“Most certainly,” John replied. “What a pleasure to see you again. And how are your darlingchildren?”
She giggled as she answered, “Like little squirrels, jumping from branch to branch. Never still. Youknow.”
“I see. Well, you are most welcome. I hope you have an enjoyable stay at HaverfordHouse.”
“I’m sure weshall.”
Next out of the carriage was Sir Andrew Cull, who turned to help his companion, Fiona Fitzwilliam stepped down. They came forward to meetJohn.
“John Chamberlain,” he said, introducinghimself.
Sir Andrew gave a deep bow. “Your Grace, I am Sir Andrew Cull, at your sincereservice.”
This seemed overly formal to John, but he nodded in return. “Sir Andrew, a greatpleasure.”
Sir Andrew was most unlike his mousy sister, Patricia. He was relatively tall and quite handsome. He had his long, black hair pulled back from his lean face. He had rather penetrating eyes, and John couldn’t help but think of the eyes of a fox, watching the henhouse.
Sir Andrew turned to his companion. “And this is my dear friend, Miss FionaFitzwilliam.”
“At your service,” John said,nodding.”
“Your Grace,” she said in a whisky voice, with a sly smile, curtsying slightly, but keeping her eyes glued to John’s face. “But please, everyone dear to me calls meFitz.”
Fiona was a stunningly handsome woman. She had quite lovely red hair, exquisitely done up. She was slender and wore a form fitting dress that showed off her ample cleavage to its best advantage. She knew what she had and how to show itoff.
“Welcome, John said to them all. “Won’t you please come inside? Let us celebrate your arrival with a glass of wine, and then Standish will show you to yourrooms.”
As they were entering the house, Fitz maneuvered close to John, and placing her hand on his arm, quietly said, “Sir Andrew and I require separate rooms in case you’ve arrangedotherwise.”
John turned to her. “Of course, Miss Fitz. I assumed asmuch.”
She nodded, and smiled sweetly, lowering her eyes but keeping him clearly in her sight as she followed the othersinside.
The company went into the sitting room where Standish was serving glasses of a cold white wine. John went over to where Bentley and Patricia werestanding.
“How was Paris?” he asked. “It’s been a number of years since I was last there. Bonaparte had been banished to Elba by then. Have things changed much since he’sgone?”
“Don’t know much about that, old man,” Bentley said. “Politics has never been my strong point. We were there for pure recreation. Let the Frenchies have their revolutions and wars. We were only interested in wine, song, andgaiety.”
John was beginning to wonder if it was Bentley who had changed so much, or was it him? Had they really been close friends? Bentley seemed supremely superficial and now John was beginning to dread their visit. But he was determined to be the perfect host as long asnecessary.
He turned to Patricia. “I’ve not met your brother before. Do you have otherfamily?”
“He’s my only sibling. Mother passed away several years ago and my father lives with us inLondon.”
“Mysympathies.”
“Thankyou.”
John turned to Bentley, “You must forgive me, I am in the middle of the sheering season and that will require me to be absent for part of each day. However, Standish will be at your service should you require anything or if you would like to go riding or walking. And feel free to explore the house. It has some fine treasures you mightenjoy.”
“How about some shooting? Rather fancy taking down a covey ortwo.”
“We can arrange for that. I’ll make time in my schedule to dothat.”
Sir Andrew and Fitz came over to where Standish was standing by to refill their glasses. After topping up, Fitz came over toJohn.
“Are we to have any dancing?” She asked, placing her hand on John’s arm again. “I always enjoy a turn around thefloor.”
