Freeing Ebony

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Henry thoroughly appreciated the hospitality of Lord Pembroke and his family but he wanted nothing more than to return to London and continue on his journey.

“For how long have you resided in London, Mr Alcott?” Frances Dagwood, the Countess of Pembroke asked Henry over the fish course of their meal.

Henry had never particularly enjoyed seafood but he would not be rude after they had so kindly offered him lodgings for the night.

Frances Dagwood’s beauty had been transferred onto her five daughters. Although slightly rounded in the face and hips, her fine features were evident in the girls. Rosamund was the eldest, at seventeen. Next was Marie at fifteen and the twin twelve year olds were identical Elizabeth and Mary. The youngest was Catherine, at ten years old. 

“All my life, Lady Pembroke,” Henry replied as he politely tried to force down the seared fish before him. He was not even sure what type of fish it was. All he knew was that it was white and tasted awful. “My father is originally from Yorkshire but my elder brother and sisters and I were all born in our home at Ethridge.”

“I’ve always wanted to take a summer home in London, or even something down in Kent by the seaside but Christian has always put a stop to it. He likes being home, don’t you dear?” Lady Pembroke teased her husband.

“I just didn’t like the idea of the girls being in the city so young, that is all,” Lord Pembroke replied. “We shall be in London for the season, though. Pray, how many sisters do you have?”

“Three,” Henry replied automatically.

“And what did your father do with them when the eldest was presented to society?” he pressed.

Henry could remember Kitty’s first ball. She had been so excited that she hadn’t shut up about it for weeks before hand. “Left them upstairs.” Henry chuckled. “It was only for a season in between each. My sisters were born a year after the other.”

Marie pouted and looked enviously at her sister. “Rose is only two years older than me. How is it fair that I should be kept above stairs when she gets to dance all night?” she demanded to know.

“You’ll have your turn in good time,” Rosamund told her sister, although a smug smile had taken up residence on her face.

“We shall have to call upon you when we come to London,” Lord Pembroke said happily. “I should like to be introduced to your parents. Your father is the brother of Lady Southerby, correct?” he checked.

“Yes, my Aunt Jane,” Henry confirmed. He could not remember his Aunt Jane before she had married his Uncle Daniel for he had been an infant when they married. He’d been told his aunt was quite a boisterous girl in her youth, before she settled and married Daniel and became mother to Sabine. Perhaps that was where Kitty got her personality from.

“Lovely, very agreeable woman, she is,” Lady Pembroke chimed in. “I wish we saw more of them. It has to have been at least three summers since we last met. We must take a detour on our way home from Rosamund’s season and meet them. Wait, do they not stay with you for the season?”

“Not since Sabine married,” Henry replied. “My cousins, Philip and Louis, don’t have any interest in courting in London either so they mainly stay in Nottinghamshire. If we see them, it is us that usually travels to them.”

“Shame.” Lady Pembroke frowned. “Nevertheless,” she continued. “I’m sure Rosamund would appreciate your connections this summer season. I must say, the two of you make a handsome pair.” Lady Pembroke’s smile widened as she nodded between her young daughter and Henry, who were seated beside each other.