The Cousin - ONC 2023

Chapter Seven

Oscar surveyed the drawing room as a handful of guests mingled about. Henry stood at the far side by the large draped windows and smiled as Oscar walked towards him.

"Evening Oscar. Did our prize pig have a pleasant day out riding while I greeted a house full of guests, one by one?"

"Indeed, although I did get a little mucky. But, with not a sow in sight, I had a very peaceful day." Oscar said and smiled at his cousin.

It was not his home; they were not his guests, so why should he have to suffer with Henry and his aunt? It had been a blessing to escape Cecily and her infernal chattering.

Henry nodded as he tried not to laugh.

“Well, my good man, you will be pleased to know you are no longer Lilywood’s most eligible bachelor.” Henry nodded towards the door as a handsome, well-dressed gentleman entered.

Oscar knew who he was, although not intimately. Nathaniel Westwood, the Duke of Essendon. He moved in different circles to Oscar, but he had heard the gossip. And if the rumours were to be believed, he would not be troubling himself with any of the ladies present. But with any luck, he would draw much of the attention from Oscar, as the highest ranking male in attendance.

"Apparently, his mother threatened his very existence if he did not attend. Desperate to get him leg-shackled, you know."

"What mother is not?" Oscar replied.

"Very true. Mother has already pointed out some interesting matches for myself," Henry said.

"And..." asked Oscar.

"Hmm, we shall see." Henry winked.

Before they could continue their conversation, Lord Westwood joined them. After introductions, they stood facing the room, evaluating each guest as they entered the drawing room.

"Who is that angel?" Henry asked as a beautiful woman walked through the door on the arm of an older greying gentleman.

Oscar had to admit she looked very fine indeed. Shining dark curls cascaded down her lovely porcelain skin. Her blue eyes shone unlike any colour he had seen before, and a very fine figure to boot.

"I'm afraid you shall have no luck with Lady Madden. That fellow she clings to is her husband."

Henry choked on a cough, making his eyes water. "Apologies, but you are telling me that the old man is her husband?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Apparently a love match, according to rumour."

"Not to worry, cousin." Oscar patted Henry on the shoulder. "You may have been too late for Lady Madden, but behind her lies your destiny. I am sure of it," Oscar said, trying to smother his chuckle.

All men turned their heads in unison as Cecily Andrews stood on the threshold.

Henry grimaced at such a proposal.

"I would not dream of stealing your future wife away from you, Oscar. I do not think I could if I tried. Look, here she comes now. Like flies to—"

"Good evening Miss Andrews," Oscar bowed and kissed the hand that had been thrust under his nose.

"My Lords. Your Grace. You all look rather dashing this evening." Cecily greeted them with a lazy curtsey.

Even with the Duke present, Cecily only had eyes for Oscar—much to his dismay. Both Emily and Cecily had been introduced upon his arrival. What rotten luck he had not caught her scheming, gold-digging eye.

Oscar had been riding a lot of late, to avoid both Cecily and Emily. One irritated him to no end and the other... Well, the other threatened to stir up feelings he would rather stay dormant until he was more—prepared.