As soon as Ranhold House came to view, his excitement spiked up a notch as he thought of the surprise he and his sister were about to spring on the Rowley sisters. He stepped down from the carriage and strode quickly into the house, his sister striving to catch up with him.
A short while later, Claire and Trixie appeared before them, looking more subdued. Although Claire did not look as happy as she did when they were making plans for London, she did not look to be particularly miserable. In contrast, Trixie looked so despondent it was like all the sparkle had gone out of her.
“Your Grace, what brings you here so early?” the elder Rowley sister asked, confusion knotting her pretty brows. She looked to Lady Suzanna. “Is something amiss?”
His sister smiled secretively and gestured towards the library. “We might want to discuss this somewhere we can all sit down and be a little more comfortable.”
Claire nodded uneasily and led the way, followed by her sister.
Oliver watched her straight, proud back, so very like his sister. In more ways than one, they were very much alike, having been greatly influenced by the late Viscountess of Ranhold in their girlhood. They were proper enough and adhered to etiquette so that Society would not be able to find fault in them, but there was something quite different about them—a crackling wit that bowed before no man.
Although they both accorded him the proper respect as the Duke of Minsbury, he knew all too well that they would both not back down from an argument, especially when they felt so passionately that they were in the right.
Such ladies were a rarity in thetonwhere most marriageable men preferred a pliant and biddable wife and most debutantes molded themselves after that fashion. He shook his head and wondered if all those other young ladies would have had better dispositions if their sole focus on life was not merely to rope in an advantageous match.
But most men of his status did not subscribe to the same way of thinking that he did and were set in their ways. As a result, their wives were bored and frivolous, raising impressionable daughters who were just as shallow and vain.
Oliver did not wish for such a wife—he wanted one that matched his wits and called him out when he was being a cad, for lack of better terms.
He waited until the girls were seated on the couch before he took his seat, smiling at them. The Rowley sisters were looking at him in confusion, wondering what made him so happy in the morning.
“My sister and I were crushed when we received news that your father would not be home for a few more months at the least,” he began. “And I know that you have made a lot of preparations for the trip to London. Lady Suzanna and I are every bit just as excited as you are.”
Claire smiled sadly. “You are too kind, Your Grace, and we appreciate all the assistance you have given us with Father away. We have greatly enjoyed your company the past few days.” She turned her shining eyes to him and he felt his breath catch in his throat. “We understand that when the Season comes, you may need to leave on business, too.”
Lady Suzanna leaned in to her and laid a hand over hers. “We know how much you wanted to go to London and we could not imagine going there without you both.”
“That is why we have decided to take you both with us to London,” Oliver finished with a huge smile. “What do you say to that?”
Trixie’s eyes were wide in shock. “Truly? You mean to take us with you? To see London?”
“But what of Father?” Claire pursed her lips.
“I have already sent word to Lord Ranhold to inform him of our plans,” he assured them. “You will be staying at our townhouse and we will both act as your chaperons.”
“Oh! That sounds absolutely marvelous!” Trixie exclaimed, clasping her hands in excitement.
Oliver turned to Claire. “What do you say, Claire?”
He watched as a slow smile spread across her lips like the sun rising above the horizon. It was blinding in its beauty.
“I would be happy to go along with your plan, Your Grace!”
Oliver grinned at them. “Good. Now, why don’t you and Trixie get ready? I presume that you will be busy packing for the trip.”
He watched as both girls skipped off in excitement, their excited giggles wafting in the air, their joy infectious. Looking at the happiness in their faces, he knew he made the right decision.
This Season is going to be the best one yet.
Chapter 5
“Ican’t believe we’re going to London!London, Claire!”
Claire watched as her sister rushed about in her room, throwing clothes and underthings around in her wake as she frantically decided which ones to bring for their trip. She had to suppress the childlike delight that shone in her sister’s eyes but was fairly certain that the same gleam could be found in her own.
“Careful, dearest, or you will end up tearing your clothes before we even arrive in London,” she laughed, trying her best to contain her excitement, too. “Do not forget to pack your lessons, too. You do remember what Father said about your education.”
Trixie sat huffily on the bed with that familiar rebellious shine in her eyes. “Must I really bring all those books to London?” she complained, pouting like a child instead of a young girl of four-and-ten. “How will I be able to enjoy this trip if my nose is to be buried in a book? Claire, you cannot be so cruel to me!”
