All three Hendrickson ladies were dressed in their finest as they left the carriage in front of Bassen Park. Lady Louisa, who had taken the time to dress in her lemon colored silk dinner gown, couldn’t believe the sight of the estate upon exiting the carriage.
She had only seen one other great house, and that was Wintercrest Manor. Bassen Park seemed to rival it in grandeur. She supposed that was the look of most estates outside of London and wondered for a moment if her brother’s county seat not too far away from her current residence had the same majesty.
They were welcomed up the stone steps by a waiting footman who opened the door for them to enter. Waiting just inside the hallway was another footman to show them to the hosting party in the library.
Lady Louisa watched each shut door they passed by as they made their way deeper inside the estate house. She was amazed by the number of rooms and bustling people all around.
She wondered what each oaken door held behind its thick barrier. Perhaps some were fine drawing rooms or offices. Others might have been massive dance halls like the one she was shown by Isabella at Wintercrest Manor. Though she had a hard time imagining any spectacle as wondrous as Wintercrest’s dance hall.
Each lady was announced in order, much to Lady Hendrickson’s displeasure, before they entered the room. Inside they found a warmly lit vast space full of books and various arranged sitting areas. Though there was not much chill in the night air, a fire glowed in the large fireplace for comfort.
As each lady entered, all three gentlemen stood to greet them. Lady Louisa only stole a look at the Duke for a second before promising herself not to look again. The effect of his dress had already done its damage, however.
The Duke of Rowland was meticulously dressed in a navy coat with cream undershirt and tan breeches with high black boots. His black hair seemed to reflect the firelight like ebony glass and his eyes seemed all the fiercer green as he bowed respectfully to the welcomed ladies.
His eyes only met Lady Louisa’s for a second, but he couldn’t help but hold his gaze on her long after she had looked away from him. She looked rather breathtaking in her soft-colored dress that shone in the light. Next to her simple beauty, her aunt and cousin seemed well overdone in their elaborate frocks and frills.
He reminded himself, with a clearing of his throat, that he was not to speak to this lady again. In fact, he was supposed to be disappointed to see her after their last exchange.
For some reason, however, in the time they had spent apart since the public ball and that night, he had entirely forgotten why her words had seemed so offensive to him. He decided that if she were to speak to him this night, not only would he be as cordial as he was raised to be, but he would also be willing to brush away old opinions and start anew.
With that sentiment, he invited the whole party of ladies to join them on some sofas for light refreshments before dinner was served.
“I have set up a table for a nice game of cards if anyone should wish to join,” Colonel Jasper said after all parties were comfortable and settled in the room.
“I am quite sure that Lady Louisa would be happy to,” Lady Hendrickson said. “She does love a good game of cards, don’t you dear?”
Lady Louisa looked at her aunt with a bit of surprise. Not once had she entered into a game of cards at her aunt's house. Though she was in no way averse to the game, she was however irritated that the purpose of her aunt’s words was only to tease her, because of the mistaken opinion that Lady Hendrickson had formed about the Colonel’s affections.
“I would be more than happy to join you,” Lady Louisa said with a smile at the Colonel.
He was a very kind man, and she did enjoy being in his company. It would be a pleasant diversion for her and at least keep her from having to converse with the Duke.
“Perhaps Miss Mary could join us as well?” Lady Louisa asked, turning to her youngest cousin.
Lady Louisa was quite sure that Miss Mary would not have volunteered to do so on her own. At the same time, it was easy to see that she had a growing affection for the Colonel and was rather hoping for the chance to spend time with him.
“A splendid suggestion,” the Colonel said, approving the idea as he looked over at Miss Mary.
She blushed shyly as their eyes met and in that instant Lady Louisa was sure that the growing feelings were mutual.
Rowland looked over at the seated trio as they quietly moved cards around on the table with occasional giggles and conversation. He was happy to see his friend in such high spirits as he enjoyed the game with Miss Mary.
He had wondered at Lady Hendrickson’s instant suggestion that Lady Louisa joined Jasper when it seemed so clear to him that both Jasper and the youngest Hendrickson daughter had eyes only for each other.
He turned back to his own party. Currently, his uncle was deep in conversation with the two ladies, discussing the vast property and various amenities that it held. He rather felt like a horse for sale at that moment, as his uncle outlined all the benefits of his purchase. He wondered if soon he would be made to bare his teeth for Miss Hendrickson’s inspection.
“Would you say that you have found your return to England very pleasing then, Mr. Vaughan?” Lady Hendrickson asked, to keep the conversation going.
“It is always good to return home,” Mr. Vaughan said, though Rowland knew it to be a blatant lie. “I do miss the entertaining distractions of foreign lands, however. I haven’t found the same excitement here.”
“Please do tell us a tale of some of your adventures then. I do find the idea of traveling to distant lands rather thrilling,” Lady Hendrickson countered with a lie of her own.
As Rowland’s uncle wove a tale of elephant rides and exotic dancing, Rowland’s eyes strayed back to the card table. He wondered if perhaps he could excuse himself and join them. The trio seemed to be enjoying themselves far more than he was.
“I dare say we have just as many wonderful distractions here in England. Especially for you, Your Grace, who has spent such little time in your homeland,” Lady Hendrickson said, encouraging him into their conversation.
“Really, Lady Hendrickson?” Rowland turned and answered obediently. “Perhaps you would be kind enough to give me some pointers on the matter. As you said, I left the country just after my schooling and know so little of the land.”
“Well, to start with, there is the hunts. I know fine gentlemen find those very exciting. Of course, there is also London during the season. It might be a wonderful event for you to attend next year. Though I do find it more exciting when one has a partner to share it with,” she added with a smile towards her daughter.
“My Elisabeth was sent to London for improvements in her skills from masters, and found it most pleasing, didn’t you dear?” she added to initiate a conversation between the Duke and her daughter.
“Quite so,” Miss Hendrickson said without delay. “The musicals and plays during the season are wonderful to watch, Your Grace. You really must try to watch a few before returning to your adventures.”
“I suspect it will be some time before the Duke returns to adventuring, if at all,” Mr. Vaughan interjected.
“Yes,” the Duke agreed though his heart was not in it. “I rather feel an extended break would suit me fine. I have found the country very diverting thus far and enjoy the idea of spending many more years getting to know my homeland.”
“Many find an open-air carriage ride around the town a wonderful opportunity to get to know the land better. Have you done such yet, Your Grace?” Miss Hendrickson asked, fluttering her honey eyes at him.
“I have been to Market Day in the village, but other than that I have not seen much of the county beyond my own estate. Perhaps you would be willing to join me and guide me around the best sights one day?” the Duke asked, knowing this was the purpose of her question.
Miss Hendrickson gifted him a seductive smile and waved her fan before her as if the thought was a little embarrassing to her.
“I would be more than happy to, Your Grace,” she replied.
The Duke studied Miss Hendrickson then, considering that she could very well be his intended wife. She indeed was nice enough to look at. She seemed to have the grace and poise of a duchess and would quickly find her way into society.
There was something about her, however, that unnerved him. He realized somewhat reluctantly that it was the same quality that had discouraged Lady Louisa when last they spoke. She was limited to only what was expected of her.
He told himself, just as there was more to him, there had to be more to Miss Hendrickson. Yes, she was behaving a very certain way in such settings because she felt the need to say the things he wanted to hear. He only needed to give her a chance to be more. If he could find the time, perhaps really take her on a carriage ride later this week, he could learn who the real Miss Hendrickson was and no longer find her wanting.
He had rather hoped in such a private setting that she would have relaxed and shown more of her true self instead of being the same lady he had danced with at the public ball or had been upon their first introduction at Mentheith House.
Rowland considered the overbearing presence of her mother at her side, though. Perhaps if he got Miss Hendrickson without her mother’s presence, she would be more willing to let her mask down and be who she actually was.
Even in the few visits he had with Lady Hendrickson, Rowland had already seen how clearly overbearing she could be with her two daughters. He would have to bide his time yet again and wait until he could get to know Miss Hendrickson on her own before he was ready to make up his mind about her.
Finally, dinner was announced, and the Duke couldn’t be more relieved to leave the room and the meaningless chitchat for a new location.