“So which were you in—the navy or the army?”
“The army—the Guards.”
“And you were at Waterloo?”
“Yes.”
“Did you lead a charge?”
She jumped in. “Boys, I really don’t think we need to hear about charges and fighting over tea.”
Torrington glanced at her briefly, a swift, penetrating look, then he turned back to her brothers. “Your sister’s right—war is not fun. It’s horrible, and frightening, and dreadful to be involved in.”
David’s eyes grew round. Harry’s face fell.
Alicia only just managed to keep her own jaw from falling.
“But…”Harry blinked at Torrington. “I want to be a major in the Guards when I grow up. Or the cavalry.”
“I was a major in both, and I’d suggest you rethink. Aside from all else, there are no more enemies to fight. Being in the cavalry in peacetime might not be the exciting life you imagine.”
They’d reached the front steps of the house. Torrington waved the boys ahead of him, then waited for Alicia to precede him. She went quickly up the steps and opened the door, then stood back, and the three boys filed in.
Gracefully, Torrington waved her on, then followed.
“Upstairs and wash your hands, please.” She shooed her brothers to the stairs. “Then you may join us in the parlor.”
They flashed swift smiles at Torrington, then clattered up the stairs. Jenkins shut the door. She turned to him. “If you could order tea, Jenkins?”
“Indeed, ma’am.” Jenkins bowed and left them.
She turned to Torrington. “Thank you.” She met his black eyes. “That was just the right thing to say.”
He studied her for a moment, then one black brow arched. “It’s
no more than the truth.”
But one few ex-majors in the Guards would admit. Inclining her head, she led him to the parlor. Located at the back of the house, it was the room she and Adriana used most, when they were alone or with the boys, en famille. A comfortable room in which the boys could relax without worrying overmuch about the furniture, it was a trifle shabby, but she didn’t care as she led Torrington in; she’d warned him it was to be a nursery tea.
Adriana was there, poring over the latest fashion plates. She glanced up, saw Torrington, and rose, smiling.
After Adriana and Torrington exchanged greetings, they all sat. Even though the room was decently sized, Alicia was aware of his physical presence, his strength. Adriana asked how he had come to join them; he related the story of the game in the park. Every now and then, his gaze would touch Alicia’s, and a teasing smile would flirt about his lips. She was relieved when the boys rejoined them, bursting upon them in a noisy, albeit well-behaved wave, and the talk became more general.
Jenkins appeared with the tray; if Torrington noticed the oddity in that, he gave no sign.
She poured; on their best behavior, the boys offered Torrington the plate of crumpets first. He went up in their estimation—and hers—when he accepted one and smeared it with globs of jam, just as the boys did with theirs. All were soon munching happily.
Crumpet dealt with in three bites, Torrington wiped his fingers on his napkin, then reached for his teacup. He looked at her brothers. “Your sister told me you live in Warwickshire—is there much sport up that way? Shooting? Hunting?”
David wrinkled his nose. “Some fishing, some shooting, not much hunting just where we are. That’s south Warwickshire.”
Harry waved his remaining crumpet. “There’s hunting around Banbury, but not down near us.”
“Well,” David temporized. “There’s a small, really tiny pack runs out of Chipping Norton, but it’s not what you’d call a real hunt.”
From the corner of his eye, Tony saw Alicia and Adriana exchange a swift glance; the instant the boys had started mentioning towns, Alicia had tensed. He pressed harder. “Chipping Norton? Is that your nearest town? I’ve a friend who lives up that way.”
Alicia leaned forward. “Harry! Be careful. You’re about to drip jam.”