Love Comes in Three

Chapter Three "London Beckons"

            It was two weeks before we were to leave for London when our unexpected guests arrived. Reginald brought the tray to Freddie as we dined and he took one look at the card, cleared his throat and told our man to show our guests to the parlor before turning to Patience and myself.

            "Well my dear, it appears that we have guests this evening," he said dabbing his mouth with his linen napkin, I noticed an impish smile tugged its corners.

            "Guests?" Patience's voice broke with surprise, "Who would call on us unexpectedly at this hour?" She pushed her plate away from her and reached for the little bell that sat at her place. With one ring from the bell Charlotte, our head of the kitchen, came into the dining room. "Charlotte, please get some tea and cakes ready for the parlor, apparently we have uninvited guests this evening."

            I cannot describe the expression that crossed Freddie's face but he shot me a look that said 'just wait.' I followed them from the dining room, down the hall to the parlor. I could hear faint talking of a man and a woman and the flickering glow of the fireplace crept out from under the door. Reginald opened the door and before I could see inside Patience was squealing and running into the room.

            "Why did you not tell me you were coming?" Patience asked as she twirled in the arms of the gentleman. "No one told me a thing! Not even you, dear husband, gave me notice when you got their calling card." When she turned to look at Freddie her face was rosy with glee, her hand still holding the gentleman's.

            "If your brother and sister decided to surprise you, who am I to ruin it?" Freddie laughed as he walked into the room, "It is good to see you again, Percival," he said shaking hands with the young man. "My dear, Faith, you have become such a striking young woman," he said as he gave a little bow, "and it has been some years, but I'm sure you both remember my sister, Margaret," he turned and reached out for me now, obviously knowing that would be lurking in the doorway.

            Everyone's face turned in my direction so I gave a quick curtsey and tried to smile, "Good evening," before moving towards the window where I left my book. Patience and Faith immediately sat together on the sofa talking urgently while Freddie moved to the side table to pour himself and Percival a brandy.

            I felt eyes follow me, but I always get that feeling when around people I am unfamiliar with, so I paid it no mind until I heard him, "I am aware that you have a little sister, Freddie, but I have never met this young lady before." Without warning there was a chair moved beside me and he took a seat. It has been several years since I had seen Percival last, but he was...and still is a handsome man.

            "Come now, Percy, you've met Margaret...several times," Patience sighed before turning back to Faith to continue their conversation.

            "I believe you danced with her at our wedding, old man," Freddie laughed sitting beside me at the window.

            "I danced with a young girl in ringlets," Percival said taking the glass of brandy that my brother offered, "I think I would have remembered this face," he smiled slyly trying to look at me while I tried furiously to read.

            I gave up and closed my book, turning to him I took a deep breath and said "You did indeed dance with me, Mr. Stanhope. One dance and I believe it was your mother that insisted you do so."

            "Well, I would need no insistence from anyone to get me to dance with you now," he raised his glass towards me as if it were a toast before taking a drink. I looked to my brother from some sort of rescue but he merely chuckled and looked away.

            "Do stop teasing her, Percy," Patience said irritated, "why not tell us why you're here of all places?"

            "Well, we made port early and I have some time before I need to be in London for my review," he stood up and moved towards Patience, "I had planned to go home to see our parents but Faith here suggested that we ride ahead and make our way to town with you," he explained as he headed to the side table to refill his glass.

            "Really?" Patience's eyes lit up as she turned to her sister.

            "I thought that the only thing to make this Season better would be do it all together," Faith smiled and looked over towards me, "I hope that you don't mind the extra company, Miss Woodbridge."

            "Not at all, Miss Stanhope," I could not think of anything else to say so I excused myself to take a walk through the garden. All I could think of was that by some small miracle since Faith was here now, that Patience would be content and I could stay behind while she went to London with her family. I could stay with Mrs. Fletcher and Isabella...or I could ask my cousin Elizabeth if Edward would mind if I came to visit a bit while Freddie and Patience were away from home...I could also inquire with Eleanor, I'm sure she would welcome my company!  Anything would be better than being tied to Patience for the Season.  The biggest obstacle would be Freddie, he really wanted this.