Never Fall for Your Fiancee

“What are they doing here?” Because frankly, the Peterses were the last thing he needed today. He dragged everyone out for a long ride to give Minerva the privacy and space to talk to her sisters, but had been on tenterhooks the whole time wondering how Diana and Vee had taken the news of their father and, more importantly, how they felt about him courting their eldest sister.

“I invited them for tea, dear.” His mother waved back, and Hugh realized why she had been so determined to be back home before two. “I thought it was high time they met Minerva and her family properly. Sarah says she’s hardly seen you these past few years. I take it Minerva knows you have a sister?”

“Of course she does! Minerva and I have no secrets.” Or at least they didn’t anymore … apart from the big one they were keeping from his mother. “But I haven’t apprised her family of the connection, so your little impromptu tea party is insensitive. It’s really not the sort of conversation one should have over tea.”

“Nonsense … The Landridges are not the least bit judgmental. Why would they be when they’ve had their own fair share of scandals? It’s not as if Sarah is a deep, dark secret.” More was the pity. “The whole county knows she is Hugh’s daughter. The pair of you are two peas in a pod.” Oh, how he hated that term. “And besides—it is much too late to change plans now. We can hardly turn them away from the front door. Not when they were so thrilled to receive the invitation.”

She kicked her horse into a trot and went off to greet them.

“Did you know about this?”

“Do I look as if I knew about this?” Jeremiah did seem a little confused. “Your mother is a law unto herself. Heaven forbid she tell me what’s afoot. I know they chatted at the assembly the other night and your mother has always gotten along well with Charlotte and Sarah … but did I know she had orchestrated a quaint English tea to enlighten the Landridges with the unorthodox peculiarities of the Standish family? No.” He shrugged in a what-will-be-will-be sort of way. “It will be all right. Minerva’s family are good people … or, at least her sisters are. The jury is still out on the mother—although between you and me, I much prefer her drunk than sober.… Come on. Let’s make the best of it.”

Hugh had no choice but to grin and bear it. As the groom relieved him of his horse, he offered pleasantries to his father’s favorite mistress, marveling at how his mother could natter away with her like they were old friends rather than bitter rivals. He stiffly greeted Sarah and Captain Peters, then trailed after them all as they wandered back toward the house.

It was surprisingly quiet inside, thank goodness, which made him hope the revelations hadn’t been too traumatic. A maid, rather than Payne, hurried forward to take their coats, and was swiftly dispatched by his mother to fetch tea. “Shall I bring it to the morning room, my lady?” There was something about the maid’s fraught expression as her eyes flicked nervously between his mother and him that made Hugh a little anxious. They rarely sat in that room in winter.

“Oh no … It’s always much too chilly in there even with the fire. We shall have it in the drawing room. Can you also send word to the ladies we have company?”

The maid bobbed a curtsey and dashed off, and always the perfect hostess, his mother led the way to the drawing room and ushered them all in.

Too late, Hugh saw the unmistakable shape of Lucretia DeVere fast asleep in the chair by the roaring fireplace, her mouth wide open and her silly riding hat at an odd angle. As if she sensed she had an audience, her eyes blinked open and slowly focused, then she shuffled to sit straighter and failed miserably.

“We are so sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Landridge.” Like him, his mother was looking for any damning evidence that might suggest their rotund and theatrical houseguest had partaken of a little nip of spirits unsupervised.

“I apologize profusely. I must have fallen asleep.…” She certainly sounded lucid enough. “This chair and fire are much too cozy.”

“I am just glad you feel at home.” Nothing fazed his mother, who beamed. “Mrs. Landridge, might I introduce you to Mrs. Edgerton, her daughter, Mrs. Peters, and Captain Peters, her charming husband. They are particular friends of our family.” She glanced at Hugh, her expression letting him know she was being subtle so he could break the truth his way.

“Mrs. Edgerton … Mrs. Peters … Captain … What a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” As regally as any duchess, the actress greeted the new guests from the comfort of her wingback. “Has somebody summoned my daughters? Only I have three girls, Mrs. Edgerton. The eldest, Minerva, is betrothed to darling Hugh here.”

Beside him, he felt his mother relax, too, just in time for a flustered Minerva to skid into the room with Diana.

“You are back … and with guests.” Both ladies had overbright smiles pasted on their faces. “How lovely … my love.” She squeezed out the endearment through impressively gritted teeth, her expressive emerald eyes boring into his. He instantly picked up her cue but was powerless to act upon it while the introductions were about to be made.