Kitty in the entry hall, milord.”
“I suppose that would be acceptable,” he responded, stepping inside.
As the butler closed the door, the sound of feminine laughter could be heard echoing throughout the entry hall.
“It has been this way all day,” the butler explained.
“It has?” Edward asked. “What are they finding so amusing?”
“I am not entirely sure,” the butler answered, “but you are welcome to see for yourself.”
Edward’s eyes darted towards the drawing room as he heard the sound of a guitar being played, followed by more laughter.
“I believe I will,” he said before he walked across the tiled entry hall.
As he stepped into the room, he saw Miss Amelia was playing the guitar and singing a lively tune that he was unfamiliar with. His sister was smiling as she watched Miss Amelia, and it was a smile he hadn’t seen in a while. She appeared happy, wholly and unrestrained.
Miss Blackmore’s gaze met his from across the room. She rose from her chair and walked over to greet him. In a hushed voice, she asked, “How are you faring, Lord Berkshire?”
“I am well,” he replied, his eyes drifting back towards Miss Amelia. “I’m unfamiliar with the song that Miss Amelia is performing.”
Miss Blackmore smiled proudly at her sister. “I am not surprised, considering she wrote it herself.”
“That is an impressive feat,” he acknowledged.
“It is,” she agreed. “If you don’t mind waiting, the song should be over shortly.”
“I don’t mind at all,” he said, shifting his gaze to meet hers. “How did the lessons go today?”
“They went well.”
He waited for her to expand, but when she didn’t, he pressed, “Have you noticed any more progress with Kitty?”
“We have.”
“That is good.”
Miss Blackmore nodded. “We are striving to help Kitty become more confident.”
“How are you able to do that?”
“Kitty is a beautiful and smart young woman,” she shared. “We taught her a few coping skills that I think will work nicely.”
“Such as?”
“For example, when Kitty is starting to feel nervous or overwhelmed, she will take a deep breath and count to ten.”
“You think that will help her?” he asked skeptically.
“It couldn’t hurt,” Miss Blackmore replied. “Furthermore, we have scheduled a dinner party tomorrow evening that I am hoping you and Kitty will be able to attend.”
“A dinner party?” he questioned. “Do you think Kitty is ready for that?”
“I do, since it will be an intimate affair.”
Miss Blackmore continued to stand next to him, and they remained in comfortable silence as they listened to Miss Amelia continue to sing.
The delightful smell of rosewater wafted off Miss Blackmore, and he took a moment to admire her without her knowing. She was dressed in a pale blue gown with a round neckline, which highlighted her creamy white skin. Her hair was piled high atop her head, and two long curls framed her face. To say that Miss Blackmore was a beautiful woman would hardly do her justice, especially with her high cheekbones, straight nose, and full lips.
Miss Blackmore’s eyes shifted towards him, and Edward realized that he had been caught staring.
He cleared his throat. “Did Kitty bring up Mr. Kendall again today?”
“She did, but she only shared one anecdote about him.”
“That is one too many,” he acknowledged.
“I would agree.”
The music came to an end, and Kitty started clapping. “Well done, Amelia,” she gushed. “That was positively enchanting.”
Miss Amelia rested the guitar against the wall before she rose. “Thank you.”
“Do you still have time to show me the water fountain in your gardens?” Kitty asked eagerly.
Nodding, Miss Amelia replied, “I would be happy to, assuming Lord Berkshire is agreeable.”
Kitty turned her pleading eyes towards him. “Is that permissible with you, Edward?”
He smiled. “Go on,” he encouraged. “I shall be waiting for you here.”
“Thank you!” Kitty exclaimed, looping arms with Miss Amelia. “We shall strive to hurry.”
After they departed from the room, Miss Blackmore pointed towards two yellow striped settees facing each other. “Would you care to have a seat, Lord Berkshire?”
“I would,” he responded, following Miss Blackmore to the settees.
Miss Blackmore lowered herself gracefully onto one, and he sat across from her. She gestured towards the silver teapot that rested on the table between them.
“Would you care for some tea?” she asked.
“Yes, please.”
He watched as Miss Blackmore poured two cups of tea and placed the teapot on the tray. She then extended him a cup.
“Thank you,” he said, accepting the cup and saucer.
Miss Blackmore picked up her cup and took a sip, eyeing him over the rim. “Is there something wrong with your tea?” she asked as she lowered