Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,44

already changed lives.”

“Hawke, I thought your idea of adding shops for carpentry and masonry skills was brilliant,” Warenton added.

Captain Hawke’s smile suggested he appreciated the compliment. “London can always use more craftsmen.” The two couples continued the conversation as they moved into the ballroom.

Viscount and Lady Frost were next in the line. Eleanor adored Julia and her friendly charm. Oliver, Viscount Frost, was more reserved than his wife but his gruffness hid a heart of gold. Their two daughters were much like Julia in looks though the younger one had their father’s quiet nature. Julia was expecting again and was convinced the babe was a boy.

Frost and Douglas shared a dislike of large crowds that had given them something to commiserate about, and after visiting the viscount’s library, Douglas had developed a fascination for medieval tomes.

“Was the book I found for you helpful?” Frost asked Eleanor while his wife and Douglas visited.

“It is perfect,” Eleanor whispered. “I can’t wait to give it to him.” The viscount had been kind enough to help Eleanor select a medieval text to give Douglas for Christmas. She knew he’d be thrilled with the book.

“I look forward to discussing it with him in the coming months,” he added before escorting his wife into the ballroom.

When Frost had mentioned a few years ago that he and Julia had taught a few young boys from the street to read, Eleanor had been fascinated. The charities had all added an education component for people of all ages who wanted to learn to read and write.

They moved on to the Earl and Countess of Adair. “Thank you both for coming,” Eleanor greeted them with a smile.

The earl was Captain Hawke’s older brother. His wife, Grace, had been a widow with a young son when they had met. The couple had two additional sons since their marriage with Grace hopeful their next child would be a daughter.

“Tristan and I are pleased to join the celebration.” Grace smiled at her husband.

“Indeed, we are,” the earl agreed. “Did you still want to arrange for a tour of Adair House?”

The couple had founded a home for those who needed a temporary helping hand to get them back on their feet. Not only did the home provide a place to stay, including meals, but the staff offered other assistance from education to introductions for various positions—anything to help individuals stand on their own again.

Douglas nodded. “A friend of ours is interested in setting up a similar home, and I immediately thought of yours.”

“Happy to share what we’ve learned.” Adair turned to the man behind Grace. “You remember our friend, Baron Dumont?”

“Of course.” Douglas nodded. “Good to see you again.”

Cole Dumont’s love of the land and care for his tenants had caught Douglas’s notice immediately and gained his respect.

Katherine, his wife, had also been a widow when the pair had met. She was a gifted seamstress who Grace had befriended soon after her arrival in London. Katherine’s life had been difficult before her marriage to Cole. Now her time was spent with their two children, a boy and a girl, as well as helping her husband with their estate. She tended to observe quietly until she had something to share.

Eleanor thought others in the ton could learn from Katherine, including Lady Elizabeth, who remained a spinster. Eleanor loved knowing that the couple had found love at Christmas, much like she and Douglas had.

The Earl and Countess of Aberland greeted them warmly. Theirs was another story that Eleanor enjoyed hearing. Sophia had been a companion of Aberland’s grandmother when they’d met. Aberland had not been pleased to return home from a trip abroad—secretly spying for the queen—to find a stranger living under his roof. Sophia had serious reservations when she realized her feelings for Aberland were growing, considering she thought him a terrible rake.

“Happy Christmas,” Viscount Rutland said.

“Spencer and I are pleased to be here.” Lady Rutland, Dalia, was one of Lettie Hawke’s younger sisters.

Eleanor studied both Aberland and Rutland, wondering what made these two men take such risks with their lives, as Rutland also worked for British Intelligence. Then again, Captain Hawke and Viscount Frost had been in the Navy, which made her realize all the men she’d come to know had considerable courage.

Lord and Lady Rutland had started a charity for fallen women that was now part of the Seven Curses Charities.

“So wonderful to spend Christmas Eve with you,” Lillian said.

“We’re thrilled you’re here.” Eleanor squeezed her gloved hands. “You know, this evening is