“Sir Samuel, Lady Clifford, welcome back to Devon House,” Jeffers said, holding the door wide so they could enter.
“Thank you, Jeffers. Always nice to see a familiar face,” Kathryn said. “I hope you’re well.”
He nodded. “I am, my lady. Thank you for asking. Your mother is in the drawing room.”
Before Kathryn and Sam could walk through the foyer to the drawing room, Lady Devon came rushing out to greet them. “My darling girl, you’re finally here,” she said, hugging Kathryn, then turned to Sam. “Sir Samuel, thank you for bringing my daughter and grandchildren to London.”
“The pleasure was mine, Lady Devon,” Sam said with a bow.
“Come, you both must be parched from your travels. I’ve ordered a tea tray, which should arrive shortly.”
“Thank you, Mama. A hot cup of tea sounds heavenly.”
“How was the ride?”
“For the most part, things went well,” Sam said.
“The most part?” Lady Devon asked.
“Jane was becoming fussy when we entered the outskirts of London, and before long, she’d woken up her brother,” Kathryn explained.
“I see. It’s hard on the children, but you’re here now, and I’m overjoyed to see you all again.”
It didn’t take long for the tea tray to arrive, and Kathryn poured out, handing Sam and her mother cups before preparing one for herself.
“Mama, I want to thank you for hiring the nannies. That was a most pleasant surprise.”
“Of course, dear. I thought you’d enjoy a little break from caring for them full-time.”
“Raising twins can be a little overwhelming sometimes, but I do love them so. I’ll be hiring a nanny when we return home, as I’m sure they’ll be crawling soon.”
“How delightful! I’m excited to see them later, after they’ve had a chance to rest. By the way, I’ve invited the Fletchers to dinner tomorrow evening.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m anxious to see Lady Fletcher again. I haven’t seen the baby in a few months. They grow so fast.”
“Indeed they do.”
“Will Easton be attending tomorrow evening as well?” Kathryn asked. “I’d love to see my brother again. It’s been too long.”
“I’ve informed him you’re in town, so I hope he’ll attend as well.”
“It’ll be good to see him.”
“Sir Samuel—” Lady Devon began.
“My lady, please call me Sam. When you say ‘sir,’ it makes me think my father is behind me.”
“Of course, Sam. How are things on the estate?”
That brought a smile to his face. “It’s going quite well. I didn’t realize how much I missed being there. My father managed the estate well, and Michael, unfortunately, didn’t live long enough to enact any plans of his own, which I think turned out to be a good thing. He never once checked on the tenants or determined whether anything was needed. I’m afraid all my brother cared about was the profit from the estate and not the people who worked the land.”
“Your brother’s death was indeed a tragic accident,” Lady Devon said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I wish we’d been closer, but that never happened. Michael didn’t seem to like having a little brother around. His death was so unexpected, but it made me realize that I must embrace every day with joy. Life can change in an instant.”
Kathryn smiled at her husband and squeezed his hand as they sat together on the sofa. “In addition to everything else he’s handling, Sam has made plans to expand the garden, which will be quite beautiful when it’s done,” she added.
Lady Devon nodded. “That’s wonderful. I’m sure it’ll be spectacular. I know how much you enjoy gardening.”