was a fine pair of bays you recently bought.” Hugh considered it a nod from fate that he’d happened to be at Tattersalls, the popular horse auctioneer, with a friend when Waverly had made his purchase.
“Then you must know horses.” Waverly enthusiastically recounted the horses’ attributes.
Hugh enjoyed the conversation, grateful to have something in common with the man. The hours passed quickly and twilight soon darkened the view, marking the time to dress for dinner. A brisk wind had kicked up, giving a bone-chilling feel to the air, according to the newly arrived guests. The men dispersed, and Hugh found himself alone in the foyer, wishing a servant was there to direct him to his room. Hopefully, his memory would serve him well, and he turned toward the stairs.
A knock on the front door gave him pause. He didn’t want to leave guests standing on the doorstep in the foul weather. Surely whoever had arrived would have the good sense to open it themselves. As if those arriving had read his thoughts, the door rattled, suggesting someone tried but failed to open it.
Hugh glanced around but no one else was in sight. With a resigned sigh, he hurried to the door and opened it wide.
Two figures bundled in hooded capes and scarves stood on the doorstep with bags beside them. The coach in the drive pulled away toward the stables.
“Good heavens,” the shorter bundle declared in a feminine tone as she stepped inside with the aid of a cane in one hand and her companion on the other side. “What took you so long? It’s freezing out there.”
“Thank you,” added the other bundle as the pair moved forward.
“Don’t just stand there with the door open. Bring in our things.” The woman thumped her cane on the floor with her demand.
Hugh did as he was bid, not bothering to explain that he was a guest. He set the bags inside and closed the door against the cold wind that now held bits of stinging sleet.
“Do you need to be told everything?” The woman with the cane pushed back her hood to glare at him. “Show us to our rooms.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t know where they are.” Hugh hoped the butler or a footman would return to assist the unhappy woman and her companion.
“Why not?”
Hugh frowned at her demanding tone then glanced at the silent woman to find a pair of large brown eyes just visible between a red scarf and the drooping hood that covered her hair. The apology in those lovely eyes was amusing. Did she think the older woman’s request had insulted him?
“Aunt Edith, please,” she said in a soft tone as she glanced at the older woman. “There’s no need to berate anyone.”
“I wish I could be of assistance, but I’m a guest and unfamiliar with the house,” he replied then bowed. “Hugh Raybourne at your service.”
Those brown eyes widened in surprise, making him wonder why. His fingers twitched with the urge to remove her wrappings so he could better see who lay beneath. Based on her beautiful brown eyes, he had to think Miss Waverly also had some competition among the guests.
Hugh was left with his burning curiosity unfulfilled as the butler and a footman hurried into the foyer to assist the new arrivals. He could only hope the woman would join the party for dinner so he might have the chance to see her face and learn her name.
Chapter Two
Lucy checked her appearance in the cheval glass that evening after she’d dressed for dinner. She didn’t bother to look too closely. Not when she’d be with Emma.
The pale pink wool was her best gown and flattered her slim figure though she hoped its classic lines weren’t too out of fashion. A deeper shade of pink velvet marked the high waist and the neckline. Her stomach danced with excitement at the thought of joining the other guests in the drawing room before dinner. It had been a long time since she’d attempted to make conversation with strangers. What if she’d forgotten how?
She pressed a hand against her racing heart at the thought of seeing Mr. Raybourne again. Emma had been highly entertained by the details of their arrival and how Aunt Edith had assumed he was a servant. The situation had been terribly embarrassing with Aunt Edith being at her worst after travelling. The older woman had taken it as a personal affront that no one had greeted them at the door.
Mr. Raybourne’s kindness and humor had surprised