CHAPTER 5
When Lady Genevieve had requested Hetty’s presence for the following morning, Hetty had happily complied.
After sharing her latest debacle at the dressmaker's, her great aunt shook her head in amusement.
“Darling, you can’t seem to stay out of trouble, can you?”
Hetty sighed, “It is my mouth—it runs away with me. And before I realize it, I am offending and defending people right and left. I am not certain that I will ever learn to hold my tongue.”
Lady Genevieve’s eyes sparkled, “Part of your charm, Hetty, is your forthright manner. Don’t let society turn you into something you are not. I delight in your forthright manner.”
Hetty threw her head back and laughed, “Goodness, Aunt Genevieve, I do believe that you are the only one!”
There was a slight knock on the door, interrupting their conversation. They both turned to see the butler leading two visitors into the room.
Hetty flushed, why would Lord Chambers be calling on her aunt? By the look on his face, he was just as surprised to see Hetty there. His sister Hazel, too looked surprised, but pleasantly so.
Miles went to the older woman and bent to kiss her weathered cheek, “Lady Gen, you are looking regal this morning.”
Lady Genevieve laughed, “Regal you say, that sounds about right. It is lovely to see you, Miles. And I see you have brought your delightful sister as well, welcome Lady Shore. We are delighted to have you here. I would like to introduce my great niece to you both. Lady Henrietta Moberly, this is my godson, Lord Miles Warner and his sister Lady Hazel Shore.”
Hazel smiled at Hetty, “Lady Henrietta and I are good friends, we belong to the same lady’s club. It is wonderful to see you, Hetty, you are indeed in fine looks. It would appear that the time you spent away from town was most beneficial to you.”
Hetty blushed, knowing that Hazel had already seen her at their Bluebell meeting a few days ago. Hetty wondered if Hazel’s brother was of the same opinion. Not that it mattered she assured herself.
Miles couldn’t take his eyes off Henrietta Moberly. When he had first heard her laughter in the hallway he had expected to see the skinny hoyden that he dragged home in the rain a year before.
This vision in front of him, was nothing like he remembered. The obstinate child appeared to be missing, and in her stead, a beguiling creature with the same flashing hazel eyes.
Henrietta’s form was still slender, but her bodice had filled out nicely. Miles wanted to know if the rest of her had as well.
Lady Genevieve cleared her throat, “Miles, you seem to be staring. Is something amiss?”
Miles dragged his eyes away from Henrietta, “Nothing is amiss, Lady Gen. I too am familiar with your niece. Although, I must admit I was not aware of the relationship. It is good to see you, Lady Henrietta.”
Hetty wasn’t sure if he was pleased to see her or not. The way he had been staring, she was certain if she had something in her teeth. Lord Chambers, himself was just as infuriatingly perfect as he had been the last time she had seen him. If anything, the year had added a layer of town sophistication to the man.
Hetty inclined her head toward him, “And you, your Lordship, it is always a pleasure.”
“Is it?” his whispered reply had been quiet enough that she wasn’t even sure that he had uttered it. However, the knowing smirk on his face, made her aware that she had indeed heard it.
Hetty tightened her lips. The man hadn’t changed one iota, she fumed.
Once everyone was seated and tea had been ordered, Lady Genevieve turned to her godson, “How are things in town? I must admit some trepidation at coming during the season. And at my age, I have some reservations about staying out all night. However, the past year of having my dear niece at my side has quite invigorated me. I couldn’t let her go without me.”
Hetty smiled fondly at her aunt, and Miles felt a punch to the gut. Her glowing smile was something of beauty, why had he never noticed that before?
“I am thrilled that you have come with me, Aunt Genevieve. I couldn’t have left you alone in Wales.”
Miles frowned, “She was hardly alone, with twenty-eight servants in residence.”
Hetty turned her eyes on him and he felt the full force of her gaze. Good Lord, that should come with some kind of a warning.
“While servants can ease one’s existence, and certainly hold some level of fondness, they are not one’s family.” Hetty tried to put a damper on her temper. “Of course, all situations are different.”
Lady Genevieve leaned over to take her niece’s hand, “You have been so good for me. A veritable fountain of youth, and I am so blessed that you are my champion, dearest. Wales will always hold a piece of my heart, but there is nothing like being with the ones you love. It certainly keeps the loneliness at bay.”
Miles didn’t like knowing that his godmother had been lonely. He also didn’t care for the feelings of guilt that swarmed him. Miles had never visited his godmother in Wales, nor had he ever planned to.
“You need never be lonely, Aunt,” Hetty replied, “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Are you to stay for the entire season, Lady Gen?” Hazel asked, trying to defuse the tension.
“I haven’t decided,” the older woman replied, quirking her head. “I have leased this property for the entire season, but as to whether I will remain in London, that is yet to be determined. I do expect my godson to be a great help to me while I am here.”
Miles looked up in surprise, “Certainly, Lady Gen, whatever you require of me.”
Lady Genevieve smiled grandly, “You were always my favorite godson, Miles.”
Miles smiled, and Hetty felt her breath leave her lungs. He really was devastatingly handsome. The last thing she wanted was Miles Warner underfoot.