Page 12

“I am a simple girl. I enjoy being outdoors. I like to ride, fish, and garden. I have already started advising Lucy’s gardeners on how to bring the Huntsworth gardens back to life.

Apparently, Judson’s uncle neglected them when he served as the guardian of both Judson and the estate, and they turned wild during the years my brother-in-law remained in town. ”

“You should tell his lordship of Toby,” Perry prompted.

“Toby is my cat,” she said proudly. “As independent as they come, but he is ever so affectionate with me. He barely tolerates anyone’s presence, but Lord Martindale met Toby the other day and even held Toby in his lap without any protest.”

“Then I would say your Toby is a fine judge of character,” Lord Tilsbury proclaimed.

“I have always been drawn to animals,” Lady Dru continued. “It was hard to leave them behind in Somerset, but Judson has given me a fine mount to ride while I am visiting Huntsworth.”

“Perhaps you might like to ride my estate, Lady Dru,” Perry said impulsively. “I am very proud of the work we have begun on it.”

“I would very much enjoy that, Lord Martindale. Being in the saddle is second nature to me.”

She looked back to their host. “You have not spoken much of yourself, my lord. Tell me about yourself—and Lady Tilsbury.”

Tears misted the old man’s eyes. “We met during her second Season,” he began. “She had not chosen to wed at the end of her first, upsetting her parents a great deal. Her father and mine enjoyed partnering at cards, and they hatched a scheme between them to bring us together.”

Smiling, Lord Tilsbury added, “We allowed them to believe it was an arranged marriage, when all along, it was love at first sight.”

“You are very fortunate to have made a love match,” Lady Dru said. “The same as my sister and cousin. My understanding is that is very rare within the ton .”

The viscount nodded. “It is. I am grateful for every day I had with my wife. She had a child the first year after we wed. A son. He was stillborn.” Sadness filled his face.

“The doctor told us there could be no more attempts at a child. We clung to one another in our grief, but we had our strong love to continually sustain us for decades after that.”

“Who is your heir apparent then?” she asked.

“My brother’s eldest son. My brother passed away two years ago, so the title will go to my nephew upon my passing.”

That news surprised Perry. “I did not know your brother was gone, my lord. You never wrote of it.”

Pain filled the viscount’s eyes. “I did not want to burden you while you were at war. You had enough to deal with.”

“Then please accept my condolences now.”

Lord Tilsbury shrugged. “I have lost those closest to me—and still endure.”

“You mean a great deal to me, my lord,” he said. “I do not think you understand the influence you have had upon me. I hope you will be around for many years to come, offering me advice, as well as your friendship.”

“You are a good man, Martindale. I look upon you as a son.”

The viscount pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at his eyes. Brightening, he said, “Would you like to see some of Lady Tilsbury’s paintings, my lady?”

“I would enjoy that very much,” Lady Dru said. “I have no talent in the arts. Although I do enjoy singing, I play the pianoforte abominably. My governess had me try my hand at painting, but it was an unpleasant experience. I admire those who paint and do it well.”

“Then let me take you through the house. Her paintings are scattered in various rooms.”

Lord Tilsbury first led them about the drawing room, showing them a few paintings hanging there, and then they left to visit other rooms throughout the house.

He was glad Lady Dru had come with him today to visit Lord Tilsbury.

Perry had never known Lady Tilsbury painted or that numerous paintings she had done filled the walls of the house.

They ended in a room on the ground floor, and Lord Tilsbury said, “This was my wife’s parlor. Sometimes, I come and sit in here, just to feel close to her. I will close my eyes and convince myself that I catch the scent of the rosewater she used every day.”

Lady Dru reached out and took the old man’s hand.

“You were blessed to have Lady Tilsbury in your life, my lord. Thank you for a lovely tea and more importantly, for sharing the viscountess’ paintings with us.

I quite admire her talent. They capture Surrey well, especially this miniature on the desk here. ”

Perry glanced at the small painting resting upon a stand. It captured roses in a garden.

The viscount picked it up, stand and all, a fond smile on his lips as he gazed upon it. Then he turned and handed it to Lady Dru.

“I would like you to have this, my lady.”

“No, my lord,” she protested. “I cannot take one of your beloved wife’s paintings.”

“Lady Tilsbury would have liked you, Lady Dru. She would want you to have it. Please, humor an old man and accept it.”

She stepped to him and brushed her lips against the old man’s cheek. “This will become my most prized possession,” she proclaimed. “I cannot thank you enough for sharing your memories of Lady Tilsbury and giving me this painting of hers.”

“Thank you for visiting me today.” The viscount looked from one visitor to the other. “Both of you. You are welcome back anytime, no invitation necessary.”

Lady Dru smiled brightly. “I will let my sister know that you are amenable to accepting an invitation from her. You will hear from her soon, my lord. Thank you for a most delightful afternoon.”

They said their goodbyes, and Perry escorted Lady Dru to the waiting vehicle.

Once they were on their way, he said, “You were a balm to Lord Tilsbury’s soul, my lady.”

“I felt a strong connection with him. I cannot believe his generosity in giving one of Lady Tilsbury’s paintings to me. I shall write him a lovely note once I get home. It can be included in the invitation that Lucy issues to him.”

She had been looking out the window as she spoke, but she turned now, their gazes meeting.

“Would you also like to come when Lord Tilsbury visits us? He might feel more comfortable having you present since he thinks so highly of you.”

“I am agreeable and will accept any invitation Lady Huntsberry issues to me.”

They rode in companionable silence after that and soon arrived at Huntsworth. He climbed from the barouche and handed her down, where they were greeted by Lord and Lady Huntsberry.

“Here is Lady Dru, safe and sound,” he told the couple.

“Lord Tilsbury is such a kind, wonderful man,” Lady Dru declared.

“He will eagerly accept any invitation to tea or dinner, Lucy. I think we should ask him for dinner so we can see more of him.” She looked to Perry.

“And Lord Martindale should also be included. Lord Tilsbury looks upon Lord Martindale as a son.”

“I see,” Lady Huntsberry said. She glanced to her husband. “How about tomorrow evening?”

“Whatever you want, love,” the marquess told his wife.

Lady Huntsberry addressed him. “Then we would be honored if you would come to dinner tomorrow evening, Lord Martindale. Shall we say seven o’clock?”

“I will be there, my lady. Thank you.” He looked to Lady Dru. “Until tomorrow night, my lady.”

Perry returned to the carriage, settling back against the seat as his driver started up the carriage. He was grateful for the invitation because he did want to get to know his neighbors better.

Moreover, he was eager to spend more time in Lady Dru’s company.