Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Two

Williamson was in the study with Anthony. He was thinking over everything that had shifted. He tried to understand where his feelings had grown so vigorously for the eldest Sharma. Where had he finally let them be acknowledged?

"Do you think all of this was a mistake?" He asked, "Inviting the Sharma's out early. It has made everything so difficult."

Anthony looked up at the Lord, "The whole marriage-mart business is difficult. But, when one must participate in it, why not do it in the fresh air?"

Williamson sighed in his seat as Anthony went back to the ledgers. He just had to keep himself from acknowledging the older Sharma sister. He wanted Edwina. He and Kate hated each other, there was nothing there except for a heated moment of anger. That's all it was, anger.

— & —

The event was a success so far. Delilah stood up with Violet and Daphne welcoming the crowd. She wore one of her mothers dresses again. A nice light purple. Her hair was in a bun around the top of her head. And, she adorned her mothers jewelry. This time there were less mentions of her mother, but it was easier to hear them this time. Daphne looked over to where Miss Edwina was sitting with Williamson.

The Duchess looked curiously, "I fear I still hardly know the lady Lord Aevery is planning to marry."

Delilah looked at her friend, "You are not the only one. Though, I fear he hardly knows her either. Though something tells me that is how Williamson would like it to remain."

"Well," Daphne hummed, "Perhaps you should get to know her for him."

Delilah looked at her friend with wide eyes, "Daphne-"

"Go, we are finished greeting anyway. You are hosting his season, you should know who he is going off to."

Delilah was shoved off by her friend. She frowned, all she wanted to do was be with Anthony. Not worry about socializing. Though she supposed she should get to know Edwina anyway, they had been under the same roof for awhile now.

Williamson almost yelled out for the Lady Silvester as well. The pleasant conversation he had been having with Edwina Sharma turned into her sister joining. He was supposed to avoid her, not end up conversing with the misses.

"Kate was telling me how she is eager to see more of the grounds of this magnificent estate." Edwina said.

Kate looked at her sister, "I was?"

"After having spent the last few days on her own," Edwina nodded, "Might you give her a tour today while I spend time with the other ladies?"

"Oh-" Williamson whispered.

"I am certain Lord Aevery is occupied with other guests." Kate said.

"Shooting," Williamson nodded, "With the other gentlemen. The party is to leave quite soon, i'm afraid."

Edwina patted her sister's leg, "Did you know Kate is an excellent shot?"

Williamson rolled his eyes, "Of course she is."

It was at that moment Anthony walked over, "All set for the hunt, Williamson?"

The lord nodded at the viscount, "Indeed we are."

"Kate, tell him how you used to shoot all the time." Edwina urged.

Anthony smiled, "Miss Edwina-"

"Kate is being modest," Edwina nodded.

Williamson nodded his head in agreement. Kate studied his expression with furrowed brows, "Do you not think it true?"

"Perhaps," Williamson said, "Your sister aims straight on the field, but surely she would have some trouble managing-"

Kate gave him a piercing look, "Why would you assume I had any trouble managing at all, my lord?"

"I only mean to say-"

"Because I am a woman?"

"No. No." Williamson said flatly, "I did not say that."   

"But you thought about it." Kate replied.

Anthony stood back with a small smile on his face. He learned long ago there was more to women than just simpering faces. Delilah had been very honest about how he would not make assumptions with her being a woman. She had proved that by filling a man's role in running her estate.

Williamson looked back at the Viscount who avoided his eye. He scoffed and turned back to the eldest Sharma, "Ladies do not hunt!"

"Don't?" Kate asked, "Or are not allowed to?"

"I am certain Lady Danbury can spare a maid to act as chaperone." Edwina said, "Oh, what fun you will all have. Getting to know each other all the better."

"What an excellent idea, Miss Edwina," Anthony smiled.

Edwina smiled at the viscount. Williamson gave him a wide look, but Anthony only patted his back with a smile, "Surely we can make an exception, just this one time. We are on our private lands, after all. And who knows? Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach you a thing or two."

Williamson looked between everyone. Edwina, Kate, and Anthony. He smiled tightly and nodded his head. Though his mind was yelling at him. He was supposed to be avoiding her, not preparing to hunt with the woman.