that painting, Ceci. I’ve never seen a Canaletto done on such a grand scale.”
Before Cecilia could comment, the countess came over to them. They curtsied to her.
“Tonight the grand salon is as much dining room as ballroom,” she announced, and for the first time Beatrice noticed that dinner tables were arranged around the floor of the ballroom.
“Yes, my lady, it is incredible,” Beatrice said.
“The flowers are spectacular,” Cecilia added with unfeigned enthusiasm. “One cannot tell the real blooms from the silk.”
“I know flowers are a favorite decoration of yours, Cecilia. And Beatrice, I knew you would not mind spending the evening near that magnificent painting.”
“How thoughtful of you, my lady, thank you.” Beatrice tore her eyes from the masterpiece to survey the rest of the room one more time, avoiding the group near the orchestra. “Am I correct in guessing that there will be other guests with us this evening?”
“Yes, fifty in all. Neighbors, for the most part. I like to invite friends to dinner at least once during a house party so that we do not succumb to boredom.”
Beatrice thought about the kiss she had shared with Jess. Boredom was not one of her worries.
Even as the countess explained the guest list, people began to filter into the room.
“Come, let me introduce you to some of my friends,” the countess said, taking Cecilia’s hand.
The countess led them to a couple whose two sons were attending with them. She introduced them before breaking away to greet another group of newly arrived guests.
Beatrice could see that the two young men were struck speechless by Cecilia’s beauty. While she waited for them to recover, she looked about and watched the arriving guests mingle, familiar faces mixed in with the new.
Lord Destry was easy to spot as he was wearing his signature red cravat, though everything else about his attire was perfection. He came up to the group and Beatrice took it upon herself to introduce him, thanking God that all of these guests had the same last name.
The gentleman, his wife, and their sons, all four, avoided looking at Lord Destry at first, as though his height made them uncomfortable, but once his title was revealed they overcame their hesitation and tried for convivial. They were not particularly successful.
Beatrice could see Cecilia’s smile become forced. For his part, Destry remained charming. Finally, during a lull in the conversation, Cecilia took Destry’s arm and suggested that they examine the flowers more closely.
With a grin of satisfaction, Destry bowed to the family and walked off with the prize of the evening. And incidentally left Beatrice alone without any means of escape.
No one said anything for too long and Beatrice realized that what they wanted to talk about most was her sister and Lord Destry. Beatrice pretended that Mrs. Kendrick was signaling to her and excused herself. She was not out of hearing when the younger son asked, “What does the beauty see in that midge?”
It took real effort not to turn back and heap equal insults on them, but indeed Mrs. Kendrick was signaling to her now and Beatrice wended her way through the small crowd to her side.
Around Finch’s neck Mrs. Kendrick had tied a red ribbon, which perfectly matched her garnet-colored gown and jewels. “Good evening, Beatrice. What an amazing surprise this is, is it not?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Belmont insists he is the worst dancer in the house. But I imagine that if he has some wine with his dinner I can entice him to the dance floor.”
“I have no doubt of it.” Beatrice really liked this woman. She was so full of life and when she wanted something she did not keep it a secret. Did you have to wait to be a widow of means to act like that?
“Have you seen all our fellow houseguests?” Mrs. Kendrick asked.
“All but Lord Crenshaw and Katherine.”
“They are over by that statue. Some Greek god, I assume. The statue reminds me of Lord Jess. With a playful look but detached from the company.”
Beatrice wanted nothing more than to quiz Mrs. Kendrick about Jess but held her tongue, trying for an air of sophistication she was far from feeling.
“Surely Mr. Garrett and Lady Olivia will be joining us.”
“They were invited, and Mr. Garrett tells me that Lady Olivia has agreed to join us and allow the chef the rule of the kitchen this evening.” Mrs. Kendrick nodded toward the great doors. “Here they are now.”
The countess was welcoming Mr. Garrett while Lady Olivia looked around in awe.