Chapter 18
William closed the ledger, pressing his palm briefly against the cover to settle the pages. He had been reviewing the last column of figures, his mind still half on the totals he needed to confirm.
The footman entered with a light knock on the door, pulling him out of his concentration. “You have guests, Your Grace.”
William sighed, the sound quiet but unmistakable, and gave a small nod. He stepped away from the desk, preparing himself. “Who is it?”
The footman hesitated for a brief moment before adding, “Your aunt, Your Grace. And Lady Arabella.”
William nodded again, slower that time, and moved toward the door.
He left the study and walked through the corridor, moving slowly as his mind shifted toward the formality ahead.
He knew the drawing room was the proper place to receive them, and he crossed the entrance hall with that purpose in mind.
He set aside any other thoughts as he reached the drawing room doorway.
“Show them in,” he said, giving the footman a brief nod.
He stepped inside, taking his place near the center of the room. The morning light fell across the furnishings, catching the polished wood and the neat arrangement of chairs. He knew he had only a moment before the doors opened.
Lady Spencer entered first. Her posture was stick-straight and her chin was lifted high. Her expression was as coldly detached as ever, and every part of her appearance was arranged with precise care.
Her gown sat perfectly in place, the lace at her sleeves was impeccably straight, and her hair smoothed back without a single strand out of order.
She walked with a quick, deliberate pace.
Her attention was fixed on William the moment she stepped into the room, leaving no doubt that she intended to take control of the conversation.
William shifted slightly but forced his expression to remain calm.
Lady Arabella followed a step behind Lady Spencer. She was elegant and composed, and kept her hands folded neatly in front of her as she moved quietly.
Her gown was simple but well chosen, and the colors suited her fair complexion. Her light brown hair was arranged smoothly beneath a modest bonnet, and her gray eyes held a calm, attentive look. She stood at a moderate height with a delicate build that suited her gentle manner.
She paused just inside the room, waiting for William’s acknowledgment.
“William,” Lady Spencer said, offering a curt nod. “I trust you are well.”
“Well enough,” he replied, keeping his tone polite. “Lady Arabella, welcome.”
Lady Arabella curtsied gracefully. “Your Grace. Thank you for receiving us.”
William greeted them both with the courtesy expected of his position, though he sensed immediately that his aunt had arranged the visit with a very specific intention. Lady Spencer’s eyes swept the room with a calculating air before returning to him.
“I thought,” she began, her voice smooth, “that it would be beneficial for Lady Arabella to see the estate in daylight. She has heard so much about Roxburghe, and it is only proper that she be acquainted with it.”
Lady Arabella’s cheeks colored faintly. “I am grateful for the opportunity, Your Grace. Lady Spencer insisted it would be… informative.”
William nodded, though he felt annoyed at the familiar pressure of his aunt’s expectations. “I am always pleased to welcome guests,” he said. “Though I confess I was not expecting company this morning.”
Lady Spencer’s smile tightened. “Spontaneity can be useful, William. It prevents one from becoming complacent.”
William met her gaze evenly. “I assure you, Aunt, complacency is not among my faults.”
Lady Spencer lifted her chin. “We shall see.”
Lady Arabella glanced between them, sensing the tension. “Your Grace,” she said softly, “if this is not a convenient time, we can return another day.”
William shook his head. “You are welcome here. Both of you.”
Lady Spencer’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, confirming exactly how deliberate her intentions had been. William felt the tension in his shoulders tighten, but he kept his expression composed.
“Shall we sit?”
Lady Spencer placed a gloved hand on Lady Arabella’s arm. “Yes, William. That would be best.”
William gestured toward the chairs. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
Lady Spencer chose the nearest seat, settling down with a composed stiffness that left no doubt about her mood. Lady Arabella took the chair beside her. Although she tried to appear composed, William could sense she was uncomfortable.
William remained standing for a moment, ensuring they didn’t need anything else before taking his own seat opposite them.
Before anyone spoke, the sound of quick footsteps carried down the corridor. Henry and Clara ran past the open doorway, their voices bright and excited. Mrs. Shaw followed, her eyes fixed straight ahead.
Lady Spencer’s head turned sharply toward the hall. Her eyes narrowed, her attention fixed on the movement outside the room.
“William,” she said, her voice cool, “perhaps they should come in and greet us.”
William nodded once. “Send them in,” he told the footman.
A few moments later Henry and Clara entered the drawing room with immediate composure, their earlier energy replaced by polite restraint. Mrs. Shaw followed them in, her posture calm and attentive.
William felt a surge of pride at their ability to rise to the occasion.
“Henry, Clara,” William said, “this is Lady Arabella.”
Henry bowed with care. “Good morning, Lady Spencer. Good morning, Lady Arabella.”
Clara curtsied, her small hands held neatly at her sides. “Good morning,” she said softly.
William continued, turning slightly toward the adults. “Lady Arabella, this is Mrs. Shaw, the children’s governess, and Clara’s mother.”
Mrs. Shaw offered a polite nod. “Good morning, My Ladies.”
Lady Arabella returned the greeting with a gentle smile. Lady Spencer’s expression remained firm.
Henry glanced toward William. “May we go outside?” he asked, his voice hopeful but still respectful.
William nodded. “Yes. A maid will take you.”
As if waiting for the instruction, a maid stepped forward from the hall, guiding the children out with quiet efficiency. Mrs. Shaw watched them go, ensuring they followed properly before turning back toward the room.
Lady Spencer watched them leave. “Are his lessons over sooner than usual?” she asked, her tone controlled but edged with disapproval.
“No, My Lady,” Mrs. Shaw said, holding her head high. “I am giving him a short break. He has just finished a particularly difficult Latin exercise.”
Lady Spencer’s mouth tightened, her disapproval clear in the slight shift of her expression, though she said nothing.
Mrs. Shaw tilted her head politely. “If you will excuse me, I should go outside to gather the children.” She calmly turned and left the room.
Once the door closed, Lady Spencer turned her attention fully to William. She sat up even straighter, leaned back, and slightly lowered her eyelids.
“How often does he receive breaks?” she asked, her tone cool and precise.
William kept his expression calm. “When he completes a difficult exercise, she allows him a few minutes to clear his mind. It helps him return to his work with focus.”
Lady Spencer’s chin lifted slightly. “That seems generous for a boy of his position.”
“It is not excessive,” William replied. “She does not allow idleness.”
Lady Spencer paused, then continued, “And why is there not more discipline? A future duke must learn to endure challenges without interruption.”
“She provides discipline,” William said. “She expects accuracy and effort. But she does not frighten him into it. He works harder because he trusts her.”
“Warmth is not a substitute for proper instruction,” Lady Spencer said, her expression tightening.
“Nor is severity,” William replied, his tone even. “Henry responds to her guidance without fear, and he progresses because of it.”
Lady Spencer continued to look at William, her disapproval clear in every aspect of her being, but she did not say more. Lady Arabella remained composed beside her, observing quietly, her attention fixed on the exchange without offering comment.
William could tell she was observing every detail, even if she chose not to speak.
Lady Spencer looked away before offering one more comment.
“I hope you understand the consequences of allowing such informality.”
William nodded and looked out the window. “I understand exactly what Henry needs.”
Lady Spencer shifted her attention from William to Lady Arabella, her hands closing more firmly together in her lap. “William,” she said, her tone controlled, “I know you and Lady Arabella have already made one another’s acquaintance, but I should give a proper introduction.”
Lady Arabella rose with quiet composure. She stepped forward, her gown settling neatly as she lowered into a precise curtsy. When she lifted her eyes, her expression was calm and respectful. “Your Grace.”
Lady Spencer watched her closely. “Arabella is elegant, accomplished, and socially impeccable,” she said, speaking each word with slow, careful precision. “She has been staying with me for a few days, and she will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.”
Lady Arabella remained poised beside William’s aunt, offering no interruption as Lady Spencer finished speaking.
William tilted his head in acknowledgment. “Lady Arabella,” he said, keeping his tone polite, “it is a pleasure to see you again.”
His voice remained restrained, but the slight pause before he spoke betrayed the strain he felt. He shifted his weight in his chair, his fingers pressing briefly against the armrest before he released it.
She is doing it again. Parading her expectations, arranging introductions, and trying to shape my life as if it belongs to her. She will not stop until she has decided every detail of my future.
Lady Arabella resumed her seat with quiet composure.