Michael shook his head. “I am not entirely sure which part of that note is the most intriguing—that she knew I had borrowed your waistcoat or that she wants me to come to a ladies’ shop.”
“Are you intrigued enough to go?”
“I am, in fact.”
“Good. So am I.”
“Robert—”
“But right now we need to meet with Father, which is why I came to find you.” He glanced over his shoulder at Copper, who moved restlessly in the stall behind them. “Then I suggest you take that horse for a ride before he breaks something. He appears to be quite jealous.”
“Only because he knows I still have his treat in my pocket.” Michael crossed to the big bay, who bounced his head and snorted, stepping back and forth in the stall. Michael grinned. “I did not forget.” He pulled two chunks of carrot out of his coat pocket and held them out in his palm. Copper settled a bit, but did not take them right away, staring at Michael, who smoothed the horse’s forelock. “We will go for a run later. A long one. I think we both can use it. What do you say?” Copper hesitated, then poked his nose into Michael’s palm, snatching up the carrots.
“I swear that horse knows everything you are saying.”
Michael stroked Copper’s neck. “Of course he does.”
“Then tell him you need to go see Father, make sure we do not make fools of us all.”
Michael moved to Robert’s side, and they headed back toward the house. “It would not be the first time we have looked foolish.”
“True. But I would rather not make a regular habit of it. We have ladies to woo and fathers to win.”
*
Tuesday, 23 August 1825
Beckcott Hall
Half past noon
Clara looked fromthe note in her hand to Radcliff, then to the note again. She chewed her lower lip, read it again, then looked at Radcliff. “This came in today?”
“Yes, my lady. This morning.”
“And my father read it?”
The maid shrugged a shoulder. “The seal was broken when he handed it to me.”
“He probably wanted to make sure it was not from Lord Michael. Have you read it?”
Radcliff’s cheeks pinked, and she glanced down. “Yes, my lady.”
Clara dismissed the embarrassment with a wave. “Do you have any idea what it means?”
The maid frowned. “It says—”
“I know what it says.” Clara still read the three lines again.
Lady Clara,
I need to check the fitting on the gown for Thursday’s soiree once more before sending it over. Please come to my shop tomorrow at eleven. A tiny adjustment. No need for the countess’s consultation.
Madame Adrienne
“But what does it mean?” Clara sat down at her escritoire and spread the note flat on the surface. “She told me that she did not need me for more fittings now that she had three of the frocks complete. Why would she change her mind?”
“Whatever the reason, she clearly does not want your mother there.”
