“Thank you, Easton,” Kathryn said. “I appreciate your offer to accompany us. The outing will give us more time to catch up.”
Easton nodded at his sister. “Of course. I’d like that as well.” He was spared making any further promises when Sir Samuel spoke up.
“I’ve arranged a bit of a surprise for the ladies,” Sam said.
At that moment, two young servants walked in, carrying the twins.
“Oh, what a treat,” Lady Devon said, squeezing Sam’s arm. “Thank you. You’re a dear, sweet man for letting them come down for a visit before bed.”
Lady Devon, along with Kathryn and the Fletcher women, walked over to the children. “Oh my goodness, they’ve grown so much since the last time I saw them,” Lady Fletcher said.
Kathryn was beaming. “I know,” she said, kissing each twin’s cheek. “Hello, my darlings.”
The babies cooed at their mother.
“You’ve got a fine family,” Fletcher said to Sam as they watched the women enjoying the children.
“Thank you. I think so too.”
“How’s the estate? Will you implement the new farming technique we discussed?”
Sam nodded. “Yes, it makes a lot of sense to keep some of the land fallow. I met with the tenants before we came to London and let them decide which land needed the rest. They’ve been working it for years and know it better than anyone.”
“That’s a wise choice.”
“Shall we have tea tomorrow?” Kathryn asked Lady Fletcher.
“Perhaps you and Lady Devon would care to come for nuncheon tomorrow instead? At that time of day, William is usually awake, and you’ll be able to see him before he goes down for an afternoon nap.”
Lady Devon clapped her hands. “I’d love that. Thank you, my dear.”
“My pleasure, Lady Devon.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Kathryn said. She kissed the twins one last time before they were taken up to the nursery for bed.
Mia was delighted whenthey walked into the Devon House drawing room and found Lord Easton standing with his parents. The more time they spent together, the more she looked forward to his company, which was odd because she’d known him for years and never had that reaction before.
What had changed?
She had no idea.
After their visit with the children, Jeffers announced dinner, and Easton held out his arm to escort her to the dining room. “Miss Parker, you’re looking quite beautiful this evening. That color suits you.”
“Do you think so?”
“I do indeed.”
“Thank you. That’s a lovely thing to say.”
“I’m only stating the truth.”
Easton thought she was beautiful. He’d never said anything like that before.
She gave him a brilliant smile as he pulled out her chair for her. She was pleased to see he was seated next to her for the meal.
During the course of the evening, Mia found Easton’s company quite pleasant, although she had to admit he wasn’t as witty as Lord Berkeley. No one in her acquaintance thus far could compare with Berkeley’s fun, light-hearted conversation and the hilarious stories of his childhood. Easton had no such fun stories, but she still enjoyed their conversation and was definitely looking forward to riding with him in the park.
Chapter7