The Kingsley sisters were blessed with beauty -- hair as black as night and an unusual shade of violet-blue eyes that sparkled with humor. They came from good English stock, wealth and at the age of twenty and nineteen, Penelope and Emma were desired as the perfect society wives.
They sat in the family carriage, on their way to the home of the Marquess of Fords. It was to be a country party and the sisters dressed accordingly. Emma was watching the trees pass by them through the small window.
"My future brother-in-law is quite handsome." Emma said. "So tall, just like the duke. I dare say that the guest list will be very long." Sometimes it was hard to keep up with Emma's conversations, for she switched subjects without preamble.
"As for many of the men, I don't think you've met them all yet. He recited names I've never heard of."
"Well, I hope they aren't boring. I can tolerate talks of science and business, but if one man so much as compares fishing techniques between trout and salmon, I swear I will scream."
"I highly doubt the Marquess keeps such dull company."
Emma gave her a look. "Why do you still refer to him as the Marquess? He is your fiancé."
Penny sighed. "I barely know the man. You can hardly expect me to call him by a name I haven't used in ten years."
"I suppose. Oh, look!" Emma pointed out the window as the manor came into view, a three story stone building with tall windows and columns. "It's just as I remembered it."
Indeed, thought Penny. The carriage came to a stop and a footman came forth to help them down. Jason was there to greet them.
"Penelope, Miss Emma."
"I feel memories flooding over me." Emma said with a small laugh, looking up at the manor. There wasn't a Delaford estate the Kingsley sisters hadn't visited, since their families were so close. Now this place was made the Marquess' permanent residence, as opposed to the family seat, Delaford, which the duke resided in.
They were led through the foyer, a circular room with a crystal chandelier hanging over it, and appointed upstairs. The guests were to settle in before taking tea in the drawing room.
"Everyone is arrived, except for my friend, Whittenhall." Jason informed them. "I shall see you ladies downstairs."
They occupied rooms connected by a door in the east wing, close to the Marquess' own bedroom. Footmen brought up their trunks and maids were starting to unpack their things.
"Do you think any of them will be handsome enough to tempt me?" Emma voiced as she checked her appearance in the mirror. Penny smiled, standing next to her younger sister.
"Perhaps you'll fall in love with one of his friends and we could have a double wedding."
Emma grinned. "That all depends on his friends. Penny, I think this house party will prove to be interesting."
***
They were introduced to a round of his guests. There was Brandon Steel and his new wife, Julie; The Fergusons consisted of a brother and sister, both unmarried and charming; Mr. George Granville was a slightly stocky fellow with a friendly smile, easy manners and possessed a love for hunting and fishing. Penny already knew that her sister Emma would be avoiding him as much as possible. Viscount Macey, Lord Huxley and Lord Avery rounded out the eligible bachelors.
"Have you settled in comfortably, Penelope?"
Penny turned to find Jason standing casually near the fireplace. "I did." She eyed the room. Others were conversing with ease, sharing tea and cakes. "This is quite a start to your party."
Jason nodded absently. "I thought we'd all relax for the rest of the day, since it's everyone's first evening here."
"I don't suppose you'll refrain from announcing out betrothal at dinner."
"I don't see why we should delay. The banns will be read in a few weeks."
She sipped her tea, using it as an excuse to look around the room. She caught Julian Dunsforth's gaze and saw him lift an eyebrow in greeting. They've yet to say anything to each other. She hoped soon she would get a moment alone with him.
Julian was the opposite of Jason. Having come from a middle class background, Julian had worked his way up from the docks to becoming owner to a successful shipping business, which he now owned with his brother. Julian was dark as Jason was fair.
"I'd like to know what has captivated your attention, Penelope." Jason's low voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned to the Marquess. He was standing closer than she thought. The top of her head barely reached his shoulders, but the way he craned his head to speak to her left little distance between their faces.
Her eyes outlined the shape of his lips and then she shook herself mentally. "I suggest a ride for tomorrow morning."
