rest of the evening passed without much incident.
Henry and Muriel de Bussell were doubtless an eccentric couple, but to Una they seemed to exist in a state of deep accord. Their chief interests in life seemed to be the same; namely Anninghurst, and schemes of how to save money. Muriel’s gown again was rather shabby and old-fashioned, but she carried herself with assurance and seemed to accord her husband the utmost respect and deference.
Roger cheered up after the eating was done, no doubt assured that his conduct that morning was not about to be brought up. He even managed to contribute some talk about horses for his own was old and ready to be put out to pasture. Armand remarked that one of his tenant farmers had several mounts for sale, which might interest his brother.
Their father, Sir Hugo, cut in at this point, extremely surprised that Armand was familiarizing himself with the running of his estate. “You have visited your farms, Armand? I had feared you would be in a frenzy to return to your tournaments. That is your usual habit after all. Generally, you are itching to get away from us after you have been here a few days.”
“No doubt,” Armand returned easily. “I will in good time. There are still some matters to be sorted about the smooth running of the place.”
Una looked at him fleetingly, and then, realizing her father-in-law’s eyes were upon her, hurriedly turned back to Anne to resume their conversation.
When they came to take their leave, Sir Hugo drew her to one side. “I’m pleased,” he said abruptly. “Armand seems to be finally waking up to his responsibilities. I take it we have you to thank for that.”
Una gazed back at him. “I am not—”
He waved her words away. “Do not bother protesting. We are only too familiar with Armand’s many faults, I assure you. His mother ruined the boy and now we are all reaping what she sowed.”
Una bristled. “I do not think he has any faults!” she found herself saying defensively. “Not any serious ones, in any case.”
Her father-in-law seemed at a momentary loss for words. “You are very newlywed,” he remarked dryly, after an awkward silence.
“Yes, we are,” Armand agreed cheerfully, coming to her rescue. She hoped he had only heard the latter part of their exchange. “Are you ready, my love? Night is falling.”
Una collected her cloak from the hovering servant, and they made their way out of the gloomily-lit hall.
“Thank the gods that’s over with … excruciating conversation and unpalatable food,” Armand said breezily as soon as they were out of the door and heading for the stables. “We need not consider ourselves duty bound to visit again for at least a month.”
Una breathed out. “It was not so very bad as all that.” He made no response and she bit her lip. “Armand?” she said on impulse.
“Yes?”
“Is there any special reason we are not disclosing my true identity to your family?”
He looked confused for a moment. “What do you mean?”
“About my being a … Northerner,” she finished lamely.
He was quiet a moment. “You are Lady Una de Bussell now,” he said with a twist of his lips. “And there is no secrecy about the fact.”
“So, your father would not be very angry if he knew my background?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“The King mentioned that the De Bussells have always been loyal to the Argent throne.”
Armand snorted, tugging her toward the stables. “Is that what he told you? My great-grandfather was a champion it’s true, but my father has not been to court in over forty years. Henry only ever went once, to be presented. If you hadn’t noticed, my family is a pack of country yokels these days. House de Bussell has sunk into rural obscurity.” He squeezed her hand. “You need have no fear whatsoever on that score.”
Looking at his warm smile, Una found that by some miracle, she was reassured and answered it with one of her own.
He laughed. “Now tell me, what did the old man say to get you so heated? I told you he was a damned cold fish.”
Una looked away in confusion. “I forget now,” she prevaricated.
He carried her fingers to his lips. “You must not cut up rough on my account. I know he doesn’t think much of me.”
“Then he is a fool,” Una burst out hotly.
“Una!” He swung her round to face him, and she saw he was laughing.
“If he does not know what a good, true friend and