Donna guffawed in a style all her own. “We may have looked the part, but, Maddy, we cannot lay claim to being angels.” This entertained her so much that she went off into a cackle of mirth that left her husband regarding her with amusement. He chucked her under her chin and asked her to pass him the biscuits.
“So then, daughter, have you been enjoying yourself?” Her father’s brow was up, and his gaze was penetrating.
“Oh, you know me, Papa, I make the best of all situations,” Bess said on a tease.
“Really?” said a voice that went through her with its Scottish burr and made her look around, startled even as she was filled with pleasure and a certain shyness.
The earl pulled up a chair opposite Bess and her father. “And here I was telling your father when I met him during my morning walk that I thought you enjoyed the Russell soiree a great deal, and I thought, in fact, that you have been enjoying yourself during your entire time at Searington.” He eyed her reprovingly.
She blushed, and he laughed and said, his hands up, “Teasing, minx, only teasing.”
Everyone began chattering at once, about this character or another one they had encountered during the previous evening’s entertainment, and breakfast was passed with a great deal of jesting and laughter, as the banter was light-hearted.
The viscount pushed away his plate and patted his nearly flat stomach to say, “Wonderful repast.” He eyed his daughter thoughtfully and added, “But, child, I am afraid we shall have to thank the earl for his hospitality and make our way home.”
Without thinking, Bess uttered, “Oh no, no,” and then remembering herself, added, “I mean, so soon?”
“I think we must before we outlive our welcome here. We cannot impose any longer on the earl. I am certain his lordship has better things to do than wait on us at Searington,” her father reminded her gently.
“Yes, your papa is right,” Donna added but glanced at her friend with sympathy.
* * *
“Leave? Impose?” The earl shook his head vehemently. “I rather thought my guests were well pleased with my attentions? Have I been backward in something?” What was he doing? This was his chance to be free of the Lady Bess—to leave her in peace and in relative safety. What was he doing? He would only do the polite, and then, by damn, he would let them go.
“No, no, John, do not turn this around.” Bess’s father chuckled. “I simply cannot impose on your kindness any longer.”
“But ye mistake. I am imposing on yer kindness by keeping ye here at Searington as long as I may. I doona remember when I have enjoyed m’self more.” Did those words just come out of his mouth? What the devil was he doing?
* * *
The viscount laughed and shook his head. “I must escort Bess and Maddy home, as I must go to London and re-open our town house for the Season.” He smiled affectionately at his daughter. “Because as much as she does not wish it, I intend to give my daughter another Season.”
Bess’s mouth turned down. The thought of leaving the area and pitching herself into another London Season held no allure for her any longer. All she wanted was to remain near the earl. However, as much as she tried, she couldn’t think of a convincing argument to present at that moment to dissuade her parent from this decision.
“Ah, I had forgotten all about London and the Season,” said the earl on a slight frown. Bess thought for a moment that he looked as though he did not wish them to leave, and her heart beat wildly with hope.
“Indeed, but what of that mare of yers?” the earl added. “I know I want to be here when she is bred to Bold Tim.”
“Indeed, yes, I do, as well. My man says she is just beginning to come into her season. I thought I’d send her over for Tim to get to know her, later today, and help it along. Bold Tim is bound to speed up the process as they get to know one another.”
Donna snorted, and Bess gave her a look, as did all the men at the table. The earl coughed into his hand as he choked back a chuckle and told them, “I always think it best for m‘stallion to ‘sniff’ the mare we are about to breed to him. The more in heat the mare, the better she will accept him when the stallion attempts to mount her. The entire event is a precarious one, where horses and people could get hurt if we doona watch and help it along every step of the way.”
“Indeed, I should like to be around for that …” the viscount mused out loud.
* * *
“Well, then, since you doona plan on leaving until this is done, why not let me continue to host this exceptional party of friends I have here? For I tell ye frankly, my lord, I have been enjoying their company immensely.”
The viscount smiled at him and then regarded his daughter. The earl had the feeling, when he watched the two exchange a long look, that Bess’s father was thinking deeply. However, he couldn’t tell about what, as he watched a silent conversation being exchanged between father and daughter. It was touching, and he felt an admiration for the viscount. Here was a good man, trying to do the best he could for his only child, and it was obvious from his lack of interest in other women that he still missed his late wife.
True love had never been in the cards for the earl. He had never experienced such a love for or from any woman he had ever known. Passion and lust, over and over, and a desire to be his wife for position and wealth, but never
the kind of love he had long ago given up on.
Maudlin. Why was he thinking of such things?
Bess’s father sighed heavily and looked at Maddy. “I cannot believe I am saying this, and hope, Maddy, that you do not disapprove, but, very well. If the earl is not bothered by my pet’s willful presence …”