Willoughby had already opened the door and, accompanied by several footmen to retrieve the luggage, was opening the coach door to greet the guests.
Prunella was the first to descend, followed by her mother, sister, and several ladies’ maids. Thomas noted that she was as lovely as ever, dressed in a black coat with a red scarf and a jaunty black hat. He was pleased to see her, but for some reason, she did not make his heart race the way Jenny did.
Thomas went over and greeted Lady Alderman, the elder. “Welcome to Pemberton. It is wonderful to see all of you.” He then turned to the sister. “And you must be Miss Cordelia?”
“Your Grace,” the young lady, who could not be more than thirteen or fourteen, said curtsying.
Thomas then took both of Prunella’s hands in his. “I hope you had a pleasant journey.”
“We did,” she answered. “But it is a long journey and that can be fatiguing.”
“Then let me offer you some refreshment. Tea? Or are you ready for something stronger? Some wine, sherry, or cognac?”
“I think tea would be just the perfect refreshment,” Mother replied.
“Then come,” he said and ushered them into the house and to the drawing room where Willoughby took their coats and hats, handing them to an attending footman.
“What a beautiful house,” Prunella said as she walked gracefully around the sitting room studying the paintings and admiring the furnishings. “You have a very fine… what appears to be a Dutch master… but I cannot make out the painter. Is it a Vermeer?” She asked turning to him and giving him a most gracious smile.
“No, it is a Willem Kalf still-life.”
“Charming. Quite charming.”
At that point, Augusta came into the room and was introduced to the guests. Once everyone was seated, Willoughby came in with the tea and began serving.
“I am longing to see the horses,” Prunella said.
“Perfect timing, because we now have our two new horses as well, so you will be able to see our entire stable. And we have just started construction on our new racetrack. Perhaps you would like to ride out with me tomorrow to see the progress.”
“Oh… is there anything to see?” she asked with some surprise.
“Well, the track is marked out and the workers are beginning to put in the railings and are working on the surface,” Thomas said.
Prunella did not seem interested and said, “How about a hunt? Might you organize a fox hunt? I so love seeing all you handsome men in your red coats riding out to vanquish the poor beast and coming back triumphant with your fox tail.”
“I am afraid Lord Comerford just held one. And it would be too soon to organize another just now. And with the new business… well, George and I are rather focused on that for the moment. We have a lot to do to getourhorses ready for the spring racing season. And I am certain you would want that… as an investor.”
Augusta asked the mother, “Lady Alderman, what occupies your time in London? Are you a fan of the opera? Theatre? Music?”
“Oh, Mrs. Mowbray, I do enjoy a hand of whist or two of an afternoon. There are a number of ladies who meet regularly for tea and whist. Most delightful. Do you play?”
“Occasionally. However, I do enjoy reading and gardening. In fact…”
“Gardening? Oh, my, I thought that was for country folk. Unless they are flowers, of course.”
Grandmamma did not seem to appreciate that remark and replied, “Well, wearecountry folk.”
“But not peasants. I mean scrabbling around in the ground for roots and scraps—what is the fun in that?” the lady replied.
A silence fell over the group, until Cordelia asked, “Do you have dogs?”
Thomas replied. “Of course, but they are hunting hounds not house dogs.”
“Oh,” she replied, seeming to be disappointed.
Again, the conversation lagged, and just then, mercifully, George was announced.
Thomas stood, happy to see his friend. He introduced the guests and then asked, “Did you meet with Robert?”
