Portrait of a Gentleman (Historical Regency Romance) by Anne Marie Novark

Author:Anne Marie Novark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency england, alpha male, regency historical, second chance romance
Publisher: Anne Marie Novark

CHAPTER FIVE

It wasn't long until the inhabitants of Brydmoor Castle settled into a schedule of sorts, with the painting sessions following breakfast for one hour each morning, then upstairs to the schoolroom for more lessons with Thomas.

Abigail was impressed with Nathan's choice of tutor. She could see Thomas had long since gained William's trust and acceptance. He was constantly teaching the boy all manner of things, some in the traditional method, others with a more innovative approach.

Afternoons were usually spent outdoors, and Thomas cleverly combined play with lessons. Abigail was amazed how William soaked it all in. His teacher kept him occupied and knew how to distract William when he became frustrated or bored.

Preparations for William's birthday celebration were well underway. Lady Devlin had the castle cleaned from top to bottom and she ordered wafers from Gunter's and consulted with Cook about the cakes and other delicacies for the birthday boy and guests. Only close family members were invited, and most would attend, obediently answering the invitation from her ladyship to come spend a week or two at Brydmoor.

Abigail lent a hand wherever she could. In addition to painting the two portraits and helping Lady Devlin plan the party, she worked on a special birthday project for William. She'd always been one to keep busy, more so in recent years after the losses she'd suffered.

The days swiftly flew by and before they knew it, guests began to arrive and the big celebration loomed close on the horizon.

"I'd hoped for at least one of the portraits to be completed in time for the party," Lady Devlin said to Abigail during one of their rare moments alone.

"I'm truly sorry," Abigail said. "I thought to have your portrait finished sooner, but--"

"It's not your fault, my dear." Her ladyship smiled. "You've been busy helping me plan this party and helping Nathan with William. I don't know how we'd have managed without you. I warned you we wouldn't stand on ceremony, but I never guessed how much we'd come to rely on your unflagging good nature and willingness to help. I'm so glad you came to Brydmoor."

The party went off without a hitch, if one discounted the guests' treatment of William. Abigail couldn't help but notice how Nathan's sisters and their husbands acted with his son. They were extremely uncomfortable around the child and it showed. Luckily, the children didn't take their cues from their parents. The cousins seemed to forget William couldn't hear and included him in all their games. Why couldn't the adults model their conduct after the youngsters?

Many times during the two weeks of entertaining houseguests, when one or another of them said something absurd in regards to William, Abigail would catch Nathan's eye and an unspoken understanding would pass between them.

A roll of the eyes, a shake of the head, and every so often even a wink were surreptitiously exchanged. Those silent interactions helped strengthen the bond growing between them, as did the intermittent moments when they could actually speak to one another.

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