Page 9 of Entwined By Error (Madcaps of Mayfair #1)

Flambéed, Alongside the Tipsy Cake

Myra didn’t know what to expect upon entering Northcott Castle, but the grand halls filled with oversized paintings; a large, marbled staircase; and ancient gold vases were more decadent than what she’d expected.

Her breath caught in her throat with each step, her mouth gaping as she took in the beauty that was Northcott Castle.

Thankfully, upon her entrance, Lord Southwood stood by her side, guiding her to his waiting family; otherwise, she would have stopped at each vase and painting so she could examine them.

Myra curtsied to the earl and countess and then to Mr. Northcott.

When she looked at Mr. Northcott, the embarrassment of throwing the fan at him burned in her chest, causing her to blush.

One word from his mouth upon the matter would make the next fortnight intolerable, but it was as though he had completely forgotten.

His face was impassive, his jaw tight as though her visit was of little consequence and not important enough to elicit more than a nod of acknowledgement.

Mr. Northcott looked more like the earl than Southwood, but that was only due to his striking stance, piercing blue eyes that reminded her of the ocean, and ash-brown hair. “Mr. Northcott, how nice to see you again.”

“Welcome to Northcott Castle, Miss Astley.” Daniel Northcott dipped his head only slightly, an air of superiority about him that she hadn’t noticed the first time they had met.

Looking up at Southwood, Myra admired his blond hair and brown eyes.

He was the image of his mother, which was far more pleasing, in her estimation.

Not for the first time, images of blond-haired children ran through her mind as she gazed upon the man she loved.

“My family and I are most thankful for the invitation.”

Lord Southwood flashed a smile at her, the one that had stolen her heart the first time they’d met at Almack’s. “There will be much to do while you are here. The bazaar begins on the morrow, and we shall have many supper parties, and a ball as a proper end to your visit.”

She blushed, the happiness in Lord Southwood’s expression a boon to her heart.

She’d fretted the entirety of their trip, worrying about this visit and the reception, especially since he’d left town so quickly after the last ball.

But now that she was here, her hand resting atop his arm, she knew that she was the most fortunate of all women in Society.

Lord Southwood wished for her to spend time at his home with the expectation of an offer of marriage.

It was more than she could have hoped. He lifted her hand to his mouth, placing a soft kiss upon her knuckles.

As she demurred, her eyes diverting to the floor, her father continued by introducing the rest of her family.

She had four sisters—Juliana, Rose, Cecilia, and Esther.

Her mother and father were thrilled about this little party.

Their expectations were much the same as Myra’s; if all went as planned, her sisters would experience a boost within the ton far beyond what their dowries had already provided.

With this elevation in Society, her sisters would find themselves the recipients of the most prestigious invitations, balls, garden parties, card parties, and nights at the theater.

All of it would be made possible by her marriage to a viscount—that is if he determined they were a match after this next fortnight.

“You must be exhausted from your travels. An afternoon of rest, and then we will discuss the activities for the morrow.” The countess escorted them out of the parlor, leading her family up to their rooms.

Myra held tightly to Lord Southwood’s arm, not wanting to leave his side so soon.

Her heart had ached these last few days during their separation.

A yearning to be near him, to smell the citrus of his cologne, and to hear him speak words of love—all of it made her wish everything was already decided.

Yet there was still the matter of speaking with her father and arranging the entire affair.

As they stood outside her assigned bedchamber, Lord Southwood slid his hand under her chin, lifting her head so they could gaze into each other’s eyes. “Darling, I only just received word this morning that I must return to London on the morrow.”

“No, you cannot leave now. What about the bazaar? You promised to accompany me.”

“You will not miss even a moment of the festivities. Daniel has agreed to be your escort.”

Myra placed her hand on Lord Southwood’s chest. “But I wish to share this time with you. Are we not to grow in accord?”

“I will return tomorrow night, and I promise to show you the estate.” He lightly bopped his finger on her nose. “A day of separation is nothing.”

“You need rest, my lord. The dark circles under your eyes speak of hours of business. When do you take time for yourself?”

“I shall make time in my busy schedule to consider rest. For now, it will be but one day.”

“I suppose you are right.” She didn’t want to agree with him, but it also didn’t feel right to keep him from important business. “Do you promise to return tomorrow night? You will not delay even a day?”

“I give you my word as a gentleman. I will leave before you wake and return before supper.”

She brightened a little. “Then I shall wait to see the bazaar until the following day. There is no need to force Mr. Northcott into entertaining me.”

“I wish for you to experience it on the first day. It would not be appropriate for you to sit at the castle while your sisters experience the grandeur of the event.”

She hesitated, a wave of fear rushing into her stomach, making her a little ill.

Before he had left London, he’d promised to clear all his duties in order to be with her for the entire two weeks.

But now, he was going back on his word. “Southwood, is this business important enough for you to leave me at such an important time as this?”

“It cannot be helped, kitten.” He bent down and kissed her on the end of her nose. “Now, I wish for you to wipe away that frown.”

Myra placed her hand on his cheek, the stubble of his unshaven face tickling her palm. He had never referred to her as kitten, and she wasn’t certain she liked the term, but she did like his smile. “Thank you, my lord.”

As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, trying to understand her feelings.

Their courtship had been a whirlwind of emotions, his declaration of love coming far faster than she had imagined, but that was what the London season was about.

Falling in love. And she most certainly was in love with Southwood, wasn’t she?

Shaking her head, she stepped away from the door and crossed the room to where the maids were unpacking her trunk.

Whispering under her breath, she chided herself.

“What a silly notion. Of course I am in love.” There was no need to fear a one-day separation.

Lord Southwood was the sort of man who could make her dreams come true.

A few more hours apart could not do irreparable harm.

* * *

Myra sat in the window seat undressed and only in her stays, unable to sleep due to the excitement of being at Northcott Castle, when a knock sounded on the door to her bedchamber. She nodded to her maid, Lucy, who was hanging her clothes in the dressing room.

It took less than a minute for the maid to speak with someone at the door and then present a letter to her. Myra instantly recognized the wax seal to be that of the Countess of Hastings. Snapping it open, she quickly read the letter.

“Oh dear!”

“Might I help, miss?” Lucy stood nearby, a curious look about her.

“I need to dress immediately.”

“Supper is hours away, miss.”

She looked over the letter once more. “The countess has requested that I join her in her sitting room—her private rooms.”

“Indeed? Then you will want the yellow frock.”

Myra smiled, nodding her head quickly. “I think it is best.”

It took very little time for her to dress. She checked her hair and then stepped into the hall to find the countess’s lady’s maid waiting for her. She walked behind the maid, allowing her to lead the way to the family wing, and then she waited in the hall while the maid announced her arrival.

“Show her in.”

Myra cautiously entered the sitting room, taking in the elegance of the furniture and the placement of every painting, trinket box, and vase, and then her eyes rested on the countess. “My lady, I am pleased you sent for me so soon.”

The invitation could mean only one thing: an engagement was on the horizon.

Myra wouldn’t say as much, but she knew the signs were all there.

First the invitation to the castle, and now a private meeting with the viscount’s mother.

Everything about this visit made her want to squeal with excitement, but she would keep her composure, at least while she was in the company of the countess.

“Please, join me.” The countess pointed to the cushion next to her on the sofa.

“Thank you, my lady.”

Myra settled in, accepting a cup of tea. She took a sip, then placed her cup and saucer on the table. “Northcott Castle is rather beautiful. I cannot thank you enough for your kind invitation.”

“The earl and I are most happy to have you here.” The countess reached forward and took Myra’s hands. “Southwood tells me he must leave for town on the morrow. I hope you are not too disappointed.”

“Terribly so, my lady. He works so very hard for a viscount. An admirable quality.”

The countess frowned. “Work?”

“He must do a lot for the earldom. Every time I speak with him, he is rushing away to see to business matters. I worry for his health, my lady.”

The countess released Myra’s hands. “I hope you do not consider my inquiries too personal, but I do wonder at your commitment to my son.”

“Oh?”