Wentbridge proposed to Miss Pamela and they're planning to marry in two months. I believe Mr. Popplemore, who strikes me as the impatient sort, would like to make it a double wedding.' Grimsley coughed discreetly into his hand and left Stephen alone in the library.
Stephen walked to the window and stared out with unseeing eyes while Grimsley's words echoed through his mind.
A flash of color caught his attention and he focused his sight on the path leading from the lake. Andrew and Nathan emerged from the thick forest, with Callie at their heels. Winky, Pinky, and Stinky, looking somewhat less disreputable than the last time Stephen had seen them, bounded behind the youngsters. Next, Pamela and Dr. Wentbridge emerged, Pamela's hand tucked in his arm, the doctor smiling down at her. Even from a distance Stephen could see how happy they looked. A smile tugged at his lips.
That smile faded abruptly, however, when he spied Hayley emerging from the forest, her hand tucked into the crook of Jeremy Poppinheel's arm. Stephen's blood started a slow boil as he watched Jeremy brush a quick kiss against Hayley's temple, and the resulting blush that stained Hayley's cheeks.
Stephen was still glaring out the window, planning painful retribution for the man who'd dare to touch what was his, when the library door burst open.
'You came! You came!'
Stephen turned and watched Callie run across the carpet. She launched herself into his arms. Stephen caught her, lifted her up and swung her around.
'How could I possibly miss the birthday of the finest hostess in all of Halstead?' he asked with a perfectly straight face. 'Why, I wouldn't miss a tea party thrown by you in a million years.' He set the child back on her feet and gently pulled one of her sable curls.
'I told them you would come,' Callie whispered loudly, 'but no one believed me. They all said you were too far away and too busy, but I knew you would come.' She hugged Stephen around his thighs.
'Mr. Barrettson!' Nathan ran over to Stephen, his face flushed with excitement. 'Grimsley said you were here. I say, this is a grand surprise.'
Stephen ruffled the boy's hair and returned his grin.
'It's not
'The pleasure is all mine,' Stephen said, extending his hand. Andrew smiled and extended his own hand.
Aunt Olivia joined the group, blushing furiously when Stephen gallantly kissed her hand. 'Good heavens,' she exclaimed, her face bright pink. 'Not only is he handsome and charming, but a marquess as well. I believe I must sit down.'
Dr. Wentbridge greeted Stephen in a friendly manner, but Pamela was much more reserved in her greeting, merely inclining her head and saying, 'Lord Glenfield.'
Jeremy was equally reserved in his greeting. 'What brings you back to Halstead?'
'Callie invited me to her birthday party,' Stephen answered, his eyes pinned on Hayley who had yet to look him in the eye or speak to him. Her attention appeared captured by something fascinating on the carpet.
Jeremy raised his eyebrows. '
Stephen flicked a glance at the man's face, then at his proprietary hand resting on Hayley's elbow. If Popplepuss didn't get his hand off her soon, he was going to flatten the bastard. 'Yes. Callie invited me.' He returned his attention to Hayley. 'Hello, Hayley.'
Hayley continued looking at the carpet. 'Good afternoon, Lord Glenfield.'
Callie tugged at Stephen's hand. 'Come along, now. The tea party is about to begin.'
Stephen allowed himself to be pulled along, and the rest of the group followed them out to the patio, where a gala tea party had been assembled. Callie presided over the festivities, passing around platters of freshly baked cookies and tarts while Hayley poured the tea. Stephen presented the child with the gift he'd brought for her, and Callie squealed with delight when she opened the box and discovered the doll inside.
'Oh!' Callie breathed in awe. 'She's beautiful.' She hugged the doll to her then gave Stephen a fierce hug. 'Thank you, Lord Glenfield. Miss Josephine and I shall love her always.' She pressed her lips against Stephen's ear. 'And I love you, too.'
Stephen's throat tightened. 'You're very welcome, Callie.' Leaning close to her ear he whispered, 'I love you, too.' He hugged her tight and heartwarming joy flooded him.
Conversation resumed, cookies and tea disappeared, and it seemed to Stephen that everyone was talking all at once.
Everyone except Hayley.
She simply sat, sipping her tea, keeping her gaze fastidiously away from him.
Stephen joined in the conversation and did his damnedest not to scowl at Poppledard, who couldn't seem to keep his hands from brushing against Hayley's.
'Tell me, Lord Glenfield,' Nathan said, viewing Stephen through worshipful eyes, 'what's it like being a marquess?'
Stephen carefully considered the question. 'It's actually very lonely, Nathan.' Stephen leaned back in his chair and fixed his gaze on Hayley, who still hadn't looked at him. 'I have six estates and am responsible for the well- being of hundreds of tenants. I spend a great deal of my time traveling to my various properties. My duties leave me very little time to make friends.'
'Mr. Mallory, I mean the Earl of Blackmoor, is your friend,' Andrew said around a mouthful of cookie.
'One of very few, I assure you. Now, I am fortunate enough, I hope, to count your family among my friends.'
Callie, who was seated on Stephen's right, slipped her hand into his. 'I've never had a market as a friend before,' she confided with a shy smile.
Nathan rolled his eyes in brotherly disgust. 'He's a marquess, not a market.'
Stephen dragged his eyes away from Hayley and smiled into Callie's enchanting face. 'And I've never had a sweet young lady as a friend.' He turned his attention to Pamela and Dr. Wentbridge, who sat across from him. 'I understand that you're to be married. My congratulations to you both.' A pink stain crept up Pamela's cheek at his words.
He turned his gaze back to Hayley. She was staring at her plate and her face appeared pale. He wanted so badly to go to her, pick her up and carry her out of the house, that he could barely sit still. Still looking at her, he said, 'Speaking of marriage, I've been thinking about that very subject myself lately.'
'What have you been thinking about marriage, Lord Glenfield?' asked Callie.
His eyes riveted on Hayley, he said softly, 'I've decided to marry.' The remaining color drained from Hayley's face and she squeezed her eyes shut. Then she abruptly stood, mumbled something about a wretched headache, and ran from the terrace.
SHAPE * MERGEFORMAT
Chapter 31
Hayley ran from the terrace as if the devil himself pursued her. To her profound mortification, she realized that everyone at the table, Stephen included, would realize why she'd left so abruptly, but she couldn't stay there another instant.
He was getting married.
Dear God, it felt as if her insides were being ripped out with a rusty pitchfork. She raced up the stairs, not stopping until she reached the sanctuary of her bedchamber. She collapsed into her favorite chair and buried her face in her hands, trying without success to stem the flood of tears washing down her face.
