Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Lady Charlotte spoke up, breaking some of the tension Mia had created with her competitive outburst—or as much as Lady Charlotte spoke up. “You and Lord Berwick are neighbors, are you not?”
Ben lifted his chin in a sort of affirmation. “Yes, the lands of Tweed Castle border Hedlund Hall on the north.”
Lady Charlotte’s eyes sparked. “Does Tweed Castle have a view of the North Sea?”
Was that envy in the lady’s voice? Was she doing more than making polite conversation? Perhaps Lady Charlotte had designs on Ben, rather than Lord Montcort. Or maybe her designs were on Tweed Castle. Mia knew many women had married men for less. There was also the possibility that she set her sights on whomever showed an interest in her. Lady Charlotte was not a doe-eyed debutant. She’d already had three seasons. It was easy to believe that she may feel slightly desperate.
“Have you seen the view from Hedlund’s land? As we both have coastal borders, you can view the sea from either property. It’s rather cold today, so I would not recommend it, but there is a grand view of the water.”
“I should love to see it. But I should also enjoy a tour of Tweed Castle. I’ve only seen a few other castles. But I find them fascinating. They are all so different. Perhaps one day, if the weather warms, we can walk out to see it.” Lady Charlotte’s eyes flicked from Ben to Lord Montcort and then to Mia before she took in the whole group. “I…I was including everyone in the invitation.”
Lady Stoke nodded. “I’ve not yet had a proper tour. I should like to see it as well.”
Everyone nodded and made affirming noises.
Lady Charlotte sat forward in her seat. “I’ve heard it is a grand place.”
Mia’s eyes narrowed slightly. While she and Ben had already planned a tour of Tweed, she thought the lady’s request was rather presumptuous.
Ben nodded. “I believe it is already on the schedule, is it not?” He glanced at Mia. “Do you remember which day we are to visit?”
The hole burning in her stomach lessened when Ben grinned at her. She was very grateful to him, even if this whole party had been his idea. At least he had not left her to fend for herself. She nodded. “It is on the written schedule. You should find one in each of your chambers.” There was a slight bite in her voice. Had she spent days writing up the schedules for everyone for nothing? Did no one even look at them?
Franny nodded. “Yes, I believe it is planned for tomorrow morning.”
Mia patted Franny’s arm. “Yes, that’s right. And following the tour, the ladies have an art project to start on.” She looked back at Lady Charlotte. “Although, we will visit Tweed frequently. Several of the activities are to be held in the old chapel there. You’ll have more than your fill of the place by the time the party is over, I assure you.”
Ben put a finger to his lips.
Mia didn’t miss Lady Charlotte’s eyes follow the action. Was the lady more interested in Ben? It made sense. He was a marquess. And he owned a castle—both made him a desirable catch for someone like Lady Charlotte. Most ladies in the ton would desire Ben over Lord Montcort. It was a notion that left Mia feeling quite unsettled.
She rubbed a fold of her gown between her fingers. Lady Charlotte and Ben.
She’d known for years that the time would come when Ben would marry. And while she secretly dreamed it would be her, she knew it could not be. She had too much of her mother in her. But she’d always thought it would be some time before he succumbed to the parson’s mousetrap. Indeed, all of his friends had made an informal pledge to remain bachelors for as long as possible. Only Lord Stoke and Lord Heatherton had broken the pledge—much to the chagrin of the other men. It had been further proof that Ben would not seek a wife for some time.
But what if it was simply a matter of him finding the right lady? And what if that lady were at the same house party? Would Mia have to watch the romance unfold? She looked toward the window, hoping no one saw the disappointment in her gaze.
Ben tapped his finger against his lips several times. “There you have it. Tomorrow morning we shall journey to Tweed.” He glanced out the window. “Hopefully we will see some sunshine. But it will be cool, especially along the beaches and cliffs. Everyone, please dress warmly.”
Lady Charlotte clapped her hands. “Oh, this will be wonderful.”
Never had Mia heard Lady Charlotte’s voice so loud and clear. Excitement sparkled in her eyes.
Mia’s nostrils flared.
This was a whole new side to Lady Charlotte. A side Mia could do without.
The parlor door opened, and Hastings walked over to her side. “Yes, Hastings, what is it?” Mia looked up at him.
“Mr. and Mrs. Meecham have arrived with their daughters. Robert showed them to their chambers. I informed them of the schedule but as yet I have not heard if they will join you for the afternoon events.” The butler bowed.
“Thank you, Hastings. Please inform me if any other guests arrive.” She need not direct him in such things. He was the picture of efficiency. But she felt the gaze of the others burrowing into her.
“Yes, my lady.” Hastings gave her a look, then turned on his heel and left the room.
Mia turned to the others. “Perhaps we will have others joining us on our adventure tomorrow.” She sighed. More people. Just what she didn’t want. “I’m certain Miss Meecham and Miss Lucy Meecham will enjoy a tour of Tweed also.”
“What kind of art are we to do after the tour?” Miss Bancroft asked.
Mia looked at the girl. She was young—likely had only come out last year. But as yet, Mia had found nothing about her to dislike. In a smaller, more intimate gathering, it was entirely possible the two of them might become friends. But in the crush of a house party, Mia could not fathom it.
Mia lifted a brow. “That is to be a surprise, Miss Bancroft. I do not wish for you to know everything on the first day. How much fun would that be?”
Miss Bancroft grinned. “Oh, I love surprises.” She glanced at her brother as if seeking his approval.
He smiled, and her shoulders relaxed. The girl lacked confidence. Perhaps she and Mia had more in common than was clear at first glance.
The long clock at the far side of the room struck four, and Lady Charlotte put her teacup on the low table. “I believe I shall return to my chambers and rest until supper.” She covered a yawn with her hand.
Everyone stood with her, the gentlemen bowing slightly.
Lord Montcort rubbed at the back of his neck. “I think we should return to Tweed. In this weather, it’ll take longer than usual to drive between the estates to dress for dinner.” He dipped low, taking Mia’s hand in his and smiling widely at her.
Please do not kiss my hand , she begged silently.
“Until supper, my lady.” Lord Montcort glanced up at Ben, before dropping a kiss onto her hand. Gah, he’d done it. But why? And why had he looked at Ben first? Was he asking for permission? It was not Ben’s to give, so why would Lord Montcort seek it?
She smiled stiffly, trying not to sigh as she pulled her hand from his. It was so farcical, it was hard not to find him ridiculous.
Ben pulled her back to stand next to him, putting several feet of distance between her and Montcort. “It’s probably best if you hurry along. Don’t wait for me. I have a few things to discuss with Mia about the activities planned for Tweed.”
She looked up at him with a furrowed brow. What did they have to discuss? He’d helped her plan the whole party. What questions did he suddenly have?
The men looked at each other and then at Ben. Something passed between them, but she could not decipher it. She wondered if perhaps Ben knew what they were about. If he did, he let nothing slip.
Lord Stoke put his hand on the small of his wife’s back and smiled at her. A look of adoration passed between them. Could Ben be correct in his assertion that the couple had married for love? “Yes, I’m certain the ladies need time to rest before we return. Dinner is at seven?”
Mia nodded.
Lord Heatherton smiled at her. “Thank you for the tea, my lady. It was a very pleasant afternoon.”
Lady Stoke looked lovingly at her husband before turning her attention back to Mia. “Indeed, it was. I’m much anticipating getting to know you better, my lady. We’ve heard so much about you from Berwick. I feel as if we’re already dear friends.” The lady seemed genuine.
Mia’s smile relaxed slightly. “Yes, I’ve heard much about you as well.” She nudged Ben. “Ben speaks highly of all of you.”
He grinned. “Even Rags.”
Mr. Bancroft frowned. “You should not mock someone when they aren’t here to defend themselves.”
Lord Ponsonby gave a long-suffering look as he shuffled forward and clapped Mr. Bancroft on the back. “Then it’s good he has you here to do it for him.” He rolled his eyes. “Besides, Ben said nothing he would not say to Rags’ face.”
Mr. Bancroft twitched his mouth to the side but then shrugged. “I suppose you’re correct.” He held his arm out to his sister. “Come along, Maddie. Let’s collect your bonnet and pelisse and be on our way.” He threw a smile over his shoulder at Mia. “We will see you again at dinner, my lady.”
Mia dipped into a shallow curtsy as they all turned to leave.
Ben’s lips tugged down. “What do you think Cort was about? I’ve never seen him kiss anyone’s hand.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Not even the Queen’s.”
Mia shrugged. “Come now. It’s no worse than the doe eyes Lady Charlotte was giving you. I think if it were up to her, she’d post the banns this very week.” Mia fluttered her lashes at him in imitation of the lady.
Ben held up his hand in front of her face. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
Mia’s brow creased. “Three. Why?”
“If you think Lady Charlotte was giving me doe eyes, I think you may need spectacles.”
Mia scoffed. “How can you say that? She was blatantly flirting with you.” Mia put her hands on her hips. “I think it is you who needs the spectacles.”
Ben waved her protests away. “I saw nothing of the sort.”
Mia put her hands on his offered arm as they walked toward the billiard room. “Take care, Ben. She has set her sights on you. If you do not intend to pursue her, you would do well to turn her eye in another direction.”
“I could say the same for Lord Montcort.”
Mia shook her head. “If I am to break my promise never to marry, I can assure you it will not be for Lord Montcort.”
Ben looked at her from the corner of his eye. “What is wrong with him?” What was wrong with Ben? First, he was offended with Montcort for kissing her hand, and now he was offended with her for saying she would not marry the man. What did he want?
“He is a pleasant enough sort of gentleman, but he is not for me.” She patted his arm.
Ben wagged his brows and gave her a wicked smile. “Perhaps we should direct them to each other. Cort and Lady Charlotte.” He nudged Mia. “What do you say? Do you feel the inclination to do a bit of matchmaking?”
She grinned and squeezed his arm. “I think it just may prove to be the most diverting part of this party.”