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The viscount looked at Dru, his eyes twinkling. “While I know my nephew enjoys his work, I am not getting any younger. I am trying to convince him to stay at Tilsbury Manor and learn all he can about the estate. Perhaps you can help me to persuade him to do so, my lady.”

She turned her gaze back to Mr. Hollis. “Even though you have had a satisfying career in town, sir, perhaps it is time to look to your future. Viscount Tilsbury would be a wonderful teacher, Mr. Hollis, helping you to learn all you need to know about running a large country estate. In fact, he also has helped to guide another of his neighbors, Lord Martindale.”

Mr. Hollis nodded, “Ah, my uncle has mentioned the earl and that they are close. I should very much like to meet him.”

Mrs. Cadmann brought additional cups and saucers, and Dru began pouring out for them, asking each how he liked his tea.

“Where do you reside, Lady Drusilla?” Mr. Hollis asked.

“I live with my parents at Marleyfield, which is in Somerset.”

“My, you are certainly a long way from home.”

“I have come to visit my sister. Lucy recently wed Lord Huntsberry. They reside at Huntsworth, which is just the other side of Alderton from Tilsbury Manor. I would think, though, that you would sooner meet Lord Martindale since you are neighbors. His estate is adjacent to your uncle’s.”

“Beauville, Lord Martindale’s estate, is large,” Lord Tilsbury added. “Martindale served as a major in the army until his father passed and the title went to him.”

“It seems I have several people to get to know in the area,” Mr. Hollis said.

“My cousin also lives in the neighborhood,” she volunteered.

She is wed to Lord Aldridge of Aldridge Manor.

I will mention to my sister that you have come to visit, Mr. Hollis.

I am certain she will invite you to tea, along with some of our other neighbors.

Better yet? We will be hosting an autumn festival after the harvest is collected.

It will be this coming Wednesday. I hope you and Lord Tilsbury might considering attending.

There will be food and dancing outdoors. ”

“That sounds marvelous, my lady,” Mr. Hollis said. “I came specifically at this time to see a harvest in action since I have yet to witness one.”

He turned to his uncle. “Would us going to this interfere with your own harvest, Uncle?”

“My steward tells me that we will start ours the week after next. It should take two to three days to complete. I see no reason why we could not travel to Huntsworth to join in their celebration. I have never hosted something of this nature, so I would be curious to see it myself.”

“Then it is settled,” Dru declared. “I will let Lord and Lady Huntsberry know that you will be joining us for the festivities.”

They spent a pleasant half-hour over their tea and scones, Dru telling them about her recent trip to town and the orphanage sponsored by her cousin and husband. In turn, Mr. Hollis told a few amusing stories about previous clients of his. All in all, she had a marvelous time with the pair.

“I must be getting back to Huntsworth,” she said, retrieving her parcel and rising.

The two gentlemen did the same, and Mr. Hollis inquired, “Might we offer you a ride to Huntsworth?”

“I rode into town. I merely need to reclaim my horse, which I left outside Mr. Brown’s shop.”

“Then let me escort you to it, my lady,” Mr. Hollis offered. “I will return shortly, Uncle.”

Mr. Hollis took the package from her and then offered his arm to Dru. She accepted it and they left the bakery, traveling down the main thoroughfare to Mr. Brown’s shop. When they reached the horse, Mr. Hollis tossed her into the saddle and handed up the parcel.

“I cannot say how happy I am to have made your acquaintance, Lady Drusilla. I believe my uncle has been lonely ever since my aunt’s death. He has spoken highly of you and your visit to him. I must thank you for going to see him.”

“I enjoy Lord Tilsbury’s company.” She paused. “You could help curb his loneliness, Mr. Hollis, by deciding to reside permanently at Tilsbury Manor. It would do the viscount good to have your company. In return, you would be well prepared once you took up the title.”

He gazed at her intently, causing her to grow warm at his scrutiny. “Perhaps I have found the reason I should do that very thing.”

Dru guessed he might be speaking of her, and she found herself blushing.

Clearing her throat, she said, “I will make certain that you and Lord Tilsbury receive a formal invitation to the harvest celebration Wednesday night, Mr. Hollis. Good day to you.”

She turned her horse, traveling down the center of the lane and leaving the village behind.

A man had never so quickly shown an interest in her, but Mr. Hollis had been almost blatant in doing so.

While she had never paid much attention to her appearance, she now thought perhaps she was a little bit pretty.

Lucy had always received so many compliments on her looks that Dru had considered her sister to be the beauty of the family, not her.

The harvest celebration was turning into quite the event, and Dru looked forward to seeing more of Mr. Hollis.