The time had come for Hugh to settle down as well, at least according to Graham. Thus far, Hugh had avoided emotional entanglements and planned to keep it that way. He’d sworn never to fall victim to love or lust—the two L’s—ingredients that ruined many lives, including those of his parents.
Hugh’s only requirements for marriage were wealth and enough passion to keep life in the bedchamber interesting. His dream of breeding horses required money. With a little luck, his charm, and family ties, he’d be able to convince the right lady to marry him and that might just be Miss Waverly. The invitation to the Christmas house party was a major coup and suggested he had an excellent chance at winning the lady’s hand.
He managed to find the stairs after making only one wrong turn and soon arrived in the front entrance where a footman stood in blue and yellow livery. “The billiard room?”
“This way, sir.” The servant bowed and led the way down a corridor toward the back of the house, passing several closed doors before pausing at an open one. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.” Hugh stepped into the large room with a bank of windows and not one but two billiard tables as well as several groupings of dark leather wingback chairs and tables. An elegant sideboard stood along one wall with a variety of decanters and glasses should a man acquire a thirst. Two other tables stood at the ready for cards or dice games.
Hugh hid a smile, not wanting to appear overly impressed with his surroundings. No need to look like a country oaf unused to the finer things in life.
A glance at the men gathered near the French doors that led to the rear gardens showed several familiar faces.
“Raybourne.” James Trenton, Viscount Jameson, crossed the room to offer his hand. “Good to see you.”
“Jameson.” Hugh shook his hand and dipped his head. “I didn’t know you were coming.” He’d known Jameson since their university days and considered him a friend of sorts. But the realization that he’d be competing against the viscount for Miss Waverly dampened his previous good spirits.
“Sounded like a delightful way to spend the holiday.” Jameson grinned, suggesting he was well aware of Hugh’s thoughts. “Especially since Miss Waverly urged me to attend.”
Hugh did his best to mask a scowl. While he knew the lady was popular and had watched her dance with Jameson, he had thought himself the only one lucky enough to have her extend a personal invitation to the party. No matter, he reassured himself. He’d bested Jameson on several occasions in the past and knew he could do so again.
“The estate is larger than I had realized.” Jameson kept his voice low as he glanced about. “Quite grand, eh?”
“Indeed.” Hugh was relieved he wasn’t the only one amazed by the place.
“This should prove an interesting time,” Jameson added.
Hugh followed his gaze and saw the viscount wouldn’t be the only competitor for Miss Waverly’s attention. Several men his age followed Mr. Waverly over to greet them.
After introductions and an exchange of pleasantries, a few decided to play billiards, and others started a card game, giving Hugh a moment alone with Waverly.
“Thank you again for the invitation,” Hugh said. “The estate is truly impressive.”
“We enjoy our time here. Always good to get out of the city and breathe fresh air.” Waverly moved toward the sideboard. “Care for a drink?”
“Certainly.” The hour was early for spirits, but Hugh didn’t want his host to drink alone. However, he intended to keep his wits about him during the party. His objective was to win Miss Waverly’s hand along with her father’s approval. Drinking and gambling in excess wouldn’t gain him either.
“Beautiful country.” Hugh gestured toward the view out the tall window nearby as Waverly poured them glasses of whiskey.
The lawn fell away from the house in a grand sweep. Woods were visible in the distance in one direction and farmland stretched the opposite way.
“You’ll have to see it in the summer months when the gardens are at their peak,” Waverly said, with a look of pride as he handed Hugh a glass.
“I’d like that.” Hugh was pleased to think he’d have a chance to do so.
“If the weather holds, you are welcome to ride in the morning.” Waverly turned to study him. “We plan to have a day of hunting as well, depending on the weather.”
“Wonderful.” Hugh was thrilled as he dearly wanted a closer look at the stables and the horses. “That was a fine pair of bays you recently bought.” Hugh considered it a nod from fate that he’d happened to be at Tattersalls, the popular horse auctioneer, with a friend when Waverly had made his purchase.
“Then you must know horses.” Waverly enthusiastically recounted the horses’ attributes.
Hugh enjoyed the conversation, grateful to have something in common with the man. The hours passed quickly and twilight soon darkened the view, marking the time to dress for dinner. A brisk wind had kicked up, giving a bone-chilling feel to the air, according to the newly arrived guests. The men dispersed, and Hugh found himself alone in the foyer, wishing a servant was there to direct him to his room. Hopefully, his memory would serve him well, and he turned toward the stairs.
A knock on the front door gave him pause. He didn’t want to leave guests standing on the doorstep in the foul weather. Surely whoever had arrived would have the good sense to open it themselves. As if those arriving had read his thoughts, the door rattled, suggesting someone tried but failed to open it.
Hugh glanced around but no one else was in sight. With a resigned sigh, he hurried to the door and opened it wide.
Two figures bundled in hooded capes and scarves stood on the doorstep with bags beside them. The coach in the drive pulled away toward the stables.
“Good heavens,” the shorter bundle declared in a feminine tone as she stepped inside with the aid of a cane in one hand and her companion on the other side. “What took you so long? It’s freezing out there.”
“Thank you,” added the other bundle as the pair moved forward.
“Don’t just stand there with the door open. Bring in our things.” The woman thumped her cane on the floor with her demand.
Hugh did as he was bid, not bothering to explain that he was a guest. He set the bags inside and closed the door against the cold wind that now held bits of stinging sleet.
“Do you need to be told everything?” The woman with the cane pushed back her hood to glare at him. “Show us to our rooms.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t know where they are.” Hugh hoped the butler or a footman would return to assist the unhappy woman and her companion.
“Why not?”
Hugh frowned at her demanding tone then glanced at the silent woman to find a pair of large brown eyes just visible between a red scarf and the drooping hood that covered her hair. The apology in those lovely eyes was amusing. Did she think the older woman’s request had insulted him?
“Aunt Edith, please,” she said in a soft tone as she glanced at the older woman. “There’s no need to berate anyone.”
“I wish I could be of assistance, but I’m a guest and unfamiliar with the house,” he replied then bowed. “Hugh Raybourne at your service.”