November 1811

The atmosphere inside the carriage grew so tense and stifling that Mina felt as though the very air might crackle and shatter the carriage roof above them. Polly cast sharp glances between Roy and Mina, her lips pressed tightly together in contemplation of the stern rebuke she was undoubtedly preparing to deliver for their indiscretions.

Amidst the silence, the only audible sound was the relentless turning of the carriage wheels, meeting the frozen ground with merciless determination as they propelled their passengers toward an uncertain fate.

"My dearest son, you uttered those words with such unwavering resolve that I am convinced it wasn't solely your lips that met with fervour," Polly remarked finally, her tone tinged with playful teasing. "There is no necessity to disclose the particulars. I am no fresh debutante, and if my recollection serves me correctly, have not been for decades. Nevertheless, I would prefer to defer any further conversation until we are within the confines of our residence."

Royston's brow furrowed in consternation as he braced himself for a more severe reprimand, yet to his astonishment, his mother's reaction was unexpectedly subdued. Could it be possible that she, heaven forbid, condoned his and Mina's intimate dalliance?! Roy stole a fleeting glance at Mina, once a distant relative and now a burgeoning paramour, only to find a mirrored perplexity etched upon her countenance. Her lips parted slightly as if she debated whether to offer a defence or remain silent.

As Lady Langdon quietly delighted in the prospect of such an outcome, her mind danced with visions of her and Ciarán spending Christmas together in Dublin. But, of course, only after those two miscreants had exchanged their matrimonial vows. If she had to beseech a clergyman to expedite their union within a week, she would gladly do so, if only to finally breathe a sigh of relief—a most profound one, indeed.

Little did she realise that the struggle was far from over, for stubbornness would once again reign supreme.

It was during breakfast the morning after their arrival at the viscount's estate when Polly broached the subject of the young couple's indiscretion.

"Now that certain lines have been crossed, you must surely be aware of the consequences that shall follow," Polly stated, her tone tinged with strictness.

"And what consequences might those be, pray tell?" inquired Mina innocently. "I confess, dear Polly, I am at a loss as to which crossed lines you speak of."

Lady Langdon's brow furrowed as she regarded Mina's feigned surprise, sensing the growing defiance beneath the young woman's words.

Roy was well aware that the next course of action would likely involve Mina's spirited refusal, possibly followed by a heated argument. He knew his mother well enough to anticipate her insistence on upholding decorum at any cost – and Polly adding more coal into Mina's fire could mean only the impending calamity.

"Mama—"

"It does not bode well for your reputation, dear Mina, to feign ignorance—" Polly interjected before he could finish, her tone firm, yet halted by Mina's.

"And who is privy to such matters aside from the three of us?" she exclaimed, the fire of indignation already blazing in her brown eyes. "I am not some naive girl to be coerced into a marriage based on unfounded presumptions. Moreover, I assure you, I am as virtuous as the crystal goblets from which we drink this morning. Therefore, there is no necessity for any union."

With those impassioned words, she swiftly exited the dining room, her skirts swishing behind her. Polly watched her departure, her expression stern, before turning her disapproving gaze to her son.

"Pray, do you possess even a modicum of fairness to enlighten me on the detailed matter of Mina's recent demeanour?" Her gaze bore into Roy with an intensity that seemed to sear his very soul and prod him from every side.

Roy, feeling the weight of her scrutiny, nodded with a sigh. "Not long ago, a disagreement arose between us concerning her remarks directed at you. It pertained to my perceived lack of vulnerability if memory serves me correctly," he admitted. "The secret almost slipped from my tongue as we touched the subject of her departed father. I said nought for her to be wiser, but now she suspects there is more to the tale, and wouldn't lower her pitchfork until she pries the details out of my very being."

Polly pursed her lips, rising from her chair to pace about the room in a flurry of nerves. Covering her face with her hands, she spoke in a tone tinged with frustration, "Roy. Roy, Roy... Royston."

"Pray, do not be too swift and severe in your reproach, Mama," he responded sombrely. "You must assist me in this matter if you wish to see Mina and I united in holy matrimony."

There was a trace of sarcasm and pain in his voice, prompting his mother to regard him with renewed concern.

"That revelation brings nought but pain. It is oft said that a coin bears two sides, yet in this world, nothing is purely black or white. Instead, shades of grey abound, countless in their infinite measure," Polly murmured softly. "Tell me, my dear son, do you hold deep affection for Mina? Can you envision a future where the two of you stand united, even after the truth is laid bare before her? If not, perhaps it is best she remains in ignorance."

Royston let out a soft chuckle tinged with wry amusement. "Mama, I must confess I do not possess the ability to discern her thoughts, and therefore cannot predict her reaction. However, having known her for some time now, I am confident she would receive the news with grace and reserved composure greatly befitting her character."

Polly responded with a somewhat sour expression; her tone edged with reproach. "There is no need for such heavy sarcasm, my dear. Reserve some of it for later hours. Now, what of the matter of affection?"

Roy was about to respond when the entrance of the majordomo interrupted their conversation.

"Lord Langdon, your esteemed guests have arrived. They are currently seated in the drawing room. Shall I make preparations for an extended stay?"

Royston paused to consider the unexpected visitors in Southampton, his brow furrowing in thought before the memory dawned on him. He let out a heavy sigh, realizing that amidst the constant presence of Mina in his thoughts, he had forgotten the arrangement with his dear friends who had pledged to visit and celebrate the Christmas season together. All four of them had experienced the loss of their parents at some point, forging a bond of camaraderie in their shared orphanhood.

Ian Huxley, Samuel Grenville, Benjamin Lovett, and Jeremy Clayborne were gentlemen of respectable age, ranging from eight-and-twenty to thirty years, with whom Royston had formed enduring friendships during their university days. Jeremy, in particular, shared a professional connection with Roy, having briefly collaborated with him in the architectural and building affairs of the Dover city office.

Roy chided himself inwardly for his lapse in memory, though the arrival of his friends could not have come at a more inconvenient time. Despite this, he endeavoured to maintain a cheerful demeanour. His mother, though unimpressed by the sudden gathering, had little choice but to play the gracious hostess alongside her son. Truly, what other recourse there was? A son will always have his way, hence Polly excused herself under the pretext of changing into a gown more befitting the occasion, leaving Roy to entertain his old friends unaccompanied.

"Ah, here comes our Roy! Or should we address you as 'Viscount Sinclair' now?" exclaimed Jeremy the moment Royston stepped into the drawing room.

The gentlemen exchanged warm pleasantries, their voices carrying through the elegant drawing room. Samuel, ever the observant gentleman, noticed a figure lingering in the doorway. "Pray, may I inquire as to your identity, madam?" he asked with polite curiosity, prompting Royston to turn and find himself meeting Mina's gaze.

It seemed the lively atmosphere and merry chatter had sparked Mina's interest, coaxing her out from the solitude of the library where she had sought refuge, carefully avoiding any encounter with the Langdons.

Very well, Roy thought to himself, Let us yank you from your solitary retreat, if only for the sake of my guests.

"Miss Haswell, would you do us the honour of gracing us with your presence?" Roy's voice dripped with exaggerated sweetness as he addressed her, then proceeded to introduce each of his friends to Mina as she approached the group. "Gentlemen, may I present..."

A woman of great significance to me, her lips as exquisite as those not necessarily residing upon her countenance, flashed through his mind in an instant. With a swift swallow, he forced himself back to the present, to the scene unfolding in the drawing room. It was hardly an appropriate moment to dwell on such infernal thoughts of any lips, indeed!

"...Miss Mina Haswell, the daughter of the late Viscount Sinclair."

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Haswell," Ian remarked with a genteel bow, followed by Jeremy's introduction, "We have heard much about you, Miss Haswell."

Mina caught the teasing undertone in Jeremy's words, which brought a playful smile to her lips. "I would not doubt it, yet I daresay you must be quite astonished to find me here, rather than the old reclusive bat Lord Langdon dared to coin me."

With a mischievous grin, Mina cast a glance at Roy's stoic expression and fluttered her eyelids twice, feigning an air of benevolence. Their friends, keen observers of the subtle interplay, suppressed their laughter with pursed lips. Roy, inwardly relieved, preferred Mina's spirited banter to her aloof avoidance behind some locked door.

"I daresay, Roy must not have anticipated such a delightful extension of his visit, hence his prolonged stay in this place," Jeremy teased, eliciting a chuckle from the assembled company.

Mina waved her hand dismissively, a habit she often indulged in, and remarked, "Oh, please, I am merely a daring gnat buzzing about his lordly presence. The real reason for His Lordship's prolonged stay is undoubtedly the ongoing renovation of his estate."

"A gnat he appears quite fond of keeping nearby, it seems," Benjamin quipped with a chuckle. "And I must say, I am hardly surprised!"

As the vision of her shared evening with Roy briefly danced through her mind, Mina felt a subtle warmth spread across her cheeks. Yet, she quickly suppressed such thoughts, recognizing that dwelling on such matters was scarcely adding to the cool composure she held onto as if for dear life. There was hardly the appropriate moment for such reveries!

"My dear friend," Roy interjected as he fixed Ben with an unamused gaze, "you must refrain from excessive flattery towards Miss Haswell. We wouldn't want her to misconstrue your intentions."

Before Mina could offer a witty rejoinder, their conversation was interrupted by the majordomo announcing the arrival of Miss Whitcombe.

It appears we are to have our own impromptu house party, Roy mused silently as he observed Eleanor entering the drawing room.

"Forgive the interruption," Eleanor apologized with genteel grace once propriety had been observed, "if my visit is ill-timed. I shall return on a more opportune day."

"Please, do join us for the afternoon repast, Miss Whitcombe," Roy replied with warmth in his tone. "I am certain your presence is sought not for me, but rather for Miss Haswell."

Eleanor nodded. "Indeed, that's quite correct," she concurred, but before she could continue, Polly joined their company.

Lady Langdon, being the adept conversationalist that she was, skilfully guided the discussion among the gentlemen, affording Mina and Eleanor the opportunity to discreetly take turns withdrawing to a more secluded spot, away from prying ears.

"Is everything in order, Mina? I could not in good conscience remain idle at home knowing of your distress," Eleanor inquired in a hushed tone.

"Indeed, everything is well enough, dear Eleanor," Mina replied, though her tone betrayed a hint of defeat to her friend's discerning ears.

"Pray tell, has His Lordship gathered his wits and shown any interest in your favour?" Eleanor inquired, leaning in with genteel curiosity.

Mina sighed softly, her eyes reflecting a weariness beyond her years. "One might have thought so."

"And what of your own sentiments?" Eleanor pressed gently, sensing the weight of Mina's emotions.

Though Mina hesitated, a truth resonated within her. "I fear, dear Eleanor, that I am utterly and hopelessly enamoured with His Lordship."

Eleanor's breath caught in surprise at her friend's candid admission of her feelings. Good Heavens, she recalled hearing such words only once before, spoken in reference to her departed Miles. Could it be that fate had granted Mina a second chance at happiness, filled with love and affection?

However, Eleanor refrained from commenting further as they caught the attention of Lady Langdon, who subtly guided them back to the company of gentlemen.

Mina endeavoured to maintain an air of pleasantness and suppress her natural wit and sarcasm, yet the demands of society left her feeling fatigued. Whenever she sensed Roy's gaze upon her, her breath caught in her throat and her heart quickened its pace.

Sharing her sentiments with Eleanor seemed to open up a new realm of understanding. In this realm, Royston emerged as an undeniable and integral presence, reigning supreme which both pleased and frightened her.

As the noonday meal concluded, Eleanor made preparations to depart the residence. However, her plans were foiled by the intervention of the majordomo as she, accompanied by Mina and Roy, entered the hall.

"Miss Whitcombe, I'm afraid you cannot depart; a snowstorm rages outside, obscuring the roads. It is quite possible that the tempest will only relent later."

"Oh, heavens, what does this entail? Must I remain here due to the relentless weather?" she lamented.

"It appears so, Miss Whitcombe," Roy conceded, "but fear not, as Miss Haswell's guest, you are most welcome in this abode at any hour. I shall arrange a room for your comfort."

Mina regarded him with gratitude shining in her eyes, and indeed, Eleanor became their guest. Yet, not merely for the coming night or two, but for a full week in the end!

As the night enveloped the countryside, Roy found himself unable to find solace in sleep. He tossed and turned upon the bed, uncertain whether to blame the discomfort of the bedding or the tumultuous state of his mind, or perhaps both simultaneously. The welfare of his dear Mina weighed heavily upon him, and surely, if not for the presence of so many guests beneath his roof, he would not hesitate to pay her a clandestine visit under the cover of darkness.

However, it was quite another matter to manoeuvre undetected past his mother, who was known for her sound sleep, and his circle of friends. Jeremy possessed a penchant for waking at the slightest disturbance; Ben, usually a nocturnal creature, used to roam the darkened halls with his pipe aglow; Sam, engrossed in his tomes, was often found reading until dawn's first light; and Ian, though appearing to slumber peacefully, remained an enigma. Roy had no wish to exacerbate the situation further.

Furthermore, Mina could easily secure her chamber door, a precaution Roy wished she would take. He sighed in frustration, realizing that his hopes for a private conversation with her were slipping away, especially with his friends' extended stay until the beginning of January.

"Curse it," he chided himself silently, "What possessed me to extend such a lengthy invitation to them for this holiday?"

Indeed, who could have foreseen that he would find himself captivated by a lady in such an improbable setting?!

Thus, it was only as dawn broke that sleep finally granted him a brief reprieve.