“I was simply waiting for you to address me, my lord. Given your new status in life, I did not wish to seem impertinent by simply greeting you.” Her cheeky smile warmed his heart as his own smile broadened.
The rest of the greetings and pleasantries were exchanged before everyone took their seats again. Tea was served, and the visit commenced.
Julian purposefully chose the seat furthest from Miss Everet, but his decision did not seem to impact her enthusiasm at all.
“Did you enjoy your ride to Redding Hall, my lord? I should love to see it someday. I have never been.” She blurted as her cheeks once again filled with color.
Juliette and her mother exchanged a look over the rims of their teacups as an awkward silence descended on them all.
He cleared his throat before forcing a smile. “I am certain that my mother and sister will have you over for tea when the time comes, Miss Everet. I am afraid that it will not be soon, as there are many repairs that need to be made.”
“Is it that bad?” His mother asked, her face growing more somber as she met his gaze.
Benedict answered for him, glancing at Eleanor before proceeding. “The repairs are quite extensive, but I am certain that they can be managed, given the right management and time.”
Julian relaxed a little and sipped his tea as Miss Evert looked at her lap.
It was not that he despised the young woman or even that he found her unattractive. They had known each other for many years through their parents, but Julian had noticed that her feelings seemed to have grown far beyond what he had felt toward her.
“Thank you, Mr. Southampton. Coming from you, I have high hopes that our Julian will be able to manage the transition.” His mother smiled at him, her eyes gleaming with pride.
“And will you be participating in the season this year, my lord?” Eleanor blurted out again.
All eyes turned to her with looks of sympathy as her face flushed.
“What I mean is, you are now a lord. Surely it will be expected of you to attend all of thetonevents?” She sipped from her cup gingerly in an attempt to hide her blush.
“I shall see, Miss Everet. Although I am not one for dancing and frivolity. I do, however, wish you a fruitful season with many suitors. I am certain that your dance card will see no end to the young men signing their names.” Julian attempted to gently steer her in a different direction.
Juliette spoke next in one of her obnoxious attempts to save the day. “And what an interesting season we shall have. I hear that there are plenty of young debutants who will be gracing us with their presence.”
The simple piece of gossip seemed to do the trick as Miss Evert perked up. “I heard the same, and did you hear, we are to havean American in our midst this year?” Her eyes sparkled as if she were sharing secrets from the Queen herself.
“Are we? That is interesting. I do love an American accent; they sound so fierce the way they pronounce their words.” His mother smiled at Miss Everet over her cup of tea with a teasing glint in her eyes.
Eleanor nodded excitedly as she shifted forward on the settee with her cup of tea still in hand. “I know, I cannot wait until she makes an appearance. It is so thrilling. My mama said that she is Lady Brewster’s niece.”
Bendict seemed to cheer up at the change in atmosphere and conversation. “That would make sense. Lady Brewster did hail from the Americas before she married Lord Brewster.”
Julian relaxed a little as the conversation no longer seemed to require input.
“Do you think she will come and shake us all up? They can be quite forceful, or at least, Lady Brewster is quite outgoing. I wonder if her niece is anything like her. She could be quite beautiful, just like her aunt. Do you suppose she is looking for a husband?” Juliette asked thoughtfully.
Her question seemed to spark something within Miss Everet as her entire posture stiffened, and her demeanor changed. “Well, if she is, she will not have any luck here in England. Englishmenare far more refined when it comes to choosing their wives. She is more than likely far too crass for our men.” She sniffed importantly and pursed her already thin lips into a line.
Julian’s mother giggled behind her cup. “Perhaps she should try Scotland then? The Scottish men are well known for liking a bit of fire in their women.”
The smile on Juliette’s face broadened as she looked at her brother. “I would not mind marrying a Scotsman. Perhaps I shall move to the highlands and become the wife of a laird. It all sounds very riveting.”
“Certainly not, you shall not leave England unless Mother and I are with you,” Julian said instantly, forgetting his decision not to partake in the conversation.
Eleanor perked up instantly again.
“You see, a proper Englishman of good breeding knows what is right. Lord Brester was lucky to find an American woman who is as beautiful as Lady Brewster. I highly doubt that her niece is the same. The young lady more than likely grew up on a farm and has no idea how to conduct herself in polite society. I suspect that is why Lady Brewster is taking her under her wing. The poor thing probably need all of the help she can get.”
“If that is the case, then Lady Brewster is a kind soul, and we shall all welcome her niece,” His mother added gently to try to calm the conversation.
“I agree, Mama. In fact, I hope we all become great friends with the young lady.” Juliette beamed despite the scowl on Eleanor’s face.