The two riders turned off the main road onto a pebbled drive, heavily lined with oak trees, just as the weather turned wet. Edward noticed that the trees protected them from the light drizzle.

Bergen broke the silence with a snigger. “I say, Livingston was startled to see me pull ahead of him, carrying a bird cage and parrot, no less. He is probably still laughing. But you and Miss Longbottom had already bested him—the woman was practically glued to you.”

“He seemed equally entertained with Miss Longbottom. Especially when she started reciting Bible verses as soon as we stopped. Interesting spinster, I think. Gaining a monkey was worth the brief discomfort. I was thoroughly diverted!”

Edward’s horse suddenly nodded and neighed, as if in response, causing both men to hoot with laughter.

The trees thinned as a three-story brick home came into view. “It has been a long time since I have been here. I believe the last was some sort of affair for Coventry, and it was a tedious bore. As I recall, I thought Lord and Lady Brentley were the most ill-suited couple. She was loud and wearing, and he was affable and undemanding.” He was silent for a moment. “Bizarre as it is, I cannot stop thinking of that mad parrot and the righteous spinster.” Edward chuckled at his new names for the odd pair. “He has more personality than his owner, I fear.” It had been a long time since he had seen an exotic talking bird. The last time was an exhibit at a local fair, years ago.

“The impulse to race Livingston in company with the spinster and her bird was probably ill-advised on our part, although thoroughly entertaining. I thought your lady passenger would have an apoplexy. If you could have seen her face!” Bergen slapped his thigh with mirth. “I almost dropped the damn parrot!”

“I confess, I was not sure how we were going to make it the few miles we did.” Edward did not wish to think about the imprudent race, nor the shockingly luscious body he had felt pressed up against him every step of the way. “Do you think this party will be well-attended? If I have to dance with wallflowers, I prefer at least to have a choice among them.”

“Dance with wallflowers! Whoremongers!” Bergen mimicked Archie, chuckling at his own jest as they pulled up before the house. Jumping down, they both handed the reins to a waiting groom and simultaneously took the steps by two. It appeared Bergen was as anxious to get through the necessary formalities and relax in his room as Edward was.

“Thank goodness we are rid of that annoying pair, although I do not think I have had such fun in a while. I’m looking forward to a tumbler of good brandy and a bath. She was meeting her brother. Do you think he has a pet monkey?” They both laughed at the jibe, as they walked towards the door. I need to focus on Hampton, not that pesky pair. Despite the jokes at her expense, Edward found himself thinking of her.

A stooped and greying butler admitted them, and after taking their damp outer cloaks, ordered the footman to escort them to their bedchambers.

Lady Bentley greeted them on her way out of the house. “My lords! I was so happy to receive your acceptances. It is so good of you to come. You must be worn-out from your journey. Please allow our staff to address any requests you have.” She hesitated, and then nodded towards the footman who stood ready to take the luggage.

“I sensed that she had much more to say,” Bergen whispered.

“Be grateful she was headed out,” he muttered. “I hope to find Hampton as soon as possible. His disappearance puzzles me.” Edward spoke quietly as they headed upstairs to their rooms. “Mother still blames me for Robert’s death, you know. To be honest, I cannot help but feel guilty because I was not here to help him—I knew Robert’s betrothed was having an affair with Remington, and I chose to ignore it, irritated by his overbearing manner towards me. He chose Hampton as his second—and they had been friends since being in leading-strings. I find it hard to understand his disappearance, though. Instinct tells me he saw something, even if he does not realize it. When I approached his brother, Perry, he was insistent Hampton knew nothing…and I had only asked if Hampton was at home.”

“That is curious.”

“Yes, I found the defensiveness peculiar, in itself.”

The footman stopped in front of two doors at the end of the hall. “My lords, these are your apartments. Please let me know if you require anything.

“We are next to each other.”

“So, it appears. Do try to keep your liaisons to a dull roar,” Bergen jested.

“If you will keep your snoring to one,” Edward retorted.

“At least Archie will not be our neighbor tonight.”

“Indeed.” They laughed as they entered their respective chambers.

Edward opened his door, and the footman brought in his portmanteau, placing it on a stool next to the wash-hand stand. He noticed two comfortable brown leather chairs, already warming from facing the crackling fire in front of them.

“Ahem, would you bring me a decanter of brandy and a bath?” He issued his request just before the footman closed the door, causing the man to stop and turn.

“Yes, my lord. At once.”

Edward pulled a cigarillo from his jacket, and using the fire, he lit it and settled back into one of the leather chairs. It is curious indeed. I had not even considered the possibility of…

A knock on his door stirred him from his contemplation. “Come in.”

“My lord, your brandy.” The footman entered, carrying a tray with a decanter and two glasses, placing them on the small table nestled between the two chairs.

“Thank you,” Edward nodded and reached for the bottle. He uncorked it and poured himself a drink.

“Your bath is also here, my lord.” The footman stepped aside as servants entered, carrying pails of water for the copper tub. They filled the tub and left the room.

Edward decided to just move the small table and decanter closer to the tub.

He swirled the amber liquid slowly before raising it to his lips and swigging it down. That was precisely what I needed. He refilled his glass and settled into his bath, his thoughts on the conversation with Hampton’s brother. He had not given that exchange enough thought. Perry was very abrupt, which was out of character for him. He could not imagine what had got into him. Now that he thought more on this, though, what did Perry know? His behavior would suggest he knew something. Edward made a mental note to visit the man as soon as he returned to town. He then tossed down his drink and helped himself to a third from the nearby table, reasoning that it would help him to relax from the long ride while he bathed.

Two hours later, Edward knocked on Bergen’s door.

Bergen opened it, still fastening his cuffs. “I almost overslept. I found the bath and nap very restorative. How about you, Weston?”

“Yes, I feel much better. Bentley’s cellars are superb, particularly the brandy.”

“I will have to sample that delightful beverage, perhaps after tonight’s festivities.”

The two men proceeded downstairs to join other guests who were gathering in the drawing room for tea. Edward quickly considered those guests already gathered. He caught sight of Lady Pennywaite, but not Hampton. Her ladyship appeared engaged in a rather flirtatious conversation with Lord Purdy. Edward nudged Bergen and discreetly nodded in her direction.

“What do you make of that?”

“Judging from her level of interest, I would say that Lord Hampton has not yet gained an advantage.” He smirked and pointed to the door. Hampton had just entered and was heading in Lady Pennywaite's direction, a look of annoyance on his face.

“Ah. I was going to interrupt the two, but this could be an enjoyable interlude in what promises to be a boring evening.” Edward accepted a glass of champagne as a footman passed them, and observed the trio. Lady Pennywaite stepped to the side, a look of feigned confusion on her face, as Lord Hampton and Lord Purdy began exchanging words. With the level of tension in the room, he could not hear them, so he began moving in their direction. A screech stopped him in his tracks.

Loud squawks erupted again from entrance hall.

“Bergen, tell me you did not hear what I just heard.”

“It depends. If you are referring to the argument in front of us, I did not. But if you are referring to the too-familiar squawking coming from the doorway, I am afraid I did.”

Both men exchanged their empty glasses for ones filled with champagne from the circulating footman and moved towards the hall doorway to observe discreetly from the threshold.

“I cannot believe this. What are they doing here?” Edward leered at the scene in front of them.

“Ah! I believe this house must belong to the brother and his wife. How delightful for us to be able to join our new friends again.” Bergen grinned.

The two men watched the discourse between their hostess and her newest guests. Lady Louisa Bentley was speaking in harsh tones to Miss Longbottom. A familiar face squinted back at her hostess, gripping the cage with the screaming green parrot at her side. So, this is her brother’s home, Edward mused. How had he missed the resemblance to Lord Bentley? Her brother never wore spectacles in public and both squinted in a similar fashion. He suspected Archie’s outburst had little to do with Lady Bentley’s rudeness and more to do with some hidden motive. Miss Longbottom looked crestfallen.

Lady Bentley made angry gestures towards her and then turned and moved in the direction he was standing. She stopped when she saw a footman and waved him to her side.

“Take her to the third floor, and place them in the furthest room in the maids’ quarters,” she ordered in a nasty tone. “It is empty and I wish to see her and her surly bird as little as possible while my guests are here.” Her feelings towards the lady and Archie were abundantly clear. It infuriated him to see Miss Longbottom treated thus.

When had he become protective of her? Perhaps it was just that he was annoyed about the way she was being treated, although he could feel his temple pulsing with anger. He raised his hand and rubbed it. There might even be a small sense of guilt over her perceived humiliation earlier.

“Excuse me, my lady.” He caught Lady Bentley’s attention. “I could not help but overhear that you are unfortunately short of rooms. Miss Longbottom is a fond acquaintance of both Lord Bergen and myself. I will gladly offer my bedchamber for her use. I have but to collect my bag and I can then share Lord Bergen’s accommodation.”

“Nonsense. There will be no need for that. My wife has merely forgotten about the three new rooms we have had refurbished in anticipation of our guests.” Lord Richard Bentley stepped into the hall and handed his cloak and cane to the waiting footman. “Louisa, please have the staff prepare a bath for my sister. She will certainly appreciate a brief respite before our festivities this evening.” He smiled towards Weston and Bergen, but the glare of anger towards his wife was unmistakable. “Williams, take my sister’s belongings to the pink velvet room and ask Sally to attend her.”

“As you wish, my lord.”

“And please take her companion, Archie, to the room as well.” He turned to his wife and spoke in a low voice, away from the others. “They will not be dismissed to the third floor.”

Lady Bentley flushed at the barely veiled reprimand.

“Yes, my lord.” The footman led Miss Longbottom and Archie upstairs.

When his sister was out of view, Lord Bentley turned to his wife. “My dear, I believe we have everything in order. Let us join the others in the drawing room.” He held out his arm for his wife to accompany him.

She turned to Edward. “My lord, you are so gallant. I do apologize for putting you in such a position. I am ashamed to say I had momentarily forgotten that extra rooms have already been prepared. I had planned to move my dear sister to a freshly appointed room tomorrow.” She simpered. “How did you say that you became acquainted with my…husband’s dearest sister?”

Smiling tightly, Edward forced a pleasant response. “I do not believe I did.” He nodded and exchanged his empty glass for another filled one. “May we join you in the drawing room?” He and Bergen accompanied their host and hostess as they joined the rest of the guests.

* * *

Hattie sat on the edge of a chair after releasing Archie from his cage. She was miserable and exhausted—much too fatigued to give a fig for the fine room with its pink velvet draperies and matching rose wallpaper. A bath of water sat steaming in the corner of the room, calling her name. She was too tired to even consider the evening’s festivities. No doubt, if he knew, the Reverend Hastings would accuse her of melodrama, but it had been the worst day of her life, and now Richard’s wife hated her. Hattie would much rather stay in the attic than feel the ire of that Jezebel. How misguided in her had she been! Aunt Matilda's offer was looking more palatable—were it not for poor Archie.

If only Hattie had known Richard was hosting a house party, she would have delayed her arrival. Could this day get any worse? She needed a long, hot soaking bath and a good sleep. Perhaps she would be able to laugh about the day’s adventures some time, far-off in the future.

Pulling off her half-boots was almost too taxing, Hattie was so exhausted. However, such habits were well ingrained and she pulled her dirty dress over her head and began to rinse some of the day’s traveling dust away, as she lowered herself into the readied bath.

Her gown was also in need of a thorough scrubbing—sponging would not do. Hattie had nothing but her petticoats and shift, with all her belongings having gone with the stage. She bit her lip in an effort not to give in to the doldrums. When she thought about the horrors of the day, she shuddered. It could have been worse; her person had not been irreparably harmed, only her dignity and her spectacles.

“Everything will appear better in the morning, Archie.”

The parrot cocked his head to the side when she spoke to him and then bobbed his head up and down in agreement. Why could he not to be so agreeable when they were with strangers? Those two rogues who pretended to be gentlemen had encouraged Archie to misbehave!

Her temper flared and she scrubbed voraciously when she thought of all the indignities that had been forced upon her in one day. What she had suffered! Indeed, were the church nearby, she would be confessing to the Reverend for hours!

Grateful for the bath, she lay on the bed once she was satisfied she would not soil it, and Archie perched on the end rail of the bed. Out of the window, even she could make out that it was a beautiful estate, surrounded by a meadow and woodlands beyond it. Hattie had used to dream of the day she would be mistress of her own household, but in her heart had known she had most likely missed the chance when her father died and her mother’s pastime of invalidity became reality.

A tear trickled down her cheek and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Six-and-twenty was far too practical an age to be pining over silly romantic notions. However, there had to be some way to avoid living under this roof forever. Perhaps Richard would be willing to release her inheritance to her once she was out of mourning and he had accustomed himself to the notion of her as a spinster.

There was a knock on the door and Hattie realized her state of undress.

“Who is there?” she asked timidly.

“Why are you not dressed?” Louisa burst into the room in a frenzy of coquelicot silk trimmed with lace. Not enough to mind her assets, Hattie thought as she tried to focus her eyes somewhere other than her sister’s expanse of skin. It only made her head ache more. Archie stood at attention, his feathers spread, and chattered in agitation, the sound low as though he were muttering. Louisa glared at him.

“I lost my trunks today. I only have the dress I travelled in and it is filthy. I set it aside for washing,” Hattie explained.

“If you were not so high and mighty you would still have your trunks! You must dress for dinner,” she said urgently, though making a clear effort to control her volume with the house full of guests. “Weston will expect you to be there, now, and I need you to even out the numbers,” she hissed.

“I want no part of your fancy dinner or house party. Besides, I cannot go in my shift.” Hattie crossed her arms defiantly.

“You ungrateful, unnatural girl!”

Archie growled, responding to her tone of voice, and Louisa jumped back.

“Control the damn bird or I will have him put in the dovecote!”

Hattie gasped at such vulgar language, and in particular from a lady. How dare she threaten poor Archie! She would find another situation in which to live as soon as she could speak with Richard.

“I will send my maid in with a gown. Do not make me also send Richard to speak some sense into you! He has enough to worry about with attending to his guests, as it is. We will be in the drawing room.”

Hattie could tell it took a further effort for Louisa not to slam the door. She paced across the pink carpet, fretting as she awaited the maid and grumbling to herself, “I will go to dinner for my brother’s sake, not Jezebel’s—but I will not like it one bit, Archie.”

The maid knocked before entering and stepped cautiously into the room while eyeing the bird with considerable suspicion. She held a gown of deep lavender and Hattie narrowed her eyes. Louisa knew she was still in mourning!

“This color will suit you, if I may say so, miss. My name is Sally.”

“I cannot wear it. My mother has not been in the grave but six months.”

“My mistress said you would object, but she says this is a small house party and it is all she has that will fit you. Lavender is still respectful to your mother, miss.”

“If I do not wear it, she will send Richard up here and I do not wish to disturb my brother.” Hattie held out her arms in resignation. No one would look at the old spinster, anyway.

The maid slipped the gown over Hattie's head and began to tie the laces up the back. Hattie scarcely wore anything fitted enough to require a maid’s assistance. She looked down and saw her chest bulging over the top like a pair of pillows.

“I-I am indecent!” she cried.

Sally walked in front of her and looked. “Oh, no, miss. Your neckline is much higher than those of the other ladies. The color does suit you quite well. Sit down and I will dress your hair.”

Hattie was not reassured at all as the maid led her to the dressing table before she could muster any more objections. She would try and find a shawl to cover herself before she went to the drawing room. The maid was brushing and twisting, and Hattie could not tell what was happening to her mousy locks, as her mother was wont to call them. Usually she kept them under a cap or bonnet.

“There you go, miss. Now we had best get you downstairs so my mistress won’t be fretting,” the maid said, placing slippers on Hattie's feet and ushering her out of the door. What she would not give to have her spectacles fixed! She could scarcely see five feet in front of her and was tempted to touch her coiffure to see what kind of exhibition she made from behind. It certainly felt as though she was exposed from her uncovered head to her indecent gown.

Sally escorted her down to the drawing room and Hattie could have sworn she was given a slight push through the door before it closed behind her. Feeling dizzy as she tried to focus on the room full of strangers, she began to sidle towards the far corner.

“Miss Longbottom.” Lord Bergen’s teasing voice spoke suddenly beside her and then he was taking her arm.

“My lord?” Hattie tried not to sound cold.

“You look…enchanting. Where is my dear friend, Archie?” He pretended to look about the room for him.

Louisa tittered as she glided up to join them. “Archie?”

“The popinjay. We are old acquaintances,” he explained smoothly, sipping his drink.

“Are you indeed? How delightful,” she cooed.

“Perhaps he can visit us after supper. Bentley, I was unaware you had a sister,” Bergen remarked as he turned to Richard.

“Hattie has a different father. Our mother remarried when I was already away at school.”

“And where did you acquire the delightful Archie, if I may be so bold?” Bergen asked, still that hint of mockery in his voice.

“He was a gift from my late father. He sometimes traveled to exotic lands,” Hattie replied.

A stunning lady, dressed in a form-fitting dark green silk gown, moved closer to where they were. Hattie felt awkward and frumpy next to her.

“I beg your pardon... what is this? I heard exotic,” she said with a low, husky voice.

“Lady Pennywaite, may I present my sister, Harriet Longbottom?” Bentley chimed in.

“How do you do?” Hattie said politely, suddenly feeling self-conscious next to this beautiful woman.

“I want to see this exotic creature!” Lady Pennywaite demanded.

“I am sure my sister will be happy to bring him down after dinner,” Richard suggested as Hattie could see Louisa’s jaw clench.

“The bird has to eat, too, does he not? Byron allows his bird to run tame and there are several at Chatsworth. One bird cannot do any harm,” the woman said dismissively, clearly used to having her way.

“Hattie, would you mind bringing Archie to join us?” her brother asked.

“Shall we also set a place for him?” Louisa snapped, but Hattie took no notice and went to fetch the bird.

Praying that Archie would behave, Hattie reminded him to use good manners the entire way back to the drawing room. He made a purring sound in her ear as though he were listening, but the moment they walked through the drawing room doors, he screeched:

“Bugger! Whoremongers! Jezebel!”

“This gives the term popinjay a whole new meaning,” Bergen drawled.