She may not be beautiful according to the standards of thetonbut once news of her dowry reached London, he would be fighting to keep the scoundrels from flocking to her door.
Lady Suzanna shot him a strange look and a small smile traced itself across her lips. “Why don’t we adjourn to the library to discuss this at length?” she suggested. “We can wait for Claire and talk more about her coming out.”
Trixie nodded and pressed one more kiss on her father’s cheek before she bounded out of the study to lead the Duke and Lady Suzanna to the library to await dinner.
Oliver shook his head as he followed the younger Rowley sister to the library. Trixie was possessed of an energetic spirit and an infectious laughter that drew in all who listened to it. Even at four-and-ten, she was showing signs of being a great beauty, although she was still forever getting into all sorts of mischief.
A child, he mused. Trixie was still a child.
But her sister was all woman and the prospect of someone else noticing that scared Oliver. Once she made her curtsey, it was practically a declaration that she was open to discuss the subject of marriage.
A short while later, they were joined by Claire, who announced that dinner would be served at seven.
“Come sit beside me, Claire,” Lady Suzanna invited her, patting the space beside her on the elegantly upholstered couch. “We were just discussing the preparations needed before we head off to London for the Season.”
Claire sat down and frowned. “Oh, but I feel that there will not be enough time to prepare.”
“Nonsense,” Suzanna laughed. “There is nothing you cannot buy in London but of course, you will need a new wardrobe for your coming out. Day gowns, riding habits, evening gowns, and oh yes! Bonnets, hats, gloves, and dancing shoes!”
“It seems like you are planning to purchase the entire Bond Street!” Oliver remarked dryly.
“Oh, shush you! What does a man like you know about such things!” Lady Suzanna turned towards Claire and held her hand gently. “Our Claire will have everything she needs to take London by storm!”
“Oh…but you needn’t go through all the trouble,” she told Lady Suzanna.
The Duke’s sister smiled at her. “It shan’t be any trouble at all, my dear. Why, it would be so much fun!”
Claire smiled helplessly as Lady Suzanna and Trixie discussed the exciting details of their upcoming trip. As she watched the two converse animatedly like two birds on a branch, she could not help but think of her own reasons for wanting to see London for herself.
Unlike their country home, London was filled with all sorts of grand buildings that she had only ever seen in her books. To see them for herself, to stand in awe of their presence would be nothing short of a dream come true.
As she thought of all the adventures she would have, touring London and gazing upon these architectural marvels, she could not help but smile widely. How she would love to be able to study them all and incorporate them into her own designs. She could almost see herself wandering the streets of London, her sketchbook in tow as she had her own adventures.
What a grand time she would be having!
Chapter 3
Morning dawned bright and early in Ranhold House as Claire and Trixie saw their father off on his journey. Although the Viscount was often away on business trips, parting never felt easy for the small family.
“Be good,” Lord Rowley reminded Trixie, kissing her forehead as he hugged her. “You must study well and listen to your sister.” He turned to Claire. “Mind your sister, for you well know that mischief follows wherever she goes.”
Claire laughed, even as tears gathered in her eyes. “Have a safe trip, Father, and come home to us soon.”
“I will, dear child.” He kissed her forehead and shot Trixie one last warning look. “I expect you to have learned more upon my return, Beatrice.”
Trixie pouted and then got up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “I cannot make promises I will not keep, Father.”
He laughed and patted her cheek. “I knew you would say that which is why—” he turned to Claire and raised an eyebrow “—I have instructed your sister to report to me your progress.”
Trixie let out a sound of dismay, enticing another chuckle from her father as he stepped into the deep blue carriage emblazoned with the crest of Ranhold on the side. Already, the two horses were pawing the pathway impatiently, ready to be off. Once the Viscount was safely ensconced in the confines of the carriage, the coachman gave the command and the horses slowly started down the path.
Claire and Trixie watched as the carriage bearing their dear father slowly meandered down the path. They stood at the entrance of the household, each one silently praying for the Viscount’s safety.
“I pray that Father reaches the estate safely,” the younger Rowley murmured, her hands clasped to her chest.
Claire nodded. “I pray that his journey be smooth.”
Once the carriage had disappeared from their line of sight, Claire gently ushered her sister back into the warm confines of their home, urging her to return to her studies posthaste. Already, Mr. Brickley was waiting for her with a stack of books at the ready.
