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P erry did not have any evening wear for tonight’s dinner. In fact, he had yet to even order any from Mr. Billings. He hoped that, being in the country, the attire for dinner this evening would be less formal than what was expected in town.

He went to the foyer to wait for his mother, hoping she would arrive promptly.

He didn’t know if she was the kind of woman who liked to keep a man waiting, but he determined he would depart at the time he had given her, whether she was downstairs or not.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to make that decision because she arrived two minutes before they were scheduled to leave.

Most sons would do the dutiful thing and compliment their mother’s appearance, but he had no relationship with this woman and wasn’t about to start pretending they did now.

“Are you ready?” he asked brusquely.

She frowned slightly but was clever enough not to call him out, knowing she needed his goodwill as far as her permanent living arrangements were concerned. “Of course, Martindale.”

Perry allowed a footman to hand her into the carriage and then followed, sitting across from her. He wasn’t about to start a conversation, but he would be civil enough to respond if she asked a question of him. Now that she had come to Beauville in his carriage, he planned to keep the vehicle.

“I am surprised that we have been asked to dine with the Huntsberrys. They wed quite early into this past Season. There was gossip about the speed of their marriage, but I saw them at several events throughout the summer. Huntsberry seemed besotted with his bride.”

“From what I gather, they are very close,” he said neutrally.

“I find it odd Huntsberry is in the country. I cannot recall him being here for many years. Of course, his father was so ill. We never had much to do with the poor man. He barely left his sickroom.”

He didn’t comment on her observations.

“So, tell me who will be attending this dinner.”

“Obviously, Lord and Lady Huntsberry,” he replied. “Lady Huntsberry’s sister is also staying with them. She is Lady Drusilla Alington.”

“Hmm. I do not recall a Lady Drusilla. I do know Lady Huntsberry is the daughter of Lord and Lady Marley.”

“Lady Drusilla has yet to make her come-out.”

“She will be at dinner?” his mother asked, sounding confused. “I think that a poor idea.”

“Well, you are not in charge, are you? It is Lady Huntsberry’s dinner party, and if she wishes for her sister to join us, it is her prerogative.”

His mother sniffed. “I suppose things are more relaxed in the country. I am so rarely here. Who else, Martindale?”

“I know that Lord Tilsbury will also be present.”

“Tilsbury? Why, I haven’t laid eyes upon him in years. Once he wed, he and Lady Tilsbury never returned for a single Season. I simply cannot understand that.”

“Just as you are drawn to town, there are others who much prefer the country. Lord and Lady Tilsbury were ones who did so.”

Perry hated hearing his friend—or anyone—disparaged by his mother. He dreaded what this evening might be like, when all along he had been looking forward to it.

“Anyone else?” she prompted.

“It is possible that Lady Huntsberry’s cousin and husband will be in attendance since they are close. That would be Lord and Lady Aldridge.”

“Hmm. I saw the new Lord Aldridge last Season, but I was not introduced to him. So, Lady Aldridge is a cousin to Lady Huntsberry,” she mused.

He said nothing, already tired of her prodding him.

Having received the information she desired, his mother ceased conversation for the short remainder of their journey to Huntsworth.

When they arrived, the butler met them. Perry saw another carriage already there. Another carriage pulled in behind his, and Lord Tilsbury got out. He watched the viscount’s reaction as he caught sight of his neighbor.

“Lady Martindale. It has been many years since our paths have crossed since you do not frequent Beauville.”

“My condolences to you on the loss of Lady Tilsbury,” his mother said.

“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman.”

“If you will follow me, my lords, my lady,” the Huntsworth butler said, leading them into the house and up the stairs to the drawing room.

As they entered, Perry caught sight of Lord and Lady Aldridge, as well as his hosts.

But his attention fell upon Lady Dru. She was wearing a simple gown of the palest blue, her hair arranged in a simple chignon.

His heart began beating faster as their gazes met.

He reminded himself that she was not the one for him.

Even as he approached her, he knew that was a lie.

She was the only one for him . . .

“It is so wonderful that you all could come this evening,” Lady Huntsberry said. She looked to him, and Perry said, “I would like to introduce you to my mother, Lady Martindale. Mother, this is Lord and Lady Huntsberry, our hosts, and Lady Drusilla Alington, younger sister to Lady Huntsberry.”

He also introduced the Aldridges to her. His mother greeted everyone appropriately, keeping all judgment from her voice, for which Perry was thankful.

“It is good to see young people starting to populate the neighborhood,” his mother commented.

“You have not been to Surrey in many years, Lord Huntsberry. I have seen you frequently about town, however. And you, Lord Aldridge, are new to your title. My husband and I were friendly with the previous Lord Aldridge.”

Lord Huntsberry said, “I did not come to the country for many years, my lady, but I am happy to have returned to Surrey. My wife enjoys the country quite a bit, and I agree with her that it is even better than town.” He gave his wife an intimate smile.

His mother glanced to Lady Huntsberry. “It seems that you will be raising children in the country rather soon, my lady.”

Lady Huntsberry blushed. “Yes, I am increasing,” she confirmed.

Lord Huntsberry slipped an arm about his wife’s waist. “We are most happy about the news.”

His mother turned to the Aldridges and said, “I heard you actually brought your infant to town this past Season. Is that correct?”

“We did,” Lord Aldridge said, pride evident in his voice. “Penelope was born about six weeks before the Season began. We did not want to be parted from her.”

Clucking her tongue, his mother said, “I assume it was too hard for you to leave an infant behind, Lady Aldridge.”

“I would not have left my daughter behind, no matter what her age,” Lady Aldridge boldly proclaimed. “My husband and I plan to always bring our children to town during the Season.”

Perry covered his chuckle with a cough, seeing his mother’s surprise. “But... children are to remain at home with their nursemaids. Their tutors and governesses. The Season holds so many events, there is not time to even see children.”

Looking intently at his mother, Lady Aldridge said, “You may have chosen to leave your son behind, my lady, but that is something we will never do.” She paused.

“I am one of ten cousins, and I believe the Season is meant for families, not merely the social whirl. I have already spoken to several of my cousins, and we all plan to bring our children to town with us each year. We will attend some social affairs, but a good deal of our time will be spent with our extended family. That way, our children will grow up not only with their siblings, but their cousins.”

“Why, that is the most outlandish thing I have ever heard,” his mother sputtered.

Lord Aldridge smiled. “We are a new generation, Lady Martindale. Perhaps others will take notice of what we do and follow suit.”

Perry glanced to Viscount Tilsbury, who was nodding in approval.

Drinks were served, and they sipped on them as they chatted about the neighborhood. Since his mother was never here, she contributed nothing to their conversation.

Then she turned her attention upon Lady Dru, whom he had taken a seat next to.

“I hear you have yet to make your come-out, my lady.”

“I have not,” she replied, not bothering to elaborate.

“You and your sister are Lord and Lady Marley’s daughters, I believe.”

“We are, my lady,” Lady Dru said.

“I find your mother rather . . . opinionated.”

Perry came to the rescue, saying, “You yourself are known for your strong opinions, Mother. I am certain you express them as freely as Lady Marley does her own.”

Before she could reply, the butler announced that dinner was served.

As they rose, Lord Tilsbury offered his arm. “May I escort you into dinner, Lady Martindale?”

He gave his friend a grateful look and turned to Lady Dru. “May I do the same, my lady?”

“Certainly,” she said, taking his arm.

They found themselves the last to leave the drawing room, and she said, “I see you are not close with your mother.”

“No. She barely comes to Beauville. In fact, when she arrived this afternoon, it was the first I had seen of her in many years. Of course, I was away at war for four years, but before that? It had probably been five years or longer since we had laid eyes upon one another.”

“Then why is she even here?”

“She has come to find out what I am to do with her. My solicitor is scheduled to arrive tomorrow at Beauville with a copy of my parents’ marriage settlements.”

“From what Mama has told me, widows usually move to the dower house. Since your mother is rarely in the country, will she be doing so?”

“She has already expressed her preference to remain in town. I do not want her at Beauville. Not only would she be bored to tears, she would most likely cause trouble for me. Yet I do not want her in my London townhouse. When I do go there for the Season, I have no wish to look at her every morning at the breakfast table. It will be enough trying to avoid her at social events.”

“Could you give her an allowance? Rent her a place somewhere in town?” Lady Dru asked.

“I will learn if that is a possibility after I speak with Mr. Chapman tomorrow. He is to give me a better idea of my financial situation.”