Page 57 of From Unwanted to Duchess
“I suppose,” she replied.
“Good. I shall see you in the dining room at eight o’clock.”
At ten to eight, she stood in front of the dining room door, peering inside. James was not yet there, but she quickly realized what the surprise was about. For on the table were not two place settings, but three, and they were all arranged near the head of the table.
They were going to have a guest.
She could not imagine who it might be. In fact, she had never met any of his other relations or friends, nor had he spoken of any. There were portraits hanging in the gallery, but they were all of dead ancestors.
“Frances,” he said as he came down the stairs.
She glanced up and noticed that he looked somewhat lighter than he had earlier. He wore a simple pair of pantaloons and a purple waistcoat over his shirt. His hair was not combed back neatly as usual.
“Who is the guest?” she asked.
He smiled. “You will see. Well, I suppose we should go inside. They will be coming with the soup very soon.”
