Miss Fanshawe's Fortune - Linore Rose Burkard Page 0,82

to the idea of a match between them. Such a thought made her retire early.

The company regretted her going, Sebastian saying that were he not in the midst of a rubber, he should insist upon escorting her. All three men rose and bowed politely, though she kept her eyes down when curtseying in Sir Hugoʼs direction.

Had she stayed, she might have seen that Sir Hugo twice forfeited a trick, much to Edwardʼs chagrin, to give it to his mother, who was partnered with Sebastian. Both times the eyes of the baronet and the matriarch met above the cards, Sir Hugo with a little smile, and Mrs. Arundell returning the gesture.

The next day was Christmas Eve. The servants were in a bustle, scurrying to and fro in hasty last-minute preparations for the open Hall that day for the townsfolk. When Clarice did not come to wake Frannie or respond to the bell pull, Frannie realized her maid had been conscripted to help the house servants. That meant Frannie could not take breakfast in her room, though she had taken advantage of that option the day before. A meal in her room was one less over which she must face the baronet. Having scarcely said a word to him since their arrival, nor he to her, she wished to keep it that way.

She slipped into a morning gown, put on a veil with a wide head band, and arranged her hair. She grabbed her prayer book in hopes of reading the morning’s collect at breakfast, for most of the company, she felt sure, would still be abed. With any luck, she could be in and out of the morning room before the baronet would make an appearance.

When she reached the room, she was surprised to find both Sebastian and Edward already there, though not, to her relief, Sir Hugo. Mrs. Arundell too, was absent. Sebastian was reading the paper as usual, and Edward pouring himself coffee from the sideboard when she entered.

“Pray, do not rise,” she said to Sebastian, who had started to rise in order to bow a greeting. Edward, however, gave a short bow with a smile, asked if he might pour her a cup, and to her grateful nod, did so. He placed it before her and then resumed his seat.

Sebastian asked, “Is it your ambition to attend todayʼs Open Hall festivities?”

Frannie lowered her cup hastily. “No.” Judging by the heightened tension and fuss of the staff, she expected it to be a crush, and moreover wished to avoid introductions at all costs. What would she say of herself? Pleased to meet you, I’m the toad eater of the family, like the poor relation. Spending the day anywhere but near the Hall seemed her only hope of peace.

“Well, I shall be there,” said Edward carelessly. “Entertainment’s what we lack. I should very much like to see what sport or diversions may arise.”

Sebastian, lowering his head to regard his brother from above his spectacles, said, “What do you anticipate? I believe the townsfolk come in expectation of food, ale, and dancing, nothing more.”

Edward eyes lit. “Food, ale, dancing! Sport enough for me, sir!”

Sebastian shook his head and returned his gaze to Frannie. “I’ll take you for a countryside drive, if that suits you.”

“Very much, thank you!” Her heart soared at the thought that he would spend his afternoon with her to entertain her.

“Mama may like it as well,” Edward chimed in.

“Mama is welcome to join us,” his brother said.

At that moment Mrs. Arundell swept in, her colour high. “Mama will not join you, dearest, though I thank you for the thought. Sir Hugo has asked me to preside with him over the Open Hall. I daresay he finds it a challenge. Lord Malcolm did not invite the townsfolk these five years, Hugo says. He is unused to it.”

Sebastian nodded. “Whereas you, dearest, will be in your element.”

She smiled contentedly. “I shall be of some use to him, I am sure. There are things only a woman can properly see to, you know, especially when it concerns hospitality.” She looked around brightly. “I do hope, Beau, you won’t neglect Frannie for a minute.”

“Not in the least.” He looked at Frannie, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

“Thank you, maʼam,” Frannie said. “Mr. Arundell has promised a drive through the countryside.” She looked back at him. A shimmer of pleasant anticipation ran through her.

The boys’ mother smiled. “Good of you, Beau. Only do not be out too long. You will both need to refresh