Page 20 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta

“Did you see them arrive?”

“I did.”

“We did not want to further upset you, Ewan,” the Duke replied quietly. “Your mother and I are well aware of how hard this has been on you. We are attempting to make the transition easier any way we might.”

Ewan felt a bolt of endearment toward his father, and he nodded.

“I am aware of that, Father. You are not to be faulted for being decent parents.”

The men shared a private smile before Phineas broke his gaze.

“We best return to the party. You do not wish to keep your father-in-law waiting.”

Ewan stifled a shudder at the characterization of the General, but he reluctantly turned to follow his father back toward the smoky game room where the festivities had only increased in volume since he had departed.

The General had yet to make an appearance, and a small part of Ewan hoped that he would opt to retire for the night, but he knew it was not likely to happen. It would appear improper if he did not show his face when he was on the property, after all.

“Miss Oliver did not come?” Ewan asked his father who stared at him with some confusion.

“I assumed she did,” the Duke replied. “Did you not see her?”

“I did not.”

His father did not comment, but both men found their attention diverted by the strapping General entering the game room, his eyes darting about but his expression displaying nothing.

“General Oliver!” the Duke called pleasantly, stepping forward to greet the man. “We are so pleased you could join us!”

Ewan inhaled deeply and trailed after his father, watching as the General bowed stiffly.

“Your Grace, the pleasure is mine.”

Instantly, the man’s eyes strayed toward his future son-in-law and fixed on his face.

“Permit me to introduce my son, Ewan, The Marquess of Peterborough.”

“Lord Peterborough,” the General said, again bowing. “It is my great honor to welcome you into our family.”

“The honor is mine,” Ewan replied, hoping his words did not sound as dull as they felt leaving his lips.

“Let us fetch you a drink, General Oliver,” the Duke said smoothly before a lull could form in the conversation. “Gerome, a drink for General Oliver.”

The butler moved toward the trio, his head down.

“What is your pleasure, General?” Phineas asked, his voice booming much louder than Ewan knew was common.

Father is uncomfortable also. Oddly, the fact comforted him somewhat.

“Scotch,” Aaron replied dismissively to Gerome who immediately turned to retrieve his order.

“Has Miss Oliver accompanied you to Nightingale this evening?” Ewan asked casually. To his surprise, the General’s face twisted darkly.

“My daughter will come on the morrow as expected. It is improper for the bride to see her groom prior to the ceremony,” Aaron intoned as though he had memorized the words before attending the party.

“I agree,” the Duke chimed, but Ewan was confused. If what Averson had told him was correct, the General kept his daughter quite close. It seemed strange that he would not insist she remain nearby.

Something is afoot.There is something odd about this family, I am certain.

“I trust her travels went well? Where was it she went?” Ewan asked. “To a wedding?”