“No matter. We’ll send a message advising her of it.”
Why was Lady Sarah so intent on having her here? Perhaps it was because, as a new debutante, she lacked friends in London? It seemed difficult to believe. “Then I should like to have luncheon with you. Thank you, my lady.”
Lady Sarah pulled the bell rope.
Lord Dorchester and Mr. Beaufort joined them at a long table in the formal dining room. The walls in the room featured Delftblue floral wallpaper and swags of gold damask at the windows. Gilt-framed mirrors and paintings hung on the walls, and an impressive crystal chandelier hovered overhead.
Lucy enjoyed their company. Lady Sarah and her brother traded quips, talking about growing up in Kent, fascinating Lucy, and making Mr. Beaufort laugh.
“Bragging about your prowess as a mountaineer, you climbed the apple tree to fetch me the best apple, then fell and broke your arm.” Lady Sarah’s eyes filled with mirth.
“The branch broke.” His lordship cocked an eyebrow. “Such gratitude,” he remarked, but a smile tugged at his lips.
The brother and sister were obviously on very good terms. It made Lucy wish she’d had a sibling, but her mother had died before the family had grown any larger, and her father had never remarried. He had loved Mama dearly and put flowers on her grave every Sunday after church. How she missed him. Was he well? If he had lost money at card play, his spirits would plummet.
The spread surpassed the usual offerings at her aunt’s table. A platter of salad, cold meats, and chicken plus a selection of breads, cheeses, and exotic fruits. At the conclusion of the meal, footmen served aromatic coffee in the drawing room.
Lady Sarah put down her coffee cup. “Shall we play a game of shuttlecock?”
“On a full stomach?” Lord Dorchester leaned back in his chair, a hand on his flat stomach.
She grinned. “Sorry. I forgot you were almost in your dotage.”
“Right. I’ll partner you, Miss Kershaw,” her brother said promptly, nodding at Lucy. “I require your help to teach my impertinent sister a lesson.”
Lucy tried not to be nervous as they filed out into the spring sunshine. Servants set up the net on the small lawn. She hadnever played the game, but she’d certainly give it her best and hope not to disgrace herself.
Lucy quickly picked up the rules and discovered she had an aptitude for the game. After Lady Sarah had missed a shot, Lord Dorchester and Lucy were winning. Keen not to let her partner down, she lunged for the shuttlecock when it sailed over the net. She stumbled on the uneven grass and thudded down onto her bottom.
Lord Dorchester was at her side in an instant, concern in his eyes. “Are you all right, Miss Kershaw? You haven’t turned an ankle?”
“No, my lord,” she said, silently rebuking herself for her clumsiness.
His arm around her, he helped her to stand. His warm, clean male sweat and musky cologne lingered before he moved away. She was certain her face glowed like an oil lamp, and she took several quick breaths.
Lord Dorchester turned to the footman standing nearby. “Bring a glass of lemonade for Miss Kershaw.”
Lucy shook her head. “Really, I’m perfectly all right.”
“You look a little flushed,” Lady Sarah said. “A cool drink will help. Please bring lemonade for all of us, James.”
As Lucy apologized to Lady Sarah for spoiling their game, she caught the lady’s expression when she glanced at her brother. Shocked, Lucy recognized the gleam in her eyes as satisfaction. Was Lady Sarah attempting to bring her brother and Lucy together? But why? Did she not approve of his betrothed? Might she have heard the gossip about the inheritance and considered the supposed heiress a suitable bride for her brother? Lucy’s stomach twisted at the thought. But she could have been wrong. There was really no way of knowing why she’d been welcomed as if she were one of them.
The footman returned with a tray of lemonade and offered it around. Lucy sipped hers, glad of the cool drink. She wanted to hold the glass against her hot cheeks. It was a sunny day, but a fresh spring breeze stirred the leaves of the trees in the garden. “I must return home before Aunt Mary sends someone to find me.” She smiled shakily and returned the empty glass to the footman’s tray.
“I’ll take you,” Lord Dorchester said promptly.
“Yes, take good care of Miss Kershaw, Hugh,” Lady Sarah said. “A maid will accompany you. Shall we go in, Mr. Beaufort?”
“I’d best be getting along too,” he replied.
“Yes, of course.” Lady Sarah’s smile looked forced. “A footman will bring your carriage around.” It made Lucy regret having spoiled their game.
“I’ve enjoyed the day, and the company.” With a smile that rested for a moment on Lady Sarah, and a small bow, Mr. Beaufort left them.
Lucy considered him attractive, although somewhat restrained, and it was obvious Lady Sarah thought so too, for she was clearly disappointed that he hadn’t joined her, as she watched him climb into his carriage.
“Shall we see you at the Williams’ card party on Thursday?” Lady Sarah asked.