A Beauty for the Earl's Duty: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Book by Sally Forbes

Author:Sally Forbes [Forbes, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

The man staring back at Peter from the mirror was almost unrecognizable to him. As the valet, whose help he had utilized once more because of the importance of the evening, took a step back, Peter surveyed his reflection with approving bewilderment.

The suit he wore had belonged to his father, according to the valet, only the late Earl had not lived long enough to wear it. It fit so well it almost seemed as though it had been made just for Peter. He had tucked the watch he found with the letters from his mother and the journal into the pocket of the suit’s jacket, and the gold chain draped elegantly from its cozy spot to a small loop sewn on the reverse of the coat’s breast. Peter straightened the jacket and checked the watch, despite there already being a clock in his bedchambers.

“I do hope I am not speaking too boldly,” the valet said softly, but with reverence. “But you look so much like your father.”

Peter turned to the valet and smiled. That was the most he had heard the man speak at once since he had met him, and he was glad that the man was beginning to thaw out.

“You may always speak your mind, my friend,” Peter said sincerely, as he had said on more than one occasion to Frank. “And thank you. Would that I could have seen my father’s face for myself.”

The valet nodded sympathetically.

“He was a very good man,” he said. “I believe the two of you would have gotten along famously.”

Peter nodded sadly. His entire attitude about his father had transformed since his arrival in London. Now, he would have given anything to have been able to speak with his father, if just for once.

“I believe you are absolutely right,” he said.

With wishes for his new master to enjoy his evening, the valet excused himself and left Peter alone in his bedchambers. Peter looked at his reflection once more, this time, considering the valet’s words. He had no reference for his father’s appearance. He could not even recall seeing a portrait of the late Earl on any wall of the manor.

Now that he thought of it, he found that rather odd, and wondered if Frank might know something about any portraits; if any existed, and where they might be. He exited his bedchambers and went downstairs to finish preparing for the guests’ immanent arrival, making a mental note on the way to ask Frank about the portraits. Then, he pushed the thought from his mind and went seeking Cordelia.

It did not take Peter long to find his cousin. He could hear Cordelia speaking to some of the servants from down the hall, presumably giving them instructions about the decorations for the occasion. He followed her voice and found her in the drawing room, as he suspected, directing two maids in the placement of some ribbons. Peter thought it seemed unnecessary to decorate the drawing room when the guests would only be in the dining hall and the ballroom.

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