“Well, it’s a fashionable address, but I’m not particularly fond of the house. Lady Fletcher is correct—no amount of paint could brighten this house. Shall we move on to the next one?”
Everyone agreed, and they went to the next property in Marylebone. It was close to Mayfair, separated only by Oxford Street. The house’s exterior looked a little tired, but Mia wanted to give it a chance. “It’s a lovely neighborhood,” she said.
“It is indeed,” Audrey said.
Easton led the way inside, and while there wasn’t anything particularly wrong with the residence, no one was especially excited about it either.
When they left the house, Easton turned to Mia. “Don’t worry, my dear. If the next house isn’t to your liking, I’ll contact the agent for more available properties.”
Mia nodded.
When the carriage pulled up to the last address in Belgravia, Mia’s eyes widened. It was a lovely house with numerous windows on each of the three levels. It was the smallest house on the block, but it had a homey feel, especially with the flowers blooming along the walkway to the stairs.
“I do hope the inside is appropriate,” she said as they walked up the front steps.
Inside, the foyer boasted black-and-white marble tile. To the right was a formal drawing room, which, while a little dated, seemed quite serviceable.
Mia lifted one of the sheets covering the sofa. “The furniture looks to be in good condition.”
Audrey lifted the sheet on one of the chairs. “Yes, I agree.”
The first-floor tour included the drawing room, dining room, and a study for Easton. There was also a small garden at the back of the property. They toured below stairs, and the kitchen was well-appointed. There were two small offices, one each for the butler and housekeeper.
“This is basically the same layout as Fletcher House,” Audrey said. “I think this would work well for your new staff.”
The second floor boasted four good-sized bedchambers, each painted in soft pastel colors except for the lord’s room, which had dark-blue walls, with navy drapes framing the windows. After touring the servants’ quarters on the top floor, they came downstairs to the drawing room.
Easton looked at the description the agent had given him and was pleased to see there was a small stables in the back. He’d be able to keep Ares here instead of at Devon House. “What do you think, my dear?”
Mia turned to her betrothed with hopeful eyes. “I do love this one the best. Your thoughts?”
“You don’t think it’s too small?” Easton asked. “There are only four bedchambers.”
“Not at all. It has a lovely, cozy feel. I don’t need anything larger.” She looked at her sister, and Audrey nodded.
Easton looked at Fletcher. “What do you think?”
“It’s quite a nice residence. I think it would only need a few renovations to suit your tastes and seems like a solid purchase.”
“Thank you, Fletcher. I value your opinion.” He turned to Mia. “So, is this the one, my love?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes! I love it.”
“Then it shall be ours. I’ll contact the agent and make the necessary arrangements.”
“I shall give you the name of the agency I used to staff Fletcher House,” Lady Fletcher said.
“Thank you, Lady Fletcher. That would be very helpful.”
With one last look around, Mia slipped her hand in Easton’s, and they left the house.
“Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m famished,” Fletcher said. “Shall we go to Mivart’s?”
Mia nodded. “That would be delightful.”
As they drove away from her new home, Mia had never been happier. She would be starting her new life with the man she adored in a lovely house not far from her sister. She couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Chapter20