Chapter Four
July 5, 1819
It was the second day of Oliver’s unexpected holiday at Ettesmere Park, and already he was beguiled with the estate and its lands. His rambling hike of this morning proved no different.
Though the day had started out with abundant sunshine, clouds had rolled in that promised rain in the afternoon, but he didn’t care. Though the air in the country was cleaner than in London, there was something interesting to stumble upon at every turn.
At present, a group of bluebells, as well as pink wild foxgloves, held his attention as he approached a hedgerow on the far perimeter of the property. Would Lady Sophia enjoy a bouquet of them?
In contemplating the thought, he sank down onto a fallen tree as his mind jogged to that lovely lady. Ever since he’d met her two days before, he hadn’t been able to evict her from his mind. Not only was she one of the prettiest women he’d ever had the privilege of meeting, but there had been a certain air of vulnerability about her that had intrigued him. There were secrets in her eyes, but would she trust him enough to reveal them?
As of yet, he hadn’t had an opportunity to speak with her alone since they’d taken tea together the day of his arrival.
“Hullo! Ambassador Mattingly!”
Oliver yanked up his head at the sound of the hail. As the young man approached, he grinned. “Ah, Lord Eglinton.” He was the son of the Earl of Ettesmere, and if he understood it correctly, had been given one of his father’s courtesy titles, which could not be passed down to a son should he ever have one. The hierarchy of the English ton was complex and oftentimes confusing. “How are you this fine morning?”
“I am well. Thank you for asking.” Once the blond lordling drew near, he continued his conversation. “I thought I was the only one who enjoyed walking the acreage in the mornings. I guess I take after my father in that way, except he comes out with the dawn.”
“That requires more dedication than I can give at present.”
Lord Eglinton chuckled. “Indeed. I rather enjoy sleeping.”
“As do I.” He turned his attention to the wildflowers again. The riots of purple and pinks pulled a grin from him. “I might do what your young cousin does and bring back a bouquet to the house. Flowers are rather cheerful things.”
“Yes, well, Hannah has very specific reasons for doing that.”
“Oh?” When he hoped the other man would expand the topic, nothing else was forthcoming. Why was everyone in this family dancing around secrets?
“It’s of no importance just now.” The lordling frowned, and then seated himself beside Oliver on the fallen tree. “Might I ask you something, Mr. Mattingly?”
“Of course.
“Well, ever since you arrived, I’ve been curious about what you do for your livelihood.”
“What, being an ambassador?” Oliver’s eyebrows shot up. “I don’t think anyone has ever shown an interest in me before.” In that way or any other.
“It’s quite fascinating. To travel the world, to make connections with those who share other connections, to talk politics and trade! To dance with ladies from all walks of life. That’s immensely more exciting than learning how to be an earl someday.”
“Yes, but that is your heritage, your birthright. You should take pride in it.” Though, from a young man’s perspective, he supposed it might seem like a prison of sorts.
“Perhaps, but if one were interested in doing that sort of thing before the reins of responsibility came due, how would one manage it?” The light of interest shone in his eyes.
Oliver sighed. “Well, in my case, my father had been involved in politics for many years. As you said, from those connections there came a need for a clerk in the ambassador’s office. I had no direction for life at the time, so I applied. A few weeks later, I was selected.” He once more contemplated the wildflowers. “As the years went by and I learned the duties and became trustworthy, it was only natural that I was eventually selected and approved for the ambassador’s position.”
“Then it wasn’t based on skill or intelligence?”
“I’d like to say there was some of that involved, for I’m not a stupid man.” He chuckled when the other man sputtered and flushed. “However, luck played a large part. But once I was appointed to the position, I had to work hard and prove myself.”
“Do you think that someone like me would have a chance to do something like that? To prove myself and show my father I am capable of so much more than being a future earl.” There was such a note of wistfulness in the younger man’s voice that Oliver wished to help.
“I don’t see why not, but for that, you can’t just stroll into the offices and order people about. You have to put in the time, come to know everyone involved, take an interest in whatever the position demands.” He shrugged and glanced at him. “However, if you believe my position is glamorous and a way to meet beautiful women, perhaps you haven’t matured enough in life.”
Drat. That isn’t my place to say.
For long moments, Lord Eglinton stared at him. Finally, he nodded. “What you say holds merit. I did think that, but how did you know?”
Oliver snorted. “Because that’s what every man thinks an ambassador does. At first.” He grinned. “While I agree there is a fair amount of travel involved and I do attend more social events than I probably should, that is only a small part of it. There are long hours behind a desk writing out contracts or trying to iron out disputes between nations. Diplomacy is a delicate operation. However, none of that has helped me find a wife, and neither does it allow me to go home to the land of my birth often.” He pushed his spectacles higher onto the bridge of his nose. “Only you can choose the sacrifices you’ll need to make throughout life.”