“Absolutely.”
Fletcher went to the sideboard, poured a splash of brandy into two glasses, and handed one to him.
“Thank you. So, tell me. How has it been here at Dandridge Manor? From what I’ve seen of it so far, which isn’t much, it’s a lovely country home,” Easton said.
“It is indeed, and I’m glad we ventured here this summer. It’s been a pleasure being out of London.”
“Quite idyllic out here, unlike London, although it’s been quiet in Town for the last month, now that most of thetonhas headed off to the country to avoid the heat.”
“What have you been doing to keep yourself entertained these days?” Fletcher asked.
Easton recounted the story about his near miss being leg-shackled to one of the most ruthless young ladies he’d ever had the misfortune to meet in far greater detail than he’d shared with his sister
“Blast, man, that sounds dreadful.”
“Believe me, it was. I was so thankful when Melrose and Harrington refuted her story. I owe them my life.”
“I’ve met Harrington, but I’m not acquainted with Melrose. Have you known him long?”
Easton nodded. “Yes, we went to university together. It’s good to have friends.”
“Indeed it is. Your father has become one of my dearest friends. He’s been very helpful with all the parliamentary business,” Fletcher said.
Easton chuckled. “My father likes nothing more than sharing his opinions on the bills that come up for review.”
“I’ve learned a great deal from him, and I’m eternally grateful for my solicitor introducing us.”
Easton sipped his brandy while Fletcher told him about the family’s time at Dandridge Manor.
“Tell me, how has my sister fared this summer?”
“What do you mean? She seems quite happy here.”
“I’ve noticed that myself,” Easton said.
“Oh? Care to elaborate?”
“I witnessed my sister and Mr. Clifford together in the garden today. They didn’t notice me at first, but after he proposed, I made my presence known.”
“Proposed? I wasn’t aware that was going to happen, although my dear wife informed me not long ago of their growing attachment to each other.”
“I told my sister I would help plead her case to Father. You know how he is—such a stickler about propriety and appearances. Even as the heir to a baronetcy, Mr. Clifford is far below my sister’s station.”
“Yes, I do know Lord Devon is concerned about appearances.”
“What kind of man is Mr. Clifford? I will not try to help them if he isn’t worthy of her.”
“Mr. Clifford told me about his circumstances concerning his relationship with his brother when I first met him. He’s not a servant, and is the heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy. Mr. Clifford needed some place to stay, and I needed someone to oversee the garden design here. It was beneficial to both of us. One thing I have observed is that Lady Kathryn smiles a lot more and seems more at ease here than when she was in London.”
“That’s good to know. I worried for her after her difficult time this past Season.”
Fletcher took a sip of his brandy before continuing. “Did you know Mr. Clifford was helping out Lord Ashford.”
“Our old London neighbor?”
“The very one. Evidently, Lady Kathryn and he were somewhat aware of each other from that time.”
“Really? How so?”
“From what my wife has told me, when she first introduced Mr. Clifford to Miss Parker and Lady Kathryn, he already knew who your sister was.”
“My sister used to spend a great deal of time in our London garden. Perhaps she saw him working.”
“Could be. In any case, I do hope you’re able to convince your father to let them marry. They seem well suited to one another.”
“I hope so, or else I fear my father will find some old crony to marry her and sentence my sister to a life of misery.”
“If I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thanks, Fletcher. I may indeed take you up on your offer. My sister’s future happiness may depend on it.”