Already in attendance was Modesty occupied in an intense conversation with a young man on the far side of the room.
Just at that moment, another guest arrived.
“Ah, our last guest, Lord Adolphus Kendal, welcome,” Sir Harcourt said, going over to greet the portly, red-faced gentleman—again with a vigorous two-handed handshake.
Lord Kendal went over to Aunt Hester and greeted her. He turned to the other guests and proclaimed. “Sorry to be late, but Lords had a late session this afternoon.”
“My Lords, ladies, and gentlemen, dinner is to be served,” the butler announced.
Chapter 11
George had been able to arrange to sit opposite Lucy, as promised. The only problem was a large flower arrangement blocking her view of him. Lucy panicked for a moment but realized she could follow the two gentlemen seated on either side of her when it came time to choose a knife or a fork.
On her left was the publisher, Mr. Simpson. Lucy surmised that he had been invited so that she might discuss her writing with him. On her right was the young gentleman Modesty had been chatting with.
He turned to Lucy, not yet having been introduced.
“I am Aaron Wilkes,” he said.
“Lucy Brighton,” she said smiling.
“And how do you know the Oakleys?” he asked as the butler shook out Lucy’s napkin and placed it on her lap.
Only momentarily distracted Lucy answered, “I am from Grayson Manor, and I came as George’s guest.”
“Ah…” Aaron seemed to be uncertain of her relationship with George. “And you are… a sister? A fiancé? A…”
“Friend. I am a ward of the Graysons. Like Miss Modesty is of the Oakleys.”
“I am a fellow artist. Lady Oakley thought George and I should meet and have a chat. I have been painting in London now for over five years, and she thought I might be able to offer him some advice in advancing his career.”
“I am certain he would be most grateful for any insights you might have to offer.”
At this point, two tureens of soup were brought to the table, and the butler and an assistant went to each guest offering either a white or brown soup. Lucy selected the brown.
Aaron turned and asked, “Then you and Mr. Grayson are not engaged?”
“Oh no. We are traveling companions on this visit and friends at the Manor.”
“How long will you be staying in London? I should very much like to show you some of my favorite sights if you would enjoy that? There are any number of wonders you might find intriguing,” he said with a large grin.
Lucy suddenly realized he was flirting with her. “How very charming of you to ask, Mr. Wilkes. Let me confer with George to see when we might be free to join you.”
“Oh…” Aaron’s expression changed, and he returned to his soup.
Mr. Simpson had been conversing with Modesty on his left, but he turned to Lucy and said, “Lady Oakley tells me you are an author. Is that so?”
Lucy blushed slightly. “I write. I do not yet consider myself anauthor. That sounds so professional, and I am only just beginning my first novel.”
“But you have written stories she tells me.”
“That is so. I have a number of stories for children, and I try them out on my friend Isabell’s younger brothers, and they seem to like them.”
“And I believe they would be the best judges. You may fool an adult but never a child when it comes to a good story.” He laughed heartily.
Mr. Simpson seemed to be very good natured, and she liked him immediately. Lucy looked over at George who was peeking at her from around the edge of the flowers and smiling. He gave her a wink.
“How are you doing, Miss Lucy Brighton?”
