has been collecting feathers ever since. I’m certain we have enough for what we would need.”
Ben sat up. “You have an aviary? How did I not know?”
“Oh, yes,” Franny chimed in. “It’s lovely. I love to listen to all the chirping.”
Ben glanced at her but turned back to Mia.
She shrugged. “You do not know everything of our comings and goings, Ben. Remember, you were gone for the whole of the season last year.”
Ben’s brow creased. “But an aviary? I can understand not knowing about a new chair. But a whole flock of birds should have come up in conversation, should they not?”
Mia shrugged. “It would seem not.”
He leveled his stare at her. “Then feather art it is.” He sat back in the chair and smiled. “That was not so difficult, was it?” He clasped his hands around his crossed knee. “Now, what about archery or nine pins?”
Mia frowned. “Would either of those be possible with this weather?”
Ben nodded slowly. “I believe so. We could set it up in the old chapel at Tweed if the weather does not let up. There is enough roof still on the building to keep most of the rain off. It will be chilly, but I think it would work.” He snapped his fingers. “Or we could use the great hall. It is long enough even for archery.”
Mia looked at him as if he were mad. “But what if an arrow should miss its mark?”
He looked at her as if she were daft. “It’s a castle. The walls are stone. I’m certain they’ve been hit by much worse than a practice arrow.”
“I’ll think about it, but let’s hope the weather cooperates.” Mia smiled. “We have three activities planned; I believe that is enough.” She dipped her head to him. “Are you happy now?”
Ben folded his arms across his chest. “It’s not me that will be happy or cross. I am thinking of your father and your guests.” His head shook slowly. “And you need more than three activities. The party is fourteen days, Mia.”
Mia threw her hands up in the air. “This is ridiculous.”
“The more you plan, the less people will bother you.” He gave her a smug look, as if he had just won their argument.
“What about tennis? We could surely play that in the old church.” Franny looked at them both with a large smile. It was sweet that she thought she was helping. But she wasn’t.
Ben nodded. “Yes, I’m certain we could arrange it for tennis if that is what you want to do.” He glanced at Mia with brows slightly raised.
Tennis? Did anyone she knew even know how to play tennis? It was not as if they were in Bedfordshire. That is the only place she knew of a tennis court—and even then, was it still in use?—except for London.
Ben tapped his index fingers together. “Perhaps it could be fun. It is unlikely many people will be proficient. Everyone would be well matched.”
Mia really could not care less. She had no desire to do any of the activities. Perhaps if it were just her and Ben, he could persuade her to participate. But with so many people? It was highly unlikely. “Very well. If we can arrange it in time, I have no objection.”
“The men could go shooting,” Ben added.
“Only the men?” Mia asked.
Franny gasped beside her. “You wish to involve the women?”
Ben gave her a warning look, and she pressed her lips shut. Not because she would not plan such an activity. She simply would not speak to Ben about it.
“There are always cards and musicales,” Franny chimed in.
Mia feigned a death worthy of the stage. “Must we have a musicale? It is the thing I loathe most about house parties.”
“I love musicales,” Franny said. “And you play very well. Why should you not like them?”
“I tire of the spectacle it becomes.” Mia looked at both of them in challenge.
Franny scooted back into the couch cushion.
“I disagree.” Ben shook his head. “Perhaps in London. But at a small house party such as this? I cannot think it will be as bad as all that.”
“Very well,” Mia let out an exasperated sigh. Her earlier thoughts that this party might be agreeable waned.
“And charades,” Franny perked up. “I love a good charade.”
“Ugh, please, no,” Ben’s eyes widened.
“Why ever not?” Mia asked.
His head shook. “Lord Stoke and his wife have a history with charades. I simply cannot witness the scene they will surely make if we play charades.”
Mia smirked at him. “If I am to endure a musicale, you can muddle through charades.”
“Very well,” Ben glowered at her. “But do not say I didn’t warn you.”
“Can we do silhouettes?” Franny asked.
Mia’s nose wrinkled, and she released a heavy breath. “If we must.” This party was taking a turn for the worst. They planned to do the same thing that was done at every other house party. How droll.
“Perhaps the men could have a fencing competition?” Ben suggested.
Mia narrowed her eyes at him. Why were the men the only ones allowed to do the enjoyable activities? “I’m open to discuss it.”
Franny clapped her hands. “It will be such fun, Amelia. I can hardly wait.”
Fun. Mia thought mirthlessly.
Ben grinned at her look of utter dejection. “Indeed, it shall.”