Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
He could ask about it later, but it was too late to do so now. Any disruption would cause a scene, and he did not want that.
He held back his scowl and continued smiling and nodding as his guests were seated.
Footmen scurried about, filling champagne flutes and getting ready to serve the first course.
Once everyone was seated, it was up to Thomas to say something.
There’d been no formal dinner last evening. Everyone had arrived, gone to their chambers, and rested before the ball.
So tonight, he must address his guests. He drew in a breath and clutched his flute of champagne.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed friends both old and new, it is my profound honor and pleasure to welcome you all to Ashford Estate. We gather tonight not merely to enjoy the sumptuous feast laid before us but also to celebrate the bonds of friendship that bring richness to our lives far beyond what wealth can measure. Of course, we also gather to honor the memory of my esteemed father, Crispin Jameson. May he rest in peace.”
A few of the guests murmured in solemn agreement as he raised his champagne flute. “To your health, happiness, and prosperity—may they grow as abundantly as the ties that bind us tonight. Cheers!”
“Cheers!” echoed through the large dining hall.
Thomas took a seat, and the other gentlemen followed.
He homed his gaze in on Tricia, who, because of where she was seated, was directly in his line of vision.
Polk and Jonathan sat on either side of her, and Jonathan filled her wine glass.
“I say, Ashford,” the gentleman next to him said. “It’s been a fine party so far. Loved the ball last night, and the hunt today. And my wife and daughter had a splendid time at the ladies’ lawn party and luncheon.”
“Very glad to hear it,” Thomas said.
The gentleman gestured to a familiar-looking pretty young woman dressed in a mint-green gown seated about halfway down the table. “Have you met my daughter, Lady Lillian Foxworth?”
Thomas smiled at the girl, knowing full well that he would have no interest in her. “I believe I had the pleasure of dancing with her last evening, my lord.”
“She’s a lovely thing, really. Quite talented on the pianoforte and well read. She speaks French as if she were born there.”
Thomas expected things like this. In fact, he was surprised he hadn’t had more ladies and gentlemen extolling the virtues of their offspring last night at the ball.
“She sounds very well accomplished, my lord.”
“Oh, she is. A beautiful young thing. Of course, I have to say that as the man who sired her.” He let out a chuckle.
Thomas was thankful when his butler, Montague, entered, followed by footmen dressed in tailored tailcoats made of fine wool. Beneath the coats, their waistcoats were a brightly colored green featuring the Ashford crest. The trousers were high-waisted and fitted, and they also wore crisp white dress shirts paired with cravats neatly tied in a bow.
It was appropriate for Montague to be wearing green. He had a fascination for exotic plants, and Thomas remembered sneaking into his quarters when he was young to admire them. He remembered seeing several species that he recognized—gorgeous orchids, delicate ferns, and colorful tropical flowering plants. He had been examining a plant with drooping branches, deep-green oval leaves, and small glossy berries in a hue of deep violet when Montague discovered him. The butler had been quite cross upon seeing him and the earl would later give him quite the talking-to about exploring the servants’ private quarters.
As Thomas surveyed the exquisite arrangements of flowers laid across the table, he made a mental note to ask for Montague’s input for the next event he hosted. Perhaps some of those colorful tropical flowers would really set his next ball apart from those of his peers. It would surely incur a bit of extra expense, but Thomas knew his estate could afford it.
But for now, the current flowers—mostly from local florists—would have to do. And they quite elegantly framed the starter course, which was a delicate consommé served hot and flavored with a hint of sherry. They also served freshly baked rolls still warm from the oven.
Once everyone at his table was served, Thomas gave a nod to signal that they could begin eating.
“I was hoping my daughter would be seated closer to you,” Lord Foxworth said.
“My mother sees to the seating,” Thomas replied.
“Of course.” The man cleared his throat and took a bite of a roll. He chewed and swallowed. “Excellent feast as always, Ashford.”
The man hadn’t touched his consommé yet, and the rolls, while warm and yeasty and delicious, hardly could be called an excellent feast.
Thomas took a bite of his own roll, stealing a glance over at the table next to where Tricia was seated. She seemed to be chatting animatedly with Polk and Jonathan.