“Very well, thank you.”
Lord Spenser joined them in the parlor and bowed over Lady Evans’s hand. “My lady, you look as lovely as ever. Are you keeping my friend in line?”
Richard placed his hand over his heart and looked at his old army buddy. “Are you suggesting I’m difficult?” he asked in mock outrage.
“Not at all, my friend. Just wanted to make sure your elevation to marquis hasn’t gone to your head, that’s all,” George said.
Lady Evans chuckled. “You can rest assured that my husband is always the consummate gentleman, Lord Spenser. Have no fear on that account. Are you enjoying your stay in Bath?”
“Very much so. The ocean air is quite stimulating, and I do enjoy an early morning swim.”
Harriet couldn’t help but chime in. “Does your enjoyment also extend to a certain young lady also in Bath for the summer?”
George was saved from answering Harriet’s question when Wilson announced, “Miss Weston and Mrs. Kennedy.”
Harriet watched Lord Spenser’s eyes light up when Lydia joined the group.
“Welcome, Miss Weston, Mrs. Kennedy,” Eleanor said.
Good day, Lady Collin, Lady Dalling, Lady Harriet,” Miss Weston said with a curtsey. She turned to Richard and George. “My lords, lovely to see you again.”
Lady Evans went to her friend and hugged her. “Miss Weston, I had no idea you were in Bath until I received Lady Dalling’s invitation for tea. She mentioned you were here and would join us today.”
“Yes. My father has granted us a holiday from the foul air in London.”
“I’m ever so glad. Mrs. Kennedy, delightful to see you again,” Lady Evans said, turning to the older woman.
Mrs. Kennedy extended her greetings to the group as well.
Harriet noticed that Lord Spenser took the chair next to the sofa where Miss Weston was sitting. She knew he was sweet on her and wondered if he was developing more than a tendre for her. The way Miss Weston’s eyes lit up when she saw the handsome lord only confirmed her suspicions that they were indeed falling in love with each other.
After everyone was seated, the maid brought in the tea cart. “Do you require anything else, Lady Dalling?”
“No. That will be all.”
The maid curtseyed and quickly left the room.
“Lady Harriet, dear, will you pour today?” Marian asked.
Harriet nodded and poured out the cups for their guests. Their cook had outdone herself with all manner of treats, andshe piled the plates with sweets. When she finished handing out the tea, she took her cup and sat on the sofa with her mother.
“Such a shame Lord Hartley has once again refused my invitation for tea,” Marian said with a sigh.
“Did you expect any other outcome?” Lord Evans asked. “We could barely gain entrance to his home the last time we were there, and we’re his friends. I’m not surprised he shuns everyone.”
Marian nodded and paused a moment before adding, “Perhaps it’s time we take tea to him instead?”
Harriet nearly dropped her cup. She’d had no idea her grandmother would suggest such a bold plan.
“What do you think, my lords? Would tomorrow be agreeable?” Marian asked, swinging her gaze between Richard and George.
Harriet watched as they looked at each other. There seemed to be some kind of secret communication going on between the former soldiers.
“I’m not sure what kind of reception you’d receive, my lady,” Lord Evans said. “Hartley wasn’t very sociable when we last saw him.”
“I understand. However, he certainly knows how to act the gentleman, as evidenced by his appearance at the Assembly Room dance.”
George nodded. “I have to admit, that was the most unexpected event so far this summer. Your idea may work, but we cannot all descend on him at once. May I suggest only Lady Dalling and Lady Harriet join us for this initial attempt.”
