Harriet said a silent prayer that her mother would agree to the scheme. She hadn’t shared the earlier conversation with her grandmother about Lord Hartley with her mother, although Eleanor had been at the dance and saw firsthand the connection she shared with the earl.
Marian turned to Eleanor. “May I have your permission, my dear, to take Lady Harriet with me?”
“I’m not sure exposing my daughter to any bad behavior is appropriate, Lady Dalling. I’ve heard stories that Hartley can be quite beastly at times.”
“Oh, Mama, won’t you please agree? Lords Evans and Spenser will be with us to ensure our visit remains civil.”
“Well—”
“My dear, it will be good for Lady Harriet to be exposed to all manner of gentlemen. It will help her gain an understanding of how to act in various situations when she makes her debut next spring,” Marian added.
“I hadn’t thought about that,” Eleanor said, looking at Harriet. “Yes, I give my permission, but if the earl is uncivil, I want you to leave immediately.”
“Of course, Mama.” Harriet wanted to jump for joy. She was going to see Lord Hartley again, and this time, he wouldn’t be on a horse, ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
She didn’t listen to much of the rest of the conversation around her, as she was lost in her own thoughts until she heard Lord Spenser ask, “Miss Weston, do you plan to attend the next dance at the Assembly Room?”
Miss Weston looked at her aunt. “What do you say, aunt? Shall we attend?”
“Of course, my dear. I’m having a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends.”
“Would you do me the honor of saving me a waltz?” George asked.
“Certainly, my lord. It’ll be my pleasure.”
Harriet saw the contented smile on Lord Spenser’s face and had no doubt that before too long, he would propose to Miss Weston. That made her happy because Lydia was such a sweet and generous person. They would suit well together.
The next twenty-four hoursseemed like a sennight to Harriet. She could hardly contain her excitement. In just a few hours, she would see Lord Hartley again.
True to his word, Lord Evans arrived an hour before tea time, and joined Lord Spenser to accompany them to the earl’s manor.
“Remember, we might all be denied entry. Hartley’s staff is very protective of him,” Lord Evans said.
“Of course, we understand. We shall follow your lead, Lord Evans,” Marian said. “Come along, Lady Harriet.”
Lord Spenser picked up the picnic basket and followed everyone out to Lady Dalling’s carriage. Lord Evans handed the women up before jumping in. George joined them and sat beside his friend.
Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts, and the ride to the earl’s manor didn’t take long. Lord Evans helped the women down and led the way to the front door, letting the knocker bang, while George stood next to him, shielding the women from view.
Hartley’s butler, Greenfield, opened the door and frowned when he saw Richard and George standing outside. “My lords, Lord Hartley is not receiving visitors.”
Lord Evans nodded. “Yes, yes, we know your orders. Now please step aside and inform your master that his army buddies have arrived for a visit.”
Greenfield knew it was a losing battle to bar the lords from entry and reluctantly opened the door farther. He gasped when he spotted Lady Dalling and Harriet walking in behind Richard and George. “My lords, this is highly irregular.”
“Indeed it is. We’ll await him in the parlor. In the meantime, deliver this basket to the cook and ask her to prepare a tea cart,” George said, handing the basket to the butler.
At first, Greenfield was reluctant to take it, but he eventually nodded and left to inform Hartley he had guests.
The group walked into the parlor, and Lord Evans closed the door behind them.
“Ladies, it would be best if you took a seat over there,” he said, pointing to the far corner. “Lord Spenser and I will wait by the fireplace for Hartley.”
Harriet escorted her grandmother to the sofa Lord Evans had indicated and waited with anticipation for the earl to appear. She tried not to wring her hands but sit quietly and wait for events to unfold. Would Hartley even consent to meet his friends today? Her stomach was in knots as the minutes ticked by.
It wasn’t long beforethey heard stomping in the hallway, and the door flew open, banging against the wall. “Bloody hell, Evans. I told you not to come here again!” Hartley bellowed.
What are these two doing here after I expressly told them not to come again? Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?
