A Prince for Aunt Hetty Read Online Free PDF Page B

something about the current spell of cold weather. But everyone's attention turned to the last guest as soon as he and Jonathan entered.
    “That must be Mr. Henderson, our new neighbor,” Mrs. Howett said.
    “It is.”
    “Oh!” A sly smile came over her face. “He is quite a handsome gentleman. Agatha's letters did not communicate everything about him, I see.”
    Hetty watched him move gracefully and bow low to the women. His appearance tonight was very elegant in a finely tailored suit, much too fine for a country dinner, in fact...
    Not for the first time, Hetty wondered about the man. First, he had gallantly saved her from a long and muddy walk. Then he had had no qualms about playing with the children. And now here he was comfortably wearing clothing that Hetty suspected cost more than all of the other men's attire combined. And he was acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He would not look out of place in the fanciest ball in London.
    When she felt Mrs. Howett gently elbow her in the ribs, Hetty realized she'd been staring. She quickly averted her eyes as the men approached.
    Jonathan introduced his guest. “Mrs. Howett, may I present Mr. Rupert Henderson? He is our new neighbor and I don't believe that you have met as of yet.” Their host smiled back and forth between them.
    “Delighted, Mrs. Howett. I have heard that you are the queen of the neighborhood and I look forward to paying my respects in whatever way that I can.” He kissed her hand and smiled.
    “What a fancy notion! I shall have to inform Mr. Howett of the regime change.”
    Mr. Howett had apparently heard his name from the other side of the room, as he called out, “Mrs. Howett, are you taking my name in vain over there?”
    “No, my dear!” She called, drawing the attention of everyone else. “Nothing for you to worry about. Just our newest neighbor Mr. Henderson winning his way into my heart.”
    Mrs. Howett turned to Jonathan and asked him about the estate. Left together, Mr. Henderson spoke. “Miss Masters, it is a pleasure to see you again.” He smiled as he took her hand.
    “I am glad to see you, as well, Mr. Henderson.” Warmth flowed up her arm and settled in her cheeks.
    “Have you been well?” he asked.
    “I have. Thank you.” They fell silent. Why did she feel tongue-tied?
    “And... and the children?” He gazed at her in an odd way that made her feel shy.
    “Oh yes, they are well, too”
    “Good... That is good.”
    Silence again. They both looked away.
    Mr. Henderson, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, surveyed the group in front of them. Hetty stood unseeing, lost in thinking of what she should say. After thirty years in London, she should be able to come up with something that would fill in the silence. But as hard as she considered it, the right words – or any words – escaped her.
    “Mrs. Howett seems nice.”
    “Yes,” Hetty agreed.
    “Have you known her long?”
    “I see her when I come to visit my sister.”
    “Oh yes... of course.” There was an awkward pause. Why did they seem to trip so much over their conversation?
    “Will you stay long? At Hayes house?” He shifted from one foot to the other in a gesture of discomfort.
    Hetty threaded her fingers together to keep from fidgeting. “I generally stay for a few weeks.”
    “And then you return to London?”
    “Yes, I do.” Hetty thought about offering more information, but didn't know what exactly to say. So she asked him a question. “I have heard that you have lived in London too?”
    His whole aspect changed. He stiffened and stood even taller beside her. He kept his eyes on the other guests as he answered in a gruff voice. “Yes. That is correct.” His manner of answering shut down any further inquiries Hetty might have made.
    “Shall we join the rest of the party?” Mr. Henderson unclasped his hands and gestured toward the group in front of them.
    “Yes,” Hetty agreed. She was confused and a little