A Christmas Match: A Regency Romance (Landon House Book 4) by Rose Pearson

Author:Rose Pearson [Pearson, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2020-11-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Walking in to dinner was one thing but being seated across from a lady who Charity knew all too well was the source of Lord Hosmer’s consternation was quite another. Charity had been introduced to Lady Norwich and to her mother, Lady Dewsbury. She had been hard pressed to keep her expression calm and clear, knowing full well that the lady before her was the one who had broken Lord Hosmer’s heart.

“You have done very well thus far, Lady Charity,” Lady Hayward murmured, as they waited in preparation for the first of their courses to be served. “I can imagine that such an introduction must have been a little… interesting.”

Charity gave her companion a quick, wry smile.

“Indeed it was,” she agreed, softly. “But I shall not judge the lady. It is not my place to do so, given that I am not Lord Hosmer and I have only heard what he has said about the matter.”

It went against her conscience to speak so but Charity was quite determined that, despite her own thoughts and determinations, she would not be judgmental when it came to the lady. She was merely another acquaintance and, should Charity not have known anything about her, she was sure that she would have found Lady Norwich very pleasant indeed.

“I was very sorry to hear of your loss, Lady Norwich,” said one of the guests, as the soup was set before them. “That must have been a very trying time for you.”

Lady Norwich smiled back at the lady, although it was, Charity considered, something of a sad expression.

“Thank you,” she said, quietly. “It is difficult to consider that it occurred a little over a year ago, for it feels like such a very long time since then.”

“But of course it must,” the same lady replied, kindly. “You must feel his loss very heavily indeed.”

Charity cast a quick glance towards Lady Hayward who gave a small shake of her head at Charity’s look. It was clear that neither of them knew precisely what Lady Norwich was speaking of but, given the time that she had spoken of, Charity began to wonder if Lord Norwich had been the one to pass away. That would make sense, given that Lady Norwich was present – and appeared to be residing – with her mother.

“His passing has not been made very well known,” said another, speaking now to Lady Dewsbury. “Have you found it a trial to have to inform so many people?”

Lady Dewsbury sighed in a dramatic fashion, one hand going to her forehead for a moment.

“Lord Norwich was a very private gentleman,” she said, her words spoken with a great sense of gravitas. “His passing was noted by his friends and family but, given the time of year and the difficulties with the roads…” She sighed heavily and shook her head. “It was, as you say, kept rather quiet.”

“But I am back within society now, and have greatly enjoyed my first few days back in London,” Lady Norwich replied, with what appeared to be a very brave smile.

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