The gentleman turned with a welcoming smile. “Wesley. I thought it was your voice. Good to see you.” Rockford removed his glove and extended his hand. Adam grasped it firmly.
“How are you fairing? It’s been ages since we last spoke.” Adam’s voice held a hint of nostalgia.
Rockford chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at the sight of his old friend. “I’m well, thank you. It has indeed been too long.” He glanced around the room, memories flooding back. “Evergreen Lodge seems just as I remember it.”
Adam nodded, his expression softening. “We spent many summers here, didn’t we? You, Lora, Barrington, and I, we were quite a team.”
Rockford’s eyes twinkled with the recollection. “I remember. Those were carefree days. We’d race through the gardens, daring each other to climb the tallest trees.”
“And the nights we’d spend under the stars, dreaming of adventures,” Adam added with a grin. “It’s hard to believe how much time has passed.”
“Yes,” Rockford agreed, a touch of melancholy in his voice. “Eton took me away, and life has taken us all in different directions. But it’s good to be back, to see familiar faces and places.”
Adam clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you back, old friend. Sommer-by-the-Sea hasn’t been the same without you.”
Rockford smiled, a sense of belonging settling over him. “I missed this place and the people in it. And I look forward to catching up with everyone.”
“How are things in London?” Adam asked with genuine interest. “Busy with estate matters and my duties in Parliament. And you? How is your family?” Rockford slipped his gloves into his pocket, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face.
“Everyone is well, though Father’s health has been a concern. Lora and I have taken on many of his responsibilities.” Adam rested his hand gently on the back of a nearby chair.
Rockford tilted his head thoughtfully. “I’ve heard she is active with Dr. Manning’s project to expand his clinic.”
“She is. She’s unearthed some surprising issues while working to get the project approved.” Adam’s face lit up. “But enough about that. What brings you to Sommer-by-the-Sea? Business or pleasure?”
“A bit of both, actually.” Rockford adjusted his coat, a flicker of unease crossing his features. “Barrington invited me to join him here to discuss some matters, but I’m also taking the opportunity to enjoy seeing old friends.”
“Sommer-by-the-Sea has a charm all its own.” Adam placed a reassuring hand on his old schoolmate’s shoulder, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I prefer the atmosphere here, far more appealing than London’s incessant activity and noise. The serenity here gives one room to breathe and think.”
“Indeed.” Rockford slowly exhaled, the lines in his face softening. “It has a certain tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
“I stopped here to speak to Lora. She’s having tea with Lady Harriet Lockford, and then I plan on making my way to theapothecary. Barrington is in the same direction. If you don’t mind, I’ll accompany you.” Adam scanned the room and found his sister and Lady Harriet. “I just need to give Lora a message. Why don’t you come with me? She’ll be glad to see you.”
Rockford followed Adam’s gaze to where Lora and Lady Harriet sat and nodded. “I’d be delighted. It’s been too long since we’ve spoken.”
*
Lora chuckled, asparkle of amusement in her eyes. “The picture you present is too good to be true. Who is this paragon of manhood?” She shook her head as she chuckled. “Really, Harriet. No one could be that perfect.”
“Lora, Lady Harriet.” Adam tilted his head in a nod.
Harriet smiled like the cat who ate the canary as Lora turned to face her brother.
Adam gestured toward the approaching figure. “Lora, you remember Garrett, Duke Rockford.” His gaze shifted to her tablemate. “Rockford, this is Lady Harriet Lockford, wife of the Earl of Lockford.”
Lora looked up and met Rockford’s gaze, a flicker of recognition softening her features. “Why, of course? Your Grace.” She inclined her head gracefully. “It has been a long time.”
Rockford’s smile broadened, warmth radiating from his steady gaze as he held Lora’s eyes for a moment longer than necessary. “Indeed, Lady Lora. It is a pleasure to see you again.” There was a hint of nostalgia in his voice as a flicker of unspoken memories passed between them.
In the midst of exchanging pleasantries, Lora couldn’t help but think of the carefree young man who had charmed everyone with his reckless adventures and daring escapades. Sheremembered the laughter he incited, the thrill of his presence like a gust of fresh wind through the stifling halls of society. But the man standing before her now was different. There was a depth that hadn’t been there before, a sense of duty and responsibility. It was etched into the lines of his face and reflected in his steady gaze. He was no longer the devil-may-care youth she remembered but a man who had clearly grown and changed, shaped by the passage of time, unspoken burdens, and the scars of war.
Adam bent to his sister’s ear. “I need to speak with you about the clinic. There’s some urgent news that requires your attention.”
Lora’s eyes widened in surprise. “What kind of news?”
Adam glanced at Rockford and Harriet, then back at Lora. “It’s best we discuss it in private.”
Lora took a deep breath, her mind racing. What could have happened? She turned to Rockford and Harriet. “Please excuse me for a moment. Your Grace, would you be so kind as to keep Lady Harriet company until I return?”
