Page 20

Christopher and his sisters were waiting for her as she descended the stairs.

They were a remarkably attractive trio. He offered his arm most gallantly to Sarah, and she did not hesitate to take it.

She wondered if Mr. Wigan or Guy had given him a little hint that it was his responsibility as the gentleman to escort her.

He helped Sarah first into the carriage and then his sisters.

Both Margaret and Deborah sat with their backs to the driver, leaving the only seat next to Sarah.

It felt a little odd sitting next to a man that she was not related to by blood, but Christopher was her husband.

She would be sitting next to him for the rest of her life.

The carriage lurched forward, and Sarah grabbed Christopher’s arm in surprise. She was about to remove her hand when he placed his opposite palm over hers. His fingers were large and surprisingly comforting. She relaxed against the back of the seat, still touching him. Still connected.

“We are going first to Hanford House, which is the second largest estate in the area and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson,” Sarah began.

“They are hosting a garden party in three days, and we need to secure an invitation. It will ensure your welcome to the neighborhood. Everyone must be on their best behavior.” She looked at Deborah meaningfully.

“Also, their family situation is rather unique, so please do not speak without thinking first. Mr. Brian Robinson, our vicar, is Mr. Robinson’s son.

Mr. Robinson is, of course, very proud of him, as any father would be of such an accomplished, affable, and hardworking young man.

Mr. Robinson married the current Mrs. Robinson nearly a decade ago.

She brought three daughters with her to the marriage: Miss Cynthia Lake, Miss Olivia, and Miss Lily. ”

Deborah sniffed loudly. “Why haven’t you already received an invitation if this garden party is so important?”

Swallowing, Sarah said, “I was invited nearly three weeks ago, but I was forced to send my regrets because I was moving to Westbrook Park. Hopefully, since I am returned to the neighborhood, Mrs. Robinson will be so kind as to extend another invitation and include you all as well.”

“What sort of woman is Mrs. Robinson?” Margaret asked, lacing her fingers together on her lap.

“The sort of woman you would not wish to offend. She is the most prominent hostess in Eden society, and if she accepts you, everyone else will follow her lead.”

Deborah clucked her tongue. “I thought you were the most prominent person in the neighborhood, Lady Sarah .”

“Alas. I was a single young lady and could not entertain at Manderfield Hall since my mother’s disappearance.

Now that I am married, I can assure you that we will be good hosts and great neighbors.

However, the tone will be set by Mrs. Robinson.

She is a daughter of a squire and proud of her birth, but not haughty.

Her daughters have pleasant, unaffected manners.

I like them a great deal, and I am certain that you will as well.

They even live close enough that you could walk to their house, if you chose to. ”

Her sour sister-in-law seemed to perk up at this. “And you think they’ll befriend us?”

“If you are kind, I do not see why they would not be kind in return.”

Deborah shrugged, but Sarah felt as if she’d gotten her point across. Her new sister-in-law resented Sarah, but she was not a fool. She would not wish to isolate herself from her new neighborhood.

“What are their names again?” Deborah asked.

“Miss Cynthia Lake, whom you will refer to as Miss Lake, Miss Olivia, and Miss Lily.”

“They have pretty names,” Margaret said.

“Just as long as they are not prettier than us,” Deborah said in a serious tone, and Sarah once again had to fight her smile. The word shallow came to her lips, but she did not say it.

The carriage pulled up to Hanford House, which was a lovely white Georgian building with colonnades.

It was not as large as Manderfield Hall, but it was newer and modern in its design.

A grand staircase led into the house. A butler ushered them all inside and to a sitting room with several marble statues.

She’d seen them many times before, so they were not of particular interest to her.

Deborah, however, stopped to examine each one and exclaimed, “These are the works of masters.”

After they were all seated, Christopher’s hand moved to his cravat that Sarah had tied for him.

If he touched it, he would ruin the style.

Sarah grabbed his wrist and brought it down to her lap, covering it with her other hand.

“You look very handsome, Christopher. Do not fret about your appearance.”

“The collar is too tight.”

“Never complain about your apparel being too tight to a woman wearing a corset.”

A laugh escaped from Margaret’s lips. Deborah snorted and laughed loudly.

Christopher even managed a half smile. The Moulton family was at their very best when Mrs. Robinson and her three daughters entered the room.

To be fair to Deborah, the Lake sisters were not as pretty as herself and Margaret.

They were attractive girls with pleasing faces and figures, but not memorable ones.

They all had rich brown hair and hazel eyes.

Honestly, Sarah had difficulty telling them apart now that they were all nearly the same height.

Standing, Sarah curtsied to Mrs. Robinson, whose brown hair was now liberally streaked with gray.

“It is lovely to see you again, Mrs. Robinson, and your beautiful daughters. Please allow me to introduce my husband, Mr. Moulton, and his sisters, Miss Moulton and Miss Deborah. They are new to the neighborhood and eager to make friends.”

Christopher bowed and his sisters curtsied. Mrs. Robinson and her daughters returned the courtesy. “Won’t you please be seated, my lady? I, too, look forward to getting to know our new neighbors. Where are you from, Mr. Moulton?”

He glanced briefly at Sarah, who gave him a reassuring smile. “London, ma’am. But I am happy to now consider Manderfield Hall our home.”

Mrs. Robinson nodded politely. “And do you still have a home in London?”

“Yes, ma’am. In Kensington.”

Not the most fashionable area, but a very respectable one.

The Robinsons were well-to-do, but they did not own a London house.

When they went for the Season next year, they would need to let a building.

Sarah knew that Mrs. Robinson was deciding whether or not the Moultons were rich enough to be of interest to her.

“I shall, of course, be inviting you and Miss Lake to a ball there next Season,” Sarah cut in, sweetening the pot.

“Our dear Miss Moulton will be enjoying her first Season, like your daughter. All of my aunts and uncles are eager to be a part of her presentation. And my grandfather the Duke of Aylsham insists that he be there as well.”

This was a slight prevarication. Sarah did not doubt that she could guilt her aunts into accepting her invitations and send notes to her uncles to ensure that her husband’s name was put up in the best clubs.

And her grumpy and beloved grandsire would not dream of missing any party that Sarah threw.

She was his favorite grandchild, and he told everyone.

She only hoped that he would not be disappointed when he received the letter about her wedding.

It would be arriving at Hemsley Palace any day now.

“We would be honored to receive an invitation,” Mrs. Robinson said in a sweet voice, “and we do hope that you all will be able to come to our garden party on Friday. I am afraid that it is short notice.”

Relief filled Sarah’s chest like a breath of fresh air, and she smiled. “We will be delighted to come.”

They had gotten over the first social hurdle, but there would be many more to come.