Page 33 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)
E den bid the Clarkes goodbye and left the parsonage to return to the ducal carriage.
She had been giving the couple an update regarding the progress made on the fete this past week.
As she moved toward the vehicle, a post chaise came into sight and slowed next to the carriage.
The door opened, and a man bounded from it, his valise in hand.
He spoke briefly to the driver and then turned, greeting her coachman.
“When were you promoted, Rollo?” he asked as she reached the vehicle, causing his attention to turn to her.
He was about six feet and lean, with an aquiline nose. Eden had a good idea who he might be, thanks to his familiarity with Rollo.
Approaching her, he looked about. “Hmm. The ducal carriage without its duke. And who might you be?”
“I am Miss Snow, Lord Dyer,” she said crisply. “Governess to Lady Verina and Lady Justina Fulton.”
He brightened. “Millbrooke told me that our cousins had joined Aunt Alice and Aunt Agnes at Millvale. Obviously, you have heard of me, Miss Snow, since you were easily able to identify me, just as I recognized Millbrooke’s coach and ducal seal.”
“His Grace has spoken of you on several occasions,” she said.
“Well, is he in the carriage?”
“No, my lord. His Grace is away at one of his other country properties.”
“Drat. I knew I should have written to let him know that I was coming, but he told me to come down whenever I had the chance. Might I request a ride to Millvale with you then?”
“Of course, my lord.”
The footman opened the door, and Viscount Dyer handed her up, following her and setting his valise on the floor by his foot.
As the carriage started up, he asked, “And how does it come to pass that a governess uses the ducal carriage to run her errands?”
She caught the teasing light in his eyes.
“Because I am on business for His Grace.” She couldn’t help but like this genial man, and added, “The fete will be occurring the last Saturday in June. His Grace is thinking it will become an annual tradition held at Millvale. While in his absence, I have been tasked to plan this first fete.”
Viscount Dyer whistled low, studying her a moment. “Millbrooke left the planning of this... to you. I find that most astounding, Miss Snow.”
“Actually, it is a series of lessons which I am helping teach his cousins, and I am even including his sisters in this complicated planning. I am certain you know of your uncle’s passing.
Her Grace has been in mourning. The duke knew Her Grace would not be up to seeing to the many details in regard to the fete, and he wished for his sisters and cousins to be exposed to something such as this.
Since I am known for my organizational skills, I have been put in charge of the preparations.
The young ladies are assisting me in various aspects of it.
It will be good for them to have this experience, especially because one day they will be managing their own households.
Who knows? They may even wish to do something similar for their own husband’s family. ”
“What does this fete consist of?” he asked, his curiosity obvious.
Eden spent a few minutes explaining to him about the various stalls which would sell food, drink, and wares, along with games provided for the children and competitions for the adults.
She concluded, saying, “A healthy portion of the profits will go to the church, hence my meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Clarke today where we encountered one another.”
“You sound most efficient, Miss Snow. My cousin must place great trust in you to have you heading up such an effort during his absence. When might he be returning to Millvale?”
“His Grace did not share that information with me, my lord, only that he would arrive in time for the fete. Whether that is the day before it is held or two weeks prior, I cannot speculate. Not only is he the host, but His Grace is also scheduled to be a judge for the horse competition.”
The viscount laughed. “He would have to be a judge. If not, he would sweep everything. Millbrooke is a superb horseman.”
A part of her had wanted to be able to enter the competition—and win—simply because she wanted to show off her horsemanship skills to Val. However, Eden thought it inappropriate to do so since she had helped to organize the entire affair and had voiced that in the beginning.
“I suppose I will stay a day or so to make Aunt Alice and Aunt Agnes happy. It will be good to see my cousins, particularly Justina and Verina. I only met them once many years ago and have no idea what they even look like now.”
“They will be delighted that you have come to Millvale, my lord.”
The carriage slowed, and she realized they had already reached Millvale. Lord Dyer exited the carriage first, handing her down, and then claimed his valise. They entered the foyer, and Quigby appeared, looking startled to find her in Lord Dyer’s company.
“Viscount Dyer, we had no idea you would be visiting with us,” the butler said, looking slightly flustered.
“His Grace extended an open invitation to me, Quigby, and I was only free now to come to visit him.” He gave the butler a wry smile. “I suppose I should have written first to make certain he was in residence.”
Eden slipped away while the two men were talking, sorry that Lord Dyer had not been able to come sooner. She went to the library, where she found all four girls working on a map for the horse course.
Joining them, she said, “Your cousin, Lord Dyer, has arrived.”
“Con is here?” Lady Tia cried. “Oh, we must go and see him.”
Lady Lia, ever a calming presence, said, “Wait just a moment. Let us show Miss Snow what we are thinking about regarding the horse competition.”
Quickly, Lady Lia explained the course they had created, with the other three chiming in.
“This has been thoughtfully planned,” she praised. “I am to meet with the head groom tomorrow and walk the area where the competition is to be held. I will take this map with me, and we will determine if it is viable. Thank you for all your hard work on it.”
“It is almost teatime,” Verina said. “We should go straight there and visit with Cousin Con.”
She followed the four to the drawing room, where Lord Dyer was talking with his two aunts. As the girls entered, he hurried to greet each of them with a kiss and a hug.
“It is so exciting to see you after so long,” Justina told him. “Val will be upset that he missed you.”
He smiled at her. “It means that I will get to spend more time with you four beauties. I can see Val any time. What is one duke when I can visit with all of you?”
Eden thought the viscount charming and knew he must be one of the biggest flirts in the ton .
“Come and have a seat,” Her Grace instructed, and they all moved across the drawing room to do so as two teacarts were rolled in.
While the two older women poured out for them, Lord Dyer said, “I have some good news to share with you. Lucy is wed.”
Immediately, they began bombarding him with questions, and he laughed. “I will tell you all that I know. My sister met the Marquess of Huntsberry before the Season even began. I suspected they had feelings for one another, and my assumption proved correct. They are now wed, and they—”
“That was sudden,” Lady Tia said. “The Season has barely begun. Did they need a special license?”
Eden suspected the quick marriage had been a necessary one. That the couple had been caught in a compromising position and chose to wed swiftly to lessen the gossip.
“Huntsberry did purchase one,” he told them. “I believe they did not wish to put off the ceremony.”
“It sounds as if it is a love match to me,” Lady Traywick declared. “I felt the same way the moment I met Lord Traywick. I would have wed him that very night if it had been possible.”
Verina smiled, taking her mother’s hand and squeezing it. “It is wonderful that you and Papa were a love match, Mama. I hope Justina and I will be as fortunate as you when we make our own come-outs.”
“And when will that be?” Lord Dyer asked. “There are so many cousins, I have lost track of your ages.”
“Lia and Tia will make their delayed come-outs next year, and I will do so the following year,” Verina shared.
“Two years after I do so, it will be Justina’s turn.
” She smiled at Eden. “Miss Snow will remain with us until then. We are hoping she might even become a companion to Mama after we are wed and gone from Traywick Manor.”
Eden had not mentioned this to her employer and carefully watched Lady Traywick’s reaction.
“I had never considered having a companion, but Miss Snow would be a lovely one.” She smiled warmly at Eden. “We do not have to make any decision about that at this point since Miss Snow will be with us another three years.”
Justina spoke up. “Mama, what if Miss Snow and I came to town when Verina makes her come-out?” I know I cannot attend any of the events, but it would be nice to see what my sister experiences and help me understand better what might be in store for me.
I know Miss Snow would have ideas for all kinds of lessons since London is so rich in history. ”
“Why, that is an excellent idea, Justina,” the countess said. “In fact, Miss Snow and I discussed something of this earlier. Yes, I do believe we can do so.” She glanced to Eden. “If that would be acceptable with you, Miss Snow.”
“I would be happy to accompany you and the girls to town, my lady. Lady Justina is correct in that there would be a plethora of history opened to us by being in town. The girls are so close, and I think it would do Lady Verina good to have her sister in town with her to talk over her prospects.”
“Well, that is settled,” Lady Traywick said.
Talk then turned to the fete, and the girls eagerly told their cousin about the course they had been designing.
“Miss Snow is going to meet with our head groom tomorrow and show him our obstacle map,” Lady Tia said.