Page 100 of How to Wed a Courtesan

‘Go on and open the door,’ Lottie said. ‘We don’t need pomp and formality when it comes to friends.’

The quirk of Andrews’ eyebrow indicated he did not agree, but he obeyed regardless.

No sooner had the door opened than Violet and Seth were there, with little Juliette, stepping into the house along with their son, James, cradled asleep in Seth’s arms.

‘The thing about violets is that they are such lovely flowers,’ Juliette said. ‘More than peonies, yes?’ Without waiting for an answer, she continued, ‘Violets are perfect for pressing.’

‘Yes, I have always been partial to violets.’ Seth winked at his wife.

Juliette beamed up at Lottie and Evander. ‘Lord and Lady Westix, thank you so much for having us.’ She scanned the hall. ‘Is Rory here?’

‘I’m certain you can find him,’ Lottie said.

‘Rory,’ Juliette called out.

Her nursemaid gasped. ‘Juliette, a young lady shouldn’t—’

But Juliette was already running past them all into the next room.

Violet sighed with a smile and shook her head.

Lottie embraced her with a laugh. ‘I assure you, it’s nothing Rory isn’t already doing. They’re just excited.’

‘I know.’ Violet smiled. ‘Thank you so much for inviting us. Binsey is such a lovely village. We drove through it on our way to the manor. I can see why you two enjoy your stays here so much.’

James shifted against Seth’s shoulder and lifted his head. His dark hair was mussed, with the left side jutting upright, and he slowly blinked his dark blue eyes open.

‘Are you still tired?’ Seth asked softly.

The boy nodded.

‘Do you want to rest?’

James lowered his head to Seth’s shoulder once more in response.

‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ Seth chuckled.

‘Come, I’ll show you to the nursery, where we can speak of masculine pastimes like teething and tantrums.’ Evander waved for Seth to follow him.

Outside, another carriage arrived.

Within minutes Eleanor and Charles were striding through the door, confident and smiling, their skin tanned golden from their latest adventure. Their son, Simon, walked in front of them, leading them into the house with his nursemaid hovering nearby.

Perhaps it was the fact that their little Simon travelled with them around the world, but the boy was incredibly independent, always insistent on doing things himself.

Lottie and Violet embraced Eleanor and Charles.

‘Thank you so much for coming,’ Lottie said. ‘It’s so good to see you again.’

‘Thank you for having us, little sister.’ Charles grinned at her, his teeth bright white against his tanned skin. ‘It’s been an age since I’ve visited Huntly.’

‘Where’s Rory?’ Simon said.

‘Juliette is here as well,’ Violet said, and Simon’s eyes lit up.

‘You can go and find them, but mind yourself,’ Eleanor said.

The little boy nodded and darted off to find the other two. A feat easily accomplished, based on the chatter and giggles coming from one of the back rooms.