Read sample An Unsuitable Alliance

Chapter One

‘Mama, why do we have to move to the Dower House now? Surely it would be better if we met the new Earl of Marchant?’ Lady Eleanor Somiton asked as she watched the last of their trunks being transferred to the waiting diligence.

‘Normally, my dear, I would remain here to greet the new incumbent as our futures do depend somewhat on his generosity. However, as the title is in dispute because your papa failed to find the heir presumptive before he died, I’ve no idea who the actual earl is and neither do the lawyers.’

Grace, at nineteen, was three years younger than her sister, and allowed nothing to dismay her, even the prospect of living in the much smaller Dower House. ‘I think it’s going to be most entertaining seeing who ends up as our lord and master. When I spoke to Mr Radley the other day he said that in his opinion someone called Captain Leo Somiton has a direct line to the title.’

‘But Mr Grimshaw, the other lawyer, insists that one Adam Somiton is the true heir. As neither of them have a connection nearer than five generations back I can’t see how this is going to be resolved,’ Eleanor said.

‘I understand that both families will be arriving in the next few days expecting to take up residence at the Hall and to have access to papa’s fortune.’

‘Grace, it was never your father’s own money but belongs, like the estates, to the family. Everything is entailed and goes to the son. If only I had produced a living boy then none of this would be happening.’

‘You are the Countess of Marchant; we are Lady Eleanor and Lady Grace Somiton – those coming to claim papa’s title are commoners. They have been living as such for generations. This Adam Somiton’s family made their fortune in trade.’ Although she tried not to sound disapproving, Eleanor failed dismally.

‘Captain Leo Somiton is a career soldier. I hardly think that a military gentleman is a suitable person to take over the estates and all that entails,’ Grace said firmly. ‘I’ve changed my opinion on the matter and now support the other gentleman as at least he has money of his own.’

‘Girls, your opinion will have no influence on the outcome. I’ve no wish to be here overseeing an unseemly situation which is why we are moving today to the Dower House. Thank the good Lord that my funds are not affected by this debacle. However, the staff won’t be paid, or the bills at the Hall, until the matter is settled.’

‘What if the new incumbent has elderly relatives of his own that he wishes to put there? Where shall we go then?’

‘Eleanor, I am the countess and therefore have every intention of remaining in that place regardless of the outcome of this inheritance dispute. Mr Grimshaw assures me that it’s part of my entitlement, as the widow of the earl, to be able to live in comfort in the Dower House as long as I wish to do so.’ Mama sniffed and looked down her aristocratic nose. ‘You both have substantial dowries and I have a generous annuity. It matters not who takes the title as he cannot interfere with our lives.’

‘Well, he certainly cannot interfere with mine as I am of age. However, I believe whoever is finally given the inheritance will be Grace’s guardian.’

‘I care not about that as long as he arranges for me to go to Town next Season so I might have my come-out ball and find myself a handsome and wealthy husband.’

Eleanor smiled at her sister’s nonsense. ‘Dearest, we’ve spoken about this several times. It might be possible to persuade the new earl to hold a ball here, but I doubt he’ll want to open the house in Grosvenor Square on your behalf.’

‘Fiddlesticks to that. I shall ask him prettily and he won’t be able to refuse me.’

Her sister was convinced that her charm and beauty could persuade even the most curmudgeonly of gentlemen to bend to her will. She’d certainly had their papa wrapped around her pretty little finger. Eleanor sincerely hoped that whoever Grace decided to marry would bring her to heel, for as much as she loved her sibling, she was well aware that she was horribly spoilt.

The diligence was about to depart. Eleanor bit her lip, straightened her shoulders, picked up her skirts and ran down the marble steps that led from the imposing front door to the turning circle. ‘There is no point in dithering, Mama, Grace, we must depart here forever.’

It was but a short walk from the Hall to the Dower House – indeed – one could see the comings and goings at the great house if one cared to look from the upstairs windows. She rather thought that both she and her sibling would find a great deal to do in their bedchambers over the next day or two.

They were bringing more staff than they really needed, and, of course, all three abigails would accompany them. They had also brought with them a team of horses, a small travelling carriage and three riding horses. Her chestnut gelding, Major, Grace’s grey mare, Smoke, and Bruno, a sturdy bay hunter for an accompanying groom to ride.

There was no necessity to bring outside men as the gardeners from the big house would take care of everything where they were living now. Somiton Hall was a huge, mausoleum of a place and even in midsummer was unpleasantly cold in the rooms that didn’t get the sun.

Fortunately, there was an ample supply of sea coal as they were only a few miles from the coast. Fires burnt in all the main chambers most of the year round. They would be a trifle cramped in their new abode but there were some advantages as they would now be considerably warmer, especially during the long winter months.

Two days after their move Grace was sitting on the window seat in the oriel window that overlooked the long drive leading to the Hall. She squealed and shouted in a most unladylike manner that Eleanor attend her at once.

‘I see two very smart carriages. They are pulled by the most wonderful team of matching black horses and have just entered the drive. There’s a third coach piled high with trunks and baggage lumbering along half a mile behind the other two.’

‘I can see them. There’s a distinct possibility that if we can see them, if they happen to be looking in this direction, then they can see us too. I hardly think it appropriate that someone of our standing should be seen gawping out of the window like a villager.’

‘Ellie, you sound like Miss Travers, when did you get to be so prim and proper?’

She sniffed and then giggled as she’d sounded exactly like their mama. ‘Do not call me Ellie, my name is Eleanor. If I sound like our old governess then that is the highest compliment you could pay me. I wish she hadn’t married the vicar and left us so suddenly.’

Gently she persuaded her sister away from the window. ‘If we stand in the shadows then we can see everything without the danger of being seen ourselves. Our mother will be mortified to be absent when the first of the contenders arrives. I imagine it must be Mr Adam Somiton as Captain Leo Somiton could not possibly afford such luxurious vehicles.’

‘Either he has a great many personal servants or he’s bringing a wife and several children,’ Grace said.

‘Mama told us yesterday that neither of the gentlemen are married, don’t you recall that? This means he must have several siblings.’

‘No, Eleanor, it might mean that he’s brought a plethora of elderly relatives – his mama, grandmama and various aunts. I don’t suppose there could be any uncles as they would be the one in line for the title.’

‘They could be uncles on the maternal side and therefore not eligible.’ Eleanor laughed. ‘If we remain where we are then we shall see for ourselves who has accompanied him.’

As the first carriage halted the front door swung open and Mr Grimshaw, accompanied by the housekeeper, Cooper, and the butler hurried down the wide marble steps beneath the portico to greet whoever was in the carriage.

‘If it’s Grimshaw then it must be Adam Somiton,’ she whispered to her sister. Her mouth curved as there was no need to speak quietly, but the clandestine nature of their viewing made soft voices seem imperative.

A tall, raven dark, gentleman emerged first, closely followed by a second identical gentleman. They must be twins, but which one was the possible future earl she had no notion. Then a third man jumped out. He was definitely not a relative as he had hair the colour of autumn leaves – he must be of Irish descent.

They watched with interest, but no sisters, aunts, uncles or anyone else emerged from the carriage. The three of them strode in as if they owned the place – which one of them most likely did.

Adam stopped to talk briefly to those waiting to greet them and then walked into the vast entrance hall. Edward brought up the rear as was only right as he was an employee and not a member of the family.

The floor was marble, and magnificent, elaborately-carved wooden staircases clung to the walls on either side and led to a galleried upper hall. The walls were hung with portraits, presumably they were in some way related to Adam and Richard but he could see no resemblance to either of them.

‘God in his heaven, Adam, it’s freezing in here. I cannot imagine how unpleasant it is in the winter,’ Richard said.

‘Not to mention how expensive it must be to run. What do you think, Edward?’

Edward agreed with every word his employer said. ‘If it was mine then I’d raze it to the ground and build something more manageable. There must be over a hundred rooms and I doubt that any of them will be any warmer than this space.’

The black crow who’d summoned Adam and his brother here fluttered around them. ‘My lord, if you would care to accompany me to the study then I can show you the pertinent documents that confirm your claim to the title.’ He spoke without looking at either of them obviously unsure which was which.

Richard stepped forward instead of Adam, as often happened, as nobody could tell them apart. They deliberately dressed identically and in public their mannerisms were similar.

Edward followed Adam up the left-hand staircase. Once they were out of sight of the others, they exchanged a smile.

‘Was that intentional, Adam?’

‘Absolutely not. But I’m glad my brother has gone off with that irritating lawyer. Why in God’s name would anyone want to lay claim to either the title or this monstrosity? It’s a money pit and however much I stand to inherit I’m certain half the annual income will go into maintaining this place.’

‘You’ve doubled your fortune, must be one of the warmest men in England, but you don’t have entry to the best drawing rooms and becoming a member of the aristocracy would give you this.’

‘I’ve little interest in becoming a member of the ton. The toffs I’ve met have not impressed me with their intelligence, compassion or anything else for that matter. I believe a man should make his own way in the world as Richard and I have done. Having it handed to one is a recipe for disaster.’

Edward chuckled. He was well used to hearing this sort of tirade. Whilst Adam wasn’t exactly a radical, he certainly wasn’t interested in becoming one of the elite who basically ran the country.

‘As your man of business, if my opinion was sought, I’d recommend that you refuse the title and inheritance and let the other unfortunate gentleman take over this responsibility. You have two fleets of merchant ships, manufactories and a dozen other lucrative businesses. Why would you want to be obliged to live here when you have a magnificent, modern edifice of your own?’

‘Then I’ll let Richard masquerade as the Earl of Marchant. He’ll love every minute of the play-acting and I can’t see that it will make a jot of difference to anyone.’

Edward nodded his agreement and wandered to the window. A few hundred yards from the turning circle he could quite clearly see a substantial house and if he wasn’t mistaken there were two young ladies watching from an upstairs window.

‘Come and see this, Adam. I think that must be the Dower House and the two girls watching must be the ousted family. One Lady Eleanor, the eldest, and the other Lady Grace.’

‘This situation must be difficult for them. I’ve no intention of meeting any of the family as I’m, as far as everyone is now concerned, just the younger brother. Please go over there and speak to the countess and her daughters and reassure them that they are perfectly welcome to remain in their ancestral home if that’s what they wish.’

‘If you’re just a younger brother then I don’t believe you’re in a position to offer them anything.’ He said this with a straight face and Adam laughed.

‘A hit direct, my friend. I’m going to explore the premises, speak to the senior staff. Would you join Richard and let him know that his temporary elevation is to be permanent? I want you to remain here and run things for me. We both know that my brother will lose interest in being an aristocrat if he has any work to do.’

Edward went in search of Richard – or should he now address him as my lord? In fact, the younger of the twins was far better suited to being an aristocrat so this suggestion made perfect sense. The fact that it was possibly going to cause unnecessary confusion, and was quite definitely illegal, didn’t bother him. What did, was if Richard began to believe he was really the new Earl of Marchant, fell in love with a hopeful young lady and wanted to marry her.

He would have to step in before it got to that. He smiled. From what he’d gathered about this conundrum there was another strong candidate for the title. It was going to be a very interesting few weeks.

Grimshaw’s irritating voice echoed down the corridor and made it easy to locate his quarry. He walked in and cleared his throat noisily. Richard glanced in his direction and immediately got the message.

‘One moment, Grimshaw, I must speak to my man of business.’

The black crow looked confused. Richard gestured imperiously to the door and the man scuttled out leaving them alone.

‘Adam says he wants you to continue as the heir presumptive. You don’t have to change your name – that would be too confusing – people will just assume that you were born first, not him.’

‘How long will I have to keep up the masquerade?’

‘Until it’s clear that Adam’s actually the earl. Then we will have to come clean as…’

‘I don’t see why. I’m perfectly capable of running these estates, with your help of course.’

‘Nobody’s disputing that, Richard. Think about it, my friend, neither of you could get married as to do so would be invalid thus making more problems later. There would be no legitimate heirs in the direct line once again.’

‘That’s a fair point. If this must be a temporary subterfuge then I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.’ He grinned – this was the one time Edward was always certain which twin he was speaking to as Adam didn’t grin. ‘In future, my good man, you will address me as my lord.’

Edward swept him an extravagant bow and at that exact moment Grimshaw returned. He hopped from foot to foot and then he too bowed to Richard. Edward was hard put to hide his smile.

‘Forgive me, my lord, but Mr Somiton is outside beckoning to me. His irascible temper makes it imperative that I respond immediately.’

Richard waved an airy hand in dismissal and turned his back to continue to peruse the evidential documents set out on the table.

Adam had been watching this pantomime from the terrace and the quickest way to join him was through the French doors in the cavernous drawing room. He ran the full length and skidded to a halt in front of the doors.

‘What the devil was all that about?’ Adam greeted him with a smile but Edward knew he wasn’t pleased.

‘Just Richard’s tomfoolery. He understands his role in this and knows that when the matter’s settled he’ll reveal his true name and you can step into his shoes.’

‘I’ve had time to reconsider this exchange of persona and have come to the conclusion that it was a bad idea. However reluctant I am to take on the responsibility it would be remiss of me to make a mockery of it in this way.’

The French doors opened for a second time and Richard emerged having overheard the last comment.

‘I was about to say the same thing, brother. I enjoyed it whilst it lasted. What I was going to suggest was that there is absolutely no reason why we can’t continue as we did before, only now we will be situated here and not in London.’

The two men embraced. Edward knew himself fortunate to work for them. They were excellent fellows and in another few years he would have sufficient invested in their lucrative businesses to be able to buy his own estate and start looking for a suitable wife. He could hardly do so until he was sufficiently well established to be able to provide for her and any future children.

The lawyer was watching through the window. ‘I’ll go in and explain that you were merely having a jest at his expense. Before I do so, how strong is your case for inheritance?’

‘The male line appears to trace back five generations to a younger brother but apparently it’s not clear if one of our male ancestors was actually married at the time his son was born. So far they’ve not been able to find any evidence to confirm this.’ Richard shrugged, unbothered by whatever the result might be as his life was unlikely to change.

Adam laughed. ‘Then the next few weeks or months are going to be interesting. The estates must be run, the staff paid and decisions made by someone. The year’s mourning for the deceased earl was up two weeks ago and Grimshaw was very clear that no further funds will be available until this matter is settled.’

Chapter Two

‘Quickly, Grace, the red-headed gentleman is striding this way. I must greet him when he arrives as our mother is absent,’ Eleanor said as she grabbed her sister’s arm and pulled her towards the staircase.

‘Do I look my best, sister, or should I change my gown?’

‘I hardly think it matters as this isn’t anyone important. He’s obviously not a contender for the title but an employee of some sort.’

‘I shall change anyway. I like to make the best impression on any gentleman. You never know, he might convey his admiration to the ears of the new earl. Remember, I wish him to present me next Season.’

With a sigh of frustration at her sister’s vanity Eleanor picked up her skirts and hurried downstairs so she could be sitting calmly in the drawing room when a footman answered the door and Fletcher came to ask if she was receiving.

She shook out the skirts of her cream and gold sprigged muslin gown and glanced in the overmantel glass to check there were no smuts on her face. It was possible that her elaborate hair arrangement had become dislodged as she’d been dashing around the place in a most unladylike manner.

It would only take the gentleman a few minutes to reach the front door but that was ample time for her to recover her composure and be ready to greet him. She picked up the copy of Ackermann’s Repository that had arrived only two days ago and pretended to be engrossed in it. With the door closed she couldn’t hear if anyone knocked on the front door.

‘I beg your pardon for disturbing you, my lady, but there is a gentleman sent by Lord Somiton who wishes to see you.’ Fletcher was poised in the half-opened door.

‘Please show him in.’ She rose smoothly to her feet, timing it perfectly so that this flame-headed visitor arrived just as she stood up with as much grace as she could muster.

‘My lady, forgive me for disturbing you, but I am sent by Lord Somiton to speak to the Countess of Marchant.’

She nodded regally and for some reason gestured that he be seated. The intention had been to hear what he had to say and then dismiss him and she was astonished at her actions. To be honest, he looked equally surprised at her behaviour. He waited politely until she was settled before speaking again.

‘I am Lord Somiton and Mr Somiton’s man of business, Edward Revere. I have come to enquire if you are happy living here or if you would rather return to the Hall. There’s ample room for a dozen families to live there and not need to speak to one another if they did not wish to.’

She was pleasantly surprised at his well-modulated tone and gentlemanly manner. ‘Thank you for bringing the message, Mr Revere. I am Lady Eleanor Somiton and unfortunately my mother is visiting in the neighbourhood at present so I cannot give you a definitive answer.’

‘Might I be so bold as to enquire why you felt the necessity to move before our arrival?’

‘Mama does not wish to be involved in the inevitable confrontations that will ensue when the second candidate and his family arrive.’

‘Captain Leo Somiton is presently serving with Wellington on the continent. The battle of Waterloo has been won but I doubt that he’ll be able to return to England for a few more months.’

This was news indeed and not good news either. Forgetting he was a mere servant, even if a senior one, she blurted out her worries to him. ‘Unless his lawyers accept that your master’s is the superior claim and renounces his own, then the estates will be in disarray.’

‘If only it were so simple, my lady. One cannot simply renounce one’s inheritance when it relates to a title of such antiquity and importance. Obviously, my employer, who has a direct line of descent from the third son of the earl, is confident that his claim is just.’

‘Captain Somiton also has a direct line of descent, so I’m told.’

‘Indeed, that is correct. However, his connection is through the fourth son and my employer’s is through the third.’

‘In that case, I cannot see why there’s a dispute.’

Mr Revere looked slightly uncomfortable at this question but rallied wonderfully. ‘I’ll be blunt, my lady, it seems that so far no record of a marriage between this third son and his wife has been found and this is what’s causing the confusion.’

‘I can see that might cause difficulties. Are you confident that evidence will be found eventually?’

‘We are, ma’am, and therefore Lord Somiton is in residence and can take over his responsibilities.’

‘In which case, Mr Revere, I can see no necessity for this Captain Somiton to be involved at all.’

This was a most unusual conversation to be having with a complete stranger. In fact, she should not be talking to a gentleman without a chaperone in attendance. Fletcher had remained, statue still, just inside the doorway so she must suppose that would serve the purpose.

‘To return to my original question, my lady, do you think that the countess will wish to return to the Hall or remain here?’

Eleanor stood up thinking the conversation had gone on for quite long enough. Her mother would have a conniption fit when she heard what had taken place between her and this very attractive and quite charming gentleman.

He immediately got to his feet and his lips curved in the suggestion of a smile. ‘You made the right decision, my lady, moving here. It’s more comfortable and far warmer than that barracks of a place.’

‘I should not do so, sir, but I’m forced to agree with you. I’m hoping that my parent will wish to remain here because I certainly prefer it.’

The butler stepped forward and nodded. Mr Revere took the hint and half-bowed in her direction and strode out. Such a pity he was so far beneath her as he was quite the most attractive person she’d ever set eyes on.

Edward was smiling as he left the drawing room and looked up to see a most beautiful young lady descending the stairs like an angel from heaven. Her sister was attractive, had a lively wit but was plain compared to her younger sister.

He bowed far lower than was necessary. The girl paused for a moment on the staircase and dipped into a small curtsy which was also unnecessary. Aristocrats had no need to curtsy or bow to commoners.

‘I am Lady Grace, to whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?’

‘I am Edward Revere, man of business to his lordship and his brother.’

‘I apologise for not having been down to greet you. Please convey my best wishes and warm welcome to your master.’

His smile vanished. This was the second time Adam and Richard had been referred to as his masters. As far as he was concerned they were his equals – he worked for them but they didn’t own him.

‘I bid you good afternoon, my lady.’ He nodded curtly and exited the house knowing that he was going to find it exceedingly difficult dealing with young ladies of this sort. His father had been a vicar, the younger son of the younger son of a lord. No way was he anyone’s inferior and he refused to be subservient whatever the conventions demanded. There was a difference between being an employee and a servant as far as he was concerned.

His irritation evaporated as quickly as it had arrived. His mother had been of Irish descent and he’d inherited her quick temper. He must accept that things had changed if he wished to keep his position, that he was now employed by an aristocrat and not a commoner like him.

The second carriage that had accompanied them was for their three valets and two massive canines. He refused point-blank to travel in the same carriage as these wolfhounds so the unfortunate valets had to suffer the noxious emissions for the duration of the journey from London to Suffolk.

The two hounds bounded up to him and he fondled their heads. ‘Good lads, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new home. More things to hunt here than you’re accustomed to.’

Adam beckoned vigorously from the study and he bounded up the steps eager to discover what had caused this unusual agitation. Richard was more likely to get excited about things than his brother.

‘That imbecile Grimshaw has led us astray. Take a look at these documents and see what you think.’

When he had perused the pile, Edward saw at once why Adam was so incensed. ‘God’s teeth! According to this the younger brother from whom you are descended was never married, not just to the woman supposed to have produced a legitimate son, but to anyone.’

‘Exactly so. This makes the other Somiton the new earl and he can’t be here for six months at least.’

Richard was staring out of the window and turned to join in the conversation. ‘It’s a moot point whether there was a marriage or not. The fact that there’s no evidence doesn’t mean it didn’t take place. We were already aware that so far no record had been found. Don’t you understand that this would make our grandfather and our great-uncle bastards? Does that seem likely to you?’

‘He’s got a point, Adam. From what you’ve told me about your redoubtable grandfather it seems highly unlikely that his parents were never married.’ He looked around. ‘Where’s the lawyer now?’

‘I’ve told him to find a record of the marriage. I don’t give a damn if it’s over a hundred years ago. There must be documents somewhere.’

‘What are you going to do about it? Without this crucial piece of evidence it’s going to be hard to prove your case. What do we know about your distant cousin, Adam?’

‘Leo Somiton is twenty-four years of age, a career soldier, he has a much younger sister and although he is descended from the fourth brother, the line of descent is unbroken. There’s also a cousin in the wings if he should kick the bucket.’

‘Do you intend to stand aside?’

‘I do not. I don’t want to be an earl but, in all conscience, I cannot abandon the estates. The lack of this wedding certificate is not known by the courts so, as far as they’re concerned, I am the new earl. If, when this Leo fellow eventually appears, the necessary paperwork hasn’t been discovered then I’ll happily step aside.’

‘So, for the next few months we occupy this place as if we’re the legitimate occupants,’ Richard said with a grin. ‘We must hold several balls and a garden party whilst we’re here. Is there a house in London we can occupy for the Season?’

‘I sincerely hope that this matter will be settled long before next March, brother. Now, Edward, tell me what happened at the Dower House.’

‘The countess was paying morning calls so I didn’t meet her. I met both daughters. Lady Eleanor is above average height, fair-haired and elegant. Her sister, Lady Grace, is the most beautiful young lady I’ve ever set eyes on.’ He nodded at Richard. ‘You would do well to stay away from them both, such an entanglement in the circumstances would be complicated.’

Richard laughed. ‘See, Adam, there’s always a silver lining. You can marry the elegant sister and I’ll marry the beautiful one. Nothing like keeping it in the family.’

‘They have no intention of returning here. From the outside this is a handsome building, the grounds are splendid, even the horses have exceptional accommodation, but I’d still prefer to be living in the Dower House which is a sensible size,’ Edward said.

‘You and Richard will be travelling back and forth to take care of business. I’m not comfortable being so far away from our headquarters,’ Adam responded.

‘I see no reason why we can’t exchange personas occasionally, Adam, so that you can continue to oversee our fleets,’ Richard replied.

‘In which case, Edward, you must remain the constant here. I suppose we’d better inspect our accommodation. There seems to be an adequate number of servants and I want you to speak to the butler and housekeeper. Make whatever changes you think necessary. I trust your judgement implicitly.’

‘I’ll do that first. Presumably you need to speak to the estate manager as well as look at the ledgers?’

‘No, I’ll leave that to you.’

‘Are you saying that you wish me to oversee the running of the estates?’

‘As you’re going to be here, and Richard and I will be spending time dealing with business matters elsewhere, it makes sense. I’m assuming that whoever the estate manager is, he’s been doing an efficient job.’

‘I’ll speak to the senior staff first and then go in search of this person. Grimshaw really should have supplied you with all that information as it’s equally as important as all these documents about your ancestry.’

‘Good man, we knew we could rely on you.’

Both Adam and Richard strode off leaving him to send for the butler and the housekeeper. He preferred to be busy and it would make a welcome change dealing with people and estates rather than ships and factories.

Eleanor was unsurprised that her sister had taken exception to the attractive red-haired man.

‘He was most abrupt and didn’t seem at all impressed by my gown and I put it on especially for him.’

‘It matters not what Mr Revere thought of your appearance, dearest, as he’s an employee of the new earl.’

Her sister pouted – and even doing that still remained quite beautiful. At two and twenty Eleanor was resigned to being unmarried. Of course, she’d had a dozen offers on her one and only foray into society two years ago, but none of them had appealed to her. If she couldn’t marry a man she not only loved, but also respected and admired, she preferred to remain single.

Papa had settled a small fortune on each of his daughters. This would become her husband’s property if she was foolish enough to marry, whereas now she had full use of the interest without having to ask permission from anyone.

‘That’s all very well for you to say so, Eleanor, but I wished him to find me so beautiful that he ran at once to his master and relayed this information. I fear he scarcely noticed me.’ She tossed her head and her golden ringlets bounced on either side of her face. ‘I don’t admire a man with hair the colour of leaves. I much prefer a man with dark hair, don’t you?’

‘I have no opinion on the matter, dearest. I believe I heard a carriage approaching. Mama will be most put out to have missed the arrival of these gentlemen.’

Their mother sailed in, resplendent in a puce silk gown and matching bonnet. ‘I came back as soon as I heard. Have you met the new incumbent, daughters?’

‘A Mr Revere came to speak to us, but not the man himself. There were two identical gentlemen, both with coal-black hair and standing at least two yards high. I’ve no idea which of them is the new Earl of Marchant.’

‘I shall send a note at once inviting them for dinner. The sooner I meet the person who is going to be your guardian, Grace, the happier I shall be.’

‘This evening?’ Eleanor asked. ‘Do not you think it better to leave it a day or two and allow him to contact you?’

‘I am quite definitely a countess; it is yet to be established if he is an earl. Therefore, he is obliged to accept my invitation whether he wishes to or not.’

‘In which case, Mama, I’ll speak to Simmons at once and she can inform Cook that we’re likely to have three gentlemen guests for dinner tonight.’

‘Three? How can there be three, child?’

Grace giggled. ‘There are two, identical twins I think, only one of which has the title, of course. Plus, one Mr Revere, their man of business. You cannot ask one without the other two.’

‘Well, that makes things even more interesting. It will be quite delightful entertaining an array of young gentlemen tonight. It must be two years since anyone dined here apart from family.’

‘Actually, Mama, nobody has dined here since grandmama died and that must be a decade ago.’

Both her mother and her sister laughed as Eleanor had known they would. They were a loving family unit and she was quite certain that Mama was much recovered since she had been made a widow just over a year ago. Watching the man that she’d loved suffer so terribly before he finally passed away, must have been so hard for her.

Organising the menu for an elaborate dinner party for so few was nothing in comparison to the banquets and routs that she used to help her mother with before Papa had fallen sick and taken to his bed. Having fulfilled her mother’s request, she dashed upstairs and changed into her riding habit. She had ample time before she was obliged to get ready for dinner. What she needed was some fresh air and a gallop through the countryside would be perfect.

They didn’t keep country hours as Papa had preferred to eat later than five o’clock each evening. Therefore, as it was only a little after two, this gave her at least two hours to gallivant about the estate on her massive gelding, Major.

There was no necessity for a groom to accompany her as she intended to stay on Somiton land. She rode astride, wore men’s breeches beneath her skirts so there was no danger of anybody seeing even a glimpse of ankle. Again, if she intended to go into the village or further afield then she would always ride side-saddle as was expected of a young lady.

Major had belonged to her father and he had given him to her when he was first taken ill. Mama had been horrified that her eldest daughter was to ride such a large beast but didn’t interfere. The gelding had a light mouth, a gentle nature and could clear a six-foot hedge with no difficulty.

She returned within the two hours, breathless, pink-cheeked and exhilarated. She’d walked the horse the last mile so he was cool enough to be stabled immediately. She handed the reins to a waiting stableboy, gathered up her skirt, and ran to the side door which was nearest to the stable yard.

Dawson had filled the hip bath with rose-scented water and placed the lacquered screen around it.

‘What do you wish me to put out for this evening, my lady?’

‘The apricot silk, Dawson, I’ve yet to wear that evening gown and tonight I must look my best.’

The staff would be well aware who was coming to dinner so there was no need to elaborate. Dawson was an excellent dresser, of middle years, softly spoken, and loyal to a fault. She would be quite lost without her.

Grace, as always, was tardy but Eleanor, as always, waited for her sister so if there was to be a reprimand, then they would both receive it.

‘I’ve not seen that gown before, Eleanor, it’s quite beautiful and suits you perfectly. Isn’t it wonderful that our mother doesn’t require us to wear insipid pastels?’

‘It is indeed, dearest. However, I’m not sure that she actually agreed to you purchasing a gown in such a bright colour.’

‘It’s only the underskirt that’s emerald green, sister, and that only shows a little when I walk. The over skirt is silver gauze and that is quite unexceptionable. Do you like the way my hair is arranged tonight?’

It looked exactly the same as always, but Eleanor thought it best not to say so. ‘You look quite stunning, Grace, and I’m sure our guests will appreciate the trouble we’ve taken with our appearance. Shall we descend? I believe I heard them enter five minutes ago.’