Amanda StoNeS
Historical Regency Romance Author
The Vicar's Unspoken Love
First Chapters
Prologue
Faith Landon stood at the window of her room, gazing out at the rolling hills and green fields that surrounded Lingswood Manor. She had missed the quiet countryside during her time in London for her second season. She didn’t mind the balls or dinner parties. In fact, she often had a lovely time. But the little town of Lingston would always hold more allure for her than the bustling streets of London. Especially the beautiful countryside that surrounded the town and the mansions on the outskirts of Lingston.
The season past had been a lovely one. She had made some new friends speaking to the brand-new debutantes, and she had liked just about everyone she had met. She never failed to make friends wherever she went, and that never failed to delight her. However, she had once again failed to find a suitor whom she considered to be suitable match for her. She enjoyed meeting gentlemen, just as she did ladies, and she hadn’t met one that was anything but polite and kind to her. However, though many of them were handsome, witty, and charming, she didn’t feel any spark with any of them.
Faith’s parents had married for love, and she wished for nothing less than the same in her own future. Even though the town of Lingston was small, she knew that there were other gentlemen with properties nearby. There would be countryside social events, and she would have opportunities to meet them. And if not, she always had the following season to look forward to.
Thankfully, her father was a kind and understanding man who had allowed her the luxury of taking her time in finding a husband. It was a privilege that most young ladies of her rank did not have, and Faith was grateful for it. Now that she was back at her family’s estate, with her dear friend, Isabel Spencer, by her side, Faith felt more hopeful than ever. She and Isabel had met during her debut season and had become immediate best friends. She had been overjoyed when her parents had given her permission to invite Isabel to their country home for that summer. She and Isabel shared the desire to marry men with whom they fell madly in love. And both women were equally excited about spending the summer in the country.
As she turned away from the window, Faith heard a knock at her door. It was Isabel, dressed in a simple but elegant white muslin gown and a bonnet with big frills that would be perfect for a stroll through the park. She grinned at Faith, brushing back strands of her dark brown hair out of her sea-foam green eyes.
“Are you coming to breakfast already?” she asked excitedly.
Faith giggled and shrugged.
“I am waiting for Susan to come help me dress,” she said. “And I only just awoke about half an hour ago.”
Isabel sighed with exaggerated exasperation, her eyes sparkling.
“Shall I go and call for Susan?” she asked “I would very much like to take a walk after breakfast. We’ve been here three whole days, and we haven’t once been out to the gardens.”
Faith laughed as she rang for her lady’s maid.
“You mean we didn’t go and pick flowers for the vases in the grand hall and Father’s study yesterday?” she asked.
Isabel rolled her eyes, still grinning.
“That scarcely matters,” she said. “Come along quickly. I am impatient to explore the grounds.’’
Faith shook her head, still giggling. She was delighted to see her friend so enthusiastic about the countryside. She had to admit that a walk in the gardens sounded quite lovely. She had missed the view of a sprawling farm, belonging to the Johns family, that lay just beyond the edge of her family’s property. The Johns’ were a very kind and friendly family, and Faith had always enjoyed taking bread baskets to them. Mrs. Johns was especially kind to her, always making little trinkets or scarves for Faith, despite how little she and her family had.
“Very well,” she said, just as Susan opened the door to her chambers. “Let me dress, and let us make haste with our breakfast.”
Isabel clapped her hands, stepping back while Susan came to choose an outfit for her mistress. With Faith’s help, the stout, brown-haired lady’s maid chose a pale blue day dress with a matching bonnet and parasol. After a brief moment of thought, Faith reached into her wardrobe and fetched a white parasol, handing it to Isabel before taking up her position for Susan to help her dress.
Isabel smiled sweetly up at her.
“Thank you, Faith,” she said. “You truly are a kind soul to lend me one of your parasols.”
Faith blushed and waved her hand modestly.
“It is of no inconvenience,” she said.
Isabel stayed busy with the parasol for a few moments, admiring the satin of the parasol. As the daughter of a viscount, Isabel’s family was of a lower status than Faith’s, as she herself was the daughter of an earl. But Faith never gave a thought to her friend’s societal differences. She would have loaned a parasol to any of her friends, even if they had simply forgotten their own in their chambers.
By the time Susan finished dressing her mistress, Isabel was bouncing in her seat. Susan had barely finished tucking Faith’s light blond curls into the blue bonnet before Isabel was dragging Faith toward the door and down the stairs. Faith was laughing by the time she and her friend joined her parents in the dining hall for breakfast. The countess, Lady Eliza Landon, beamed at the laughing women.
“Well, good morning, my dears,” she said, rising from her seat to greet the younger women.
Faith kissed her mother on the cheek, glancing with playful frustration at her friend.
“Isabel has been bitten by the adventure bug, it seems,” she said with yet another giggle.
The countess nodded, greeting Isabel just as warmly as she had her daughter.
“Well, wonderful,” she said. “I fancy that you and your companion shall discover many diversions to occupy yourselves during the summer season.”
Isabel nodded, still grinning.
“I’m sure of it,” she said.
The countess gave her husband a knowing smile as the women took their seats. Faith saw her father give her mother a wink, and she wondered at the silent interaction. But before she could ask, Isabel began gushing about their impending walk in the gardens.
Faith couldn’t help smiling at her friend. It was as if Isabel had never been for a walk through gardens. It was one reason why Faith loved Isabel so dearly. She was a sweet, innocent young lady who was always looking for the beauty in the world around her and found delight in the simplest of things. Especially being kind to others.
Faith was beginning to think that Isabel would talk away all morning when she finally paused to take a deep breath. She smiled sheepishly at the earl and countess.
“Pray, pardon me,” she said. “I am somewhat overwrought with excitement.”
The earl gave his wife a sly smile, to which she nodded before turning to the other women.
“There is nothing wrong with that, Isabel, dear,” she said. “And I believe that Faith will be just as thrilled as you are in just a moment.”
Faith furrowed her brows inquisitively.
“Why?” she asked.
Her mother smiled at her once again.
“Because I sent a dinner invitation to the Graham family,” she said.
Faith gasped, her eyes widening.
“Oh, goodness,” she said, excitement indeed welling up inside her. “Please, tell me they said they’d come.”
Her mother nodded, her smile widening.
“Rebecca was the one who replied,” she said. “She said that they will be here by late tomorrow afternoon.”
Faith put a hand to her mouth to suppress a squeal. Thomas Landon had been good friends with Simon’s late father. As a result, Faith had become very close with Simon Graham when they were young children. It had been some time since she saw Simon. And the idea that he was coming to visit at their home was indeed thrilling to Faith. Part of her secretly hoped that one day, their friendship could blossom into something more. But for now, she was content with his friendship and looked forward to catching up with him when he and his family joined her and hers for dinner.
“Oh, I cannot wait, Mother,” she said.
Isabel beamed.
“I get to meet the illustrious Simon Graham,” she said, clapping her hands together softly. “I can hardly wait. Faith has spoken so highly of him. Verily, this summer does seem to be shaping up most splendidly.
The countess still had the knowing expression on her face.
“That’s not all,” she said mysteriously.
Faith was bursting at the seams with delight by then. She leaned forward, giving her mother a happily anxious look.
“Oh, do not keep me in suspense, Mother,” she said. “What other news do you have?”
This time, it was the earl who spoke. He gave his daughter a similar wink to the one he had given his wife and grinned.
“We received word from Andrew,” he said, deliberately speaking slowly enough to drive Faith mad with anticipation. “As you know, he had been on his Grand Tour for quite some time. And he wrote to tell us that he will be returning home soon.”
Faith couldn’t conceal her excitement any longer. She shrieked with delight, leaping from her seat, and rushing over to embrace her parents. A single moment before, she wouldn’t have thought there was any better news than that of Simon’s visit. But now, knowing that her older brother was returning home had her vibrating with energy. She missed him terribly, and she couldn’t wait to see him again after his long absence. She could already imagine the happy reunions and the long walks they would take in the gardens, catching up on each other’s lives.
“Oh, this is all wonderful news,” she gushed. “This is sure to be the best summer ever.”
Her parents laughed as she hugged them. She hurried back to her seat, smiling sheepishly at them.
“I apologise,” she said. “I know that was unladylike. I’m just so excited.”
Her father smiled dotingly at her.
“It warms my heart to see you so happy, darling,” he said. “Now, let us finish breakfast, so that we can all see to the preparations necessary for the arrival of our guests.”
Faith looked at Isabel, who looked as excited as she was. Isabel didn’t know Simon or Andrew, but she loved that her friend was as delighted as she was about their arrival. Isabel’s joy for life was one of the reasons Faith loved her so dearly. Isabel beamed at Faith giddily.
“I’m so happy for you, Faith,” she said. “It must be wonderful to have your brother back home after so long.”
Faith smiled warmly at her friend.
“It is, indeed, Isabel,” she said. “I can’t wait to see him again and hear all about his travels.”
Isabel reached out and patted her friend’s hand.
“And I cannot wait to see the two of you together,” she said. “I can already imagine the love between you two.”
Faith grinned and nodded.
“I can hardly wait,” she gushed.
As they finished breakfast, Faith’s mother graciously excused herself.
“I hope you girls have a lovely day,” she said. “I must go discuss the dinner plans with the household staff.”
Faith nodded in understanding. The Lingswood Manor had a reputation for hosting grand dinners, and Lady Lingswood wanted everything to be perfect for their guests. As she and Isabel excused themselves, Faith overheard her mother instructing some of the servants outside the room to ensure that everything was in order for the coming days. And with such special people coming over the next few days, Faith, too, wanted everything to be just right. After all, how often would she have her oldest friend and her brother with her together?
Chapter One
Simon Graham fastened his fresh, white linen clerical band around his neck with its collar stud, studying himself in the mirror. He noticed that his ash blond hair was becoming unruly, so he fetched his brush from his vanity and ran it through his hair, parting it neatly down the middle.
Lastly, he straightened his black cassock, brushing a bit of fuzz that had clung to the outfit, no doubt from a blanket when it was being brought up from laundry. He couldn’t help smiling at his reflection. He certainly looked as though he was born for the clerical life. It still felt odd to see himself dressed in that fashion.
He had only recently begun making the final preparations to take over for the vicar who was stepping down. Up until about six months prior, he had simply been serving as a junior member of the church staff and watching as sermons were performed each week. But now, each time he saw himself dressed as a member of the clergy, he felt as though he was becoming the man he was meant to be.
He headed downstairs, smiling as he entered the dining room of his family’s small cottage. His sister, Hannah, and his older brother, Peter, were already seated at the table. Hannah beamed at him as he took his seat.
“Good evening, Brother,” she said. “How was your day at the vicarage?”
Simon smiled.
“I helped host a tea for some of the elderly ladies of the parish,” he said. “They are planning a fundraiser for one of the congregation members who lost her husband and is having financial trouble while their solicitor works out details on her late husband’s finances.”
Peter Graham gave his brother an approving nod.
“That’s very kind of them,” he said. “And you seem to be fitting into your new role well.”
Simon shrugged.
“It’s not quite my role just yet,” he said. “It won’t be for a couple weeks yet.”
Just then, their mother entered, carefully balancing a wide tray with a large pot on top. Hannah leapt from her seat, hurrying over to their mother, and taking one side of the tray and helping Mrs. Graham set the tray on the table.
“How are Mr. and Mrs. Gateley?” she asked, giving her son a warm smile.
Simon smiled fondly, thinking of the soon to be retired vicar Matthew Gateley, and his big-hearted wife, Marah.
“They are well,” he said. “It’s been very busy at the vicarage. For all of us. They are glad that I have gone through with my ordination.”
His mother nodded, removing the lid from the pot, and setting it aside.
“I can imagine,” she said. “It’s always a production, changing clergy members. And I’m sure they are ready to start the next phase of their lives.”
Simon nodded.
“They will be finishing up the last of the events they organised this week,” he said. “Then, I will be taking over.”
His mother beamed at him while his siblings began helping themselves to the meal.
“I’m so proud of you, darling,” she said. “And your father would be, too.”
Simon nodded, his smile wilting. His father, who had died suddenly seven years prior, had been surprised to learn that his youngest son wanted to be a vicar. But he had been very supportive, even helping Simon get to know the other clergy members of the parish.
“How was everyone else’s day?” he asked, changing the subject.
His mother’s face lit up.
“I received a dinner invitation from Eliza a couple of days ago,” she said. “It completely slipped my mind, until I sent word to her that we would attend.”
Simon’s eyes widened.
“Lady Lingswood?” he asked hopefully.
His mother nodded, smiling knowingly.
“The very same, darling,” she said. “She has invited us to dinner tomorrow evening. I naturally told her that we would be delighted to attend.”
Simon’s heart skipped several beats, and his cheeks felt warm.
“I take it that they have returned to Lingswood Estate, then?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
Mrs. Graham nodded again.
“They are summering there this year, according to her letter,” she said.
Simon nodded. Even as he calmly helped himself to the pot roast and vegetables his mother had served, his mind was racing. It had been ages since he saw Faith Landon, and the excitement he felt at knowing he would see her again was immediate and consuming. He had never said as much to Faith, but he had begun to fall in love with her during the last couple of years they spent time together before he began apprenticing for Matthew. However, he knew that he could never confess such feelings to her.
As they helped themselves to dinner, Hannah noticed his expression and smiled broadly at him.
“I take it you’re looking forward to seeing Faith again,” she said.
Simon blushed and cleared his throat.
“Well, she is my oldest friend,” he said.
Hannah grinned knowingly.
“And the woman you secretly pine for,” she said.
Simon felt his face grow even hotter.
“I don’t pine for her,” he protested.
Hannah raised an eyebrow and smirked at her brother.
“Really?” she asked. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. You light up like a winter fireplace whenever she’s around.”
Simon rolled his eyes, his lips twitching with the desire to smile as he thought about Faith.
“How could you know that?” he asked. “It has been ages since any of us have even seen her. I’m just happy to see my friend, Sister. That’s all.”
Hannah’s smile widened, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Methinks my brother you do protest too much,” she said with a giggle.
Simon rolled his eyes again, wishing he could hide his burning cheeks. He knew that was a dead giveaway. And yet, his feelings for Faith were such that he couldn’t help blushing.
Rebecca smiled at her children’s banter.
“Well, I’m sure Faith will be delighted to see you too, Simon,” she said. “Perhaps you could stop by Lingswood Estate tomorrow and make sure that the countess received my letter regarding the invitation.”
Simon nodded, grateful for a distraction from his sister’s relentless scrutiny.
“Of course, Mother,” he said. I’d be happy to.”
Hannah laughed giddily.
“Indeed, you would be,” she said.
Simon glowered at her, though a slow smile was creeping onto his face.
“I am simply happy to see my friend,” he repeated.
Rebecca Graham shook her head, smiling indulgently at her children.
“And Hannah, darling,” she said, giving Simon a knowing glance. “You and I will need to ensure that we have something nice to wear. I will require your assistance tomorrow.”
Hannah finally looked away from her brother, giving her mother a sweet smile.
“Of course, Mother,” she said. “I would be happy to help.”
Rebecca nodded.
“Very well,” she said. “Now, let us eat, before our dinner gets cold.”
They continued with their meal, and Simon’s thoughts drifted to Faith. They had grown up together and had been inseparable as children. As they grew older, their friendship had deepened, but Simon had begun to see Faith in a different light. He admired her intelligence, her kindness, and her beauty. He had started to imagine what it would be like to court her, but he quickly dismissed the idea as foolish.
Faith was of noble birth, and Simon was only a vicar. He knew that she would be expected to marry someone of equal or higher rank. Still, he couldn’t help the way he felt. And he couldn’t deny that he was looking forward to seeing her again. He just hoped he could keep his feelings buried and enjoy her company as a friend.
As his mother spoke with his sister about the preparations the two of them would need to make the following day, Simon’s mind drifted to more thoughts of Faith. He remembered the day they first met, running around the fields at Hyde Park and picking wildflowers. He smiled at the memory, feeling a warmth in his heart that only Faith could bring him.
However, as his mother and sister continued to discuss the following evening, Simon’s heart sank. He would be with Faith at dinner, but it wouldn’t be as her companion. He would never get to attend any function as her companion. No matter how he felt about Faith, he couldn’t let himself forget that his feelings for Faith would remain unrequited, and he had no chance of winning her heart.
He tried to push the thoughts aside. He knew that he needed to focus on his duties as the new vicar. He had wanted to be a member of the clergy for as long as he had loved Faith and he was in the final stretch of his dream of being the vicar. That was where his focus should be. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind, determined to be a good sport, and represent his family, and his impending career, well at dinner the following evening.
After dinner, Simon joined Peter for a round of billiards. But during the game, he noticed that Peter seemed distracted. Peter was usually guarded with his emotions, so Simon initially decided not to pry. Instead, he attempted to engage his brother in conversation.
“How goes business at the orchard?” he asked.
Peter looked up from the billiards table with a faraway expression.
“Hm?” he asked.
Simon chuckled.
“The orchard,” he asked. “I haven’t heard much mention of it recently. Have you made any new deals with potential investors or partners as of late?”
Peter blinked as though trying to clear his mind.
“Oh,” he said, shaking his head slowly. “Not lately. But I should have some meetings soon.”
Simon nodded, opening his mouth to inquire about the meetings. But his brother’s gaze instantly returned to its previous dreamy state, and Simon sighed softly. It was clear that something was on his brother’s mind. And even though he didn’t wish to pry, he wanted to help, if he could. He wondered if it might have something to do with a young lady named Sarah Winston.
Simon had heard Peter mention Sarah a few times, but he didn’t know much about her. He did notice, however, that Peter often walked about with a dreamy smile on his face. He decided to broach the subject with Peter, hoping to learn more about the woman who had captured his brother’s heart, without directly asking him if there was trouble between them.
“So, Peter,” Simon said casually. “Tell me more about Sarah. What’s she like?”
Peter looked up again, clearly surprised by the question. He hesitated for a moment before answering.
“She’s…she’s lovely,” Peter said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “She’s very kind, smart, and quite beautiful.”
Simon nodded, sensing that there was more to the story. He waited patiently for his brother to continue.
“I want to ask her to marry me,” Peter said after a long pause, his eyes downcast. “But her father is a wealthy merchant, and I fear he won’t approve of me. I’m just an apple orchard owner. I have no wealth or status to offer.”
Simon put a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder. Peter, as the eldest Graham son, had taken over their father’s apple orchard business after his passing seven years prior. Simon knew that his brother was proud to have taken over the late gentleman’s business. However, Simon sometimes got the impression that his eldest brother often envied their other brother, and the middle Graham son, Caleb, who was away studying law. Especially when Peter started talking about Miss Winston.
“Brother, you have nothing to fear,” he said, giving his brother a warm smile. “If Sarah loves you, that’s all that matters. Money and status mean nothing in matters of the heart.”
Peter’s face changed, his eyes shining with hope.
“Do you really think so?” he asked.
Simon nodded, giving his brother a warm smile.
“Of course,” he said. “Should you require any assistance, be assured of my aid.”
Peter smiled gratefully.
“Thank you, Simon,” he said.
As the game of billiards came to an end, Simon excused himself and made his way to his room. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, letting out a deep sigh. The thought of seeing Faith again after so long filled him with both joy and dread. He knew he couldn’t keep his feelings hidden forever, but he also couldn’t risk ruining their friendship. At least, he would get to see his friend again the following day. That was what mattered most.
Chapter Two
Faith was destroying her dresser and wardrobe when Susan entered the following morning. The lady’s maid looked with half amusement and half horror at her mistress as Faith turned around, looking at the maid with wide eyes.
“Forgive me,” she said, blushing. “I just can’t decide what to wear.”
Susan shook her head slowly, but she gave Faith a kind, if apprehensive, smile.
“I understand that Lord Andrew’s return must have you wildly distracted,” she said. “Why don’t you allow me to choose an outfit for you today?”
Faith smiled sweetly at her lady’s maid and nodded.
“Thank you, Susan,” she said. “You are so wonderful to me.”
Susan gave a short nod, picking up the remnants of Faith’s careless dress search before surveying the options for herself. Faith tried, and failed, to count the beats of her heart to calm herself while she waited for Susan to choose a dress for her.
After another hour and a half, and more of Faith’s delighted daydreaming, Susan managed to dress her in a beautiful gown made of a light, flowing satin in a soft shade of lavender. The dress had a fitted bodice that cinched at her waist before flaring out into a full skirt that swayed as she walked. The sleeves were long and flowing, and the neckline was modest but elegant.
To complete the outfit, Susan had added a pair of delicate pearl earrings that complemented the soft lavender of her gown. Her hair was styled in loose waves that fell around her shoulders, giving her a romantic and feminine look. Then, Susan pinned some lavender in Faith’s hair, using pins that had pale purple pearls on them. And when Faith was at last ready, she fled from her room and flew down the stairs. She knew it was terribly unladylike to behave as she was. But it wasn’t every day that her brother returned home after being gone for so long. And she also knew that her parents wouldn’t shame or scold her for such excitement at such an event.
As Faith entered the drawing room, Isabel looked up and gasped at the sight of her friend.
“You look stunning,” she exclaimed, admiring Faith’s gown and accessories.
Faith blushed, feeling a surge of confidence and happiness as she went to her friend. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window just beside where Isabel was sitting, and she thought she looked like the young girl her brother would remember. Truthfully, it didn’t matter to her how her brother thought of her. She knew he loved her. The important thing was that he was finally coming home.
“Thank you, Isabel,” she said, studying her friend’s lovely pink gown. Faith noticed that her friend didn’t have quite as many accessories as she herself did. But Isabel’s beautiful, dark brown hair had been styled in the sweetest ringlets and tied atop her head with a small bonnet that matched her dress. And Isabel’s green eyes seemed to be nearly transparent as she bounced with excitement. “I am sure that the two of you will be fast friends, as well.”
Isabel shrugged, giving her friend a kind smile.
“You speak so highly of him, I do not see how I could possibly not adore him,” she said.
Faith nodded, sighing dreamily.
“There is no better big brother in all of London,” she said.
Isabel nodded thoughtfully with a small smile.
“What kinds of things does he enjoy?” she asked. “Perhaps, we can make plans for the summer that include him once in a while.”
Faith grinned and nodded.
“He loved horseback riding,” she said, thinking about the days when he taught her how to ride. “And fishing, as well. Perhaps, we could have a picnic lunch one day, and afterward, we could watch him fish for a while.”
Isabel nodded, looking thoughtful.
“That sounds lovely,” she said. “Does he like the theater, or the public performances at the park?”
Faith nodded slowly.
“He enjoys them from time to time,” she said. “I am sure we could make plans to partake in all those things.”
Isabel’s smile widened.
“It sounds like we will be able to find many things for us all to do together,” she said.
Faith sighed happily.
“I should think so,” she said. “Oh, I can’t wait to spend time with him again.”
As they chatted about their plans for the summer, Faith’s excitement grew within her. She was beside herself, anxious to see her brother after what felt like an entire lifetime. He had been on his Grand Tour since Faith was a teenager, and she had missed him dearly the entire time. As happy as she was that Isabel would be there all summer, as well, she could hardly concentrate on what her friend was saying.
“Faith, darling,” Isabel said some time later, waving a hand in front of Faith’s face.
Faith shook her head, blushing as she smiled sheepishly at her friend.
“Yes?” she asked.
Isabel scoffed playfully and shook her head.
“I think I could have told you that a dragon landed on the mansion, and you would have simply agreed with me,” she said, giggling.
Faith laughed.
“I likely would have told you to invite it in to join us for tea,” she said. “I apologise. I was lost in thought. I’m just thrilled for Andrew’s arrival.”
Isabel nodded, giving Faith a sweet smile.
“I think it’s wonderful how much you love your brother,” she said. “I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I had had any siblings.”
Faith nodded sympathetically at her friend. She was the only child of the viscount Spencer, and the viscount clearly loved his daughter dearly. However, Faith could understand how her friend might feel lonely without any siblings. Faith knew how lucky she was to have such a wonderful brother. She knew that not every woman in the ton was so fortunate, which was one reason why she adored her older brother so much.
“Well, I have no doubt that Andrew will treat you just like another sister,” she said.
Isabel smiled shyly.
“That sure would be lovely,” she said.
When at last the sound of the carriage drew their attention, the two women rushed to the window to catch a glimpse of who had arrived. Faith recognized her brother’s visage as the coach rounded the last curve in the driveway in front of the mansion. She gasped, grabbing Isabel’s hand and dragging her out of the door and down the halls.
Isabel laughed, managing to keep up with Faith as they headed straight for the front door.
“I take it that your brother is here?” she teased.
Faith barely spared her a glance as she kept running.
“How did you guess?” she asked with a laugh.
It took all Faith had to wait until the carriage came to a stop and her brother opened the door. She rushed up to him, hugging him tightly and feeling tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
“We’ve missed you so much, Andrew,” she said, stepping back to look at him. “You look well, but a bit tired.”
Andrew smiled warmly at his sister.
“I am well, Faith. You’re right, I am tired. It was a long journey back home,” he said, stretching his arms above his head. “But it’s good to be back.”
Faith stepped back to survey her brother. His light blond hair was disheveled, indicating that he had done a bit of sleeping before he arrived. His blue eyes did, indeed, look tired, but they sparkled with the joy that Faith had always seen. Her brother did look well. And he was home safe. Her heart was singing.
Isabel stepped forward, and Faith introduced the two. Isabel curtseyed to Andrew, offering him a warm smile.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Lord Landon,” she said. “We’ve all been eagerly anticipating your arrival.”
Andrew bowed, smiling at Isabel just as warmly as he had done to his own sister.
“Andrew, please,” he said. “It is lovely to meet you, as well, Miss Spencer.”
Isabel blushed, smiling shyly.
“Then I insist that you call me Isabel,” she said.
Andrew nodded.
“Isabel it is,” he said.
Just then, Faith noticed another man stepping out of the carriage. She looked at her brother questioningly. Andrew grinned, motioning for the man to stand beside him.
“Heavens, I nearly forgot,” he said. “Faith, Isabel. I’d like you to meet my good friend, Harry Mitchell, the marquess of Sharendale.”
Lord Sharendale bowed before giving Andrew a wry glance.
“I can see how good a friend I am,” he teased. “You already forgot all about me.”
Isabel giggled as Andrew rolled his eyes.
“At least, I didn’t leave you out here all night,” he retorted.
The marquess chuckled. Then, he turned to face the women, giving them a charming smile.
“It is a pleasure to meet you beautiful ladies,” he said. Faith noticed that he was looking at her as he spoke, and she felt her cheeks grow warm at the attention.
“Delighted,” she said politely as she and Isabel curtseyed.
Lord Sharendale nodded, still not taking his eyes off Faith.
“Andrew has spoken very highly of you,” he said.
Faith smiled, glancing at her brother.
“We are very close,” she said. The marquess was handsome, with his black hair and pale green eyes, and he seemed very charming. But he seemed to be looking at her as though he was taking a romantic interest in her, and she didn’t know if she felt the same.
“Oh, my darling Andrew,” the countess said from behind the group.
Everyone turned to see Lady Lingswood rushing toward them, her arms outstretched. Andrew stepped away from the group to embrace his mother.
“It is good to see you, Mother,” he said, hugging his mother tightly.
The countess stepped back and beamed at her son.
“It’s good to have you home,” she said.
Faith watched as Andrew repeated Harry’s introduction to his mother, who welcomed him graciously to their home. Then, she smiled at the men, pointing to the house.
“Why don’t the two of you go freshen up and get yourselves out of your travelling clothes?” she asked. “I will arrange for us to have tea in about an hour.”
Andrew gave his mother a grateful smile and nodded.
“That sounds lovely,” he said.
The group reentered the mansion, and Faith was bursting with excitement.
“So, Andrew, how did you meet the Marquess?” Faith asked, as they walked up the stairs.
“We met while travelling through Europe,” Andrew said. “We both share an interest in art and history, and we hit it off right away. We’ve been good friends ever since.”
Isabel peeked at Andrew from the other side of Faith, smiling sweetly.
“He’s certainly very charming,” she said. “And quite handsome, too.”
Faith laughed.
“One might think he’s made quite an impression on you, darling,” she teased.
Isabel blushed and shrugged.
“I wouldn’t mind getting to know him a little better,” she said.
Andrew chuckled.
“Well, he is available,” he said. “He’s a good man, and indeed, very charming. But he’s yet to find someone to capture his heart.”
Isabel raised an eyebrow.
“Really?” she asked. “I find that hard to believe.”
Faith and Andrew exchanged glances. She hoped that Andrew didn’t think that Isabel was being too forward. She looked to her friend, trying to silently will her to settle herself. But Andrew simply chuckled once more.
“It’s true, I’m afraid,” he said. “That’s why he was free to come here with me.”
Faith nodded thoughtfully, relieved that neither of the men seemed bothered by Isabel’s forwardness.
“I see,” she said. “Well, he certainly seems like a very interesting person. I can’t wait to get to know him better.”
As they reached the first floor landing, the gentlemen excused themselves to freshen up, and Isabel linked her arm through Faith’s.
“Will you join me for a walk in the garden before tea?” she asked.
Faith giggled.
“So that you can gossip about the marquess?” she guessed.
Isabel shrugged.
“Perhaps,” she said mysteriously.
Faith laughed.
“I’d love to,” she said, allowing Isabel to guide her back out of the mansion and to the gardens.
As they strolled, Faith and Isabel admired the beauty of the estate. The gardens were meticulously tended to, with vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges lining the pathways. In the distance, they could see the rolling hills and fields that surrounded the estate, making for a picturesque view.
Isabel glanced at Faith and asked her,
“So, what do you really think of the Marquess? Do you see any potential for a love match?”
Faith smiled.
“Did you?” she asked. “It certainly seemed as though you found him quite attractive.”
Isabel shrugged again.
“He is indeed very attractive,” she said again. “But we’re talking about you at the moment. He seemed to pay special attention to you, even upon first meeting you. I think you made an impression on him.”
Faith nodded, recalling how he hadn’t taken his eyes off her.
“Well, he is certainly handsome and charming,” she admitted. “But as you always say, Isabel, looks aren’t everything. I think it’s important to have a real connection with someone, to share common interests and values.”
Isabel nodded in agreement.
“Yes, that’s true,” she said. “But there’s no harm in a little bit of attraction, is there?”
Faith laughed.
“Of course not, Isabel,” she said. “But ultimately, I believe that love should be based on more than just physical appearance.”
Isabel smiled warmly at her friend.
“I know that finding someone with whom you really connect is most important to you,” she said. “I just don’t want you to pass up a chance at love because you judge too quickly.”
Faith grinned wryly.
“You know me so well,” she quipped, gently elbowing her friend. “I assure you, I won’t be so discerning that I let love pass me by.”
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Great can’t wait for next chapter