Summer's Distant Heart - Laura Landon Page 0,38

approval.”

“I’m impressed, my lady,” Miles said with a growing smile. “I’d forgotten you were so well connected.”

“Don’t ever forget it, nephew. There is hope yet for advancement in your future.”

Miles laughed. “Yes, my dearest aunt.”

Their laughter broke the tension in the room.

“The purpose of calling upon this long list of nobility is to impress and, shall we say, potentially hobble your father,” Aunt Mildred said looking at Hunter.

“I’m sure it will do exactly that,” Hunter said. He looked at Lia and smiled.

“Once we reach London,” Lia said, “Aunt Mildred has offered to host a dinner party. The guest list will be small, but impressive, and will include your father, Hunt.

“What will be the purpose of this dinner?” Hunt asked.

“To introduce the beau monde to the current Earl of Atherton, and the future Marquess of Trentridge.”

“We’re going to take George with us?”

“Yes.”

“What good will that do?” Miles asked.

“You’ll see,” Lia answered. “You’ll see.”

“I already see,” Hunter said with a smile on his face. “And it’s brilliant, Lia. Positively brilliant.”

Chapter 12

Two weeks later, Lia sat at Hunter’s side as they waited in a secluded gathering room at the dowager Viscountess Collinson’s London town house. Even her worry about what was ahead had not spoiled the perfection of each day spent with Hunter Montclaire in her aunt’s gracious home.

Whether it was she who softened toward him, or he who shed his cautious attitude toward her, she could not say. Perhaps both. Happily, the air between them had warmed in a way that caused them to seek it out every moment they could. They seemed to thrive within it, bask in the comfort of it, treasure the gift of it.

They would face their futures in the dowager viscountess’s drawing room before the night was over. And this night would either be the best or the worst night of their lives.

Of course, Aunt Mildred’s brother- and sister-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Natchess would be there, as well as her two daughters and their husbands, the Duke and Duchess of Palmery, and the Earl and Countess of Wentbury.

To make the dinner party an even dozen, Aunt Mildred had also invited one of the Queen’s most relied upon advisors, Sir Henry Panden and his wife, and another very influential member of the house, Lord Franston and his wife, Lady Franston.

Then, of course, there would be Hunt’s father, the Marquess of Trentridge. His acceptance of the invitation made it clear that if he was aware of the dowager viscountess’s network of influence, he had seen no reason to be suspect of it.

As agreed, Hunter, Lia, Miles, and baby George remained secluded while the group gathered. Several servants brought dinner to them, but none of them were overly hungry and much of the food went untouched.

Hunter stayed close to Lia, grateful for every opportunity to graze her hand or brush her shoulder, anything to remind her that he was near. Each time he was rewarded with a small smile.

Lia stepped close. “Gracious, I’m a nervous Nellie tonight.”

Hunter noted her small shiver with a compassionate look.

“Your plan is brilliant. I know my father will see the only course open to him, which is retreat, if not abject banishment from Society and destruction of his business empire.”

“You’re certain of that?” Lia reached a hand to his chest, her eyes showing how clearly she understood the impropriety of her action. But he needed to touch her as badly as she needed him, and he covered her soft hand with his own, pinning it near his heart.

“What do you think they’re talking about in there?” Miles asked.

“Nothing important,” Hunter replied. “The conversation at gatherings such as this requires more diplomacy than it does intellect. Women, you know, are not prepared to engage in conversation that requires forethought or intelligence.” He winked at his own sweeping statement and dodged the playful swipe of Lia’s hand.

Miles howled. “Pish-tosh. It’s a good thing they’re not sitting around our dinner table then, isn’t it Lia?” he said with a smile.

Lia looked at Hunter and raised her eyebrows. “In our home it was required that we engage in thoughtful conversation, with facts and opinions to back up any comments we made.”

“Members of the ton would definitely be out of place in your abode,” Hunter said on a laugh.

They stopped talking when a soft knock sounded at the door. A moment later, Hobson appeared in the doorway.

“Her ladyship says to inform you that the meal has concluded and the ladies are going to the drawing room while the