“I understand your concern, but Lord Hartley has changed even in the short time since we met. Haven’t you noticed?”
“I have, but I’m not sure he can change enough to build a life with you. Are you willing to suffer the consequences if that’s the case?”
“What do you mean?”
George squeezed her hand. “I’m sure the ton have noticed Hartley’s attentions to you, especially at the Assemblies. If he cannot commit and retreats from you, what’s happened here will follow you to London. Your debut may be compromised before it even begins. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“I do, my lord, and I understand your concern, but you needn’t bother. I don’t want a Season.”
“Oh? Does your lady mother know this?” George asked.
“I’ve told her, but she won’t listen and still insists I have a Season.”
“Your mother only wants what’s best for you.”
“I know, but what’s best for me is Lord Hartley. I dream of him nightly and shall not give up on him. I’ll marry him, you’ll see.”
“And what happens if he doesn’t propose?”
“Then I’ll never marry.”
George let go of her hand. “Then I shall do whatever is within my power to help you achieve your dreams.”
Harriet kissed Lord Spenser’s cheek. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Whatever you need, my lady, you only need to ask.” He helped her back into the saddle, and they rode back to the manor, each lost in their own thoughts.
When they reached the stables, they noticed a grand carriage in the driveway. George helped Harriet dismount and followed her around to the front door.
“Mercy!” Harriet cried when she spied her sister getting out of the carriage. She ran to the carriage and hugged her. “Wiltshire, thank you for bringing my sister for a visit.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Wiltshire said. “Have you been riding?”
“Yes, Meribelle and I ride out every morning. She’s a marvel, and I adore her.”
“I’m glad to see you’re enjoying her. I knew right away she was the perfect mare for you.”
George extended his hand. “Wiltshire, good to see you again, my friend.”
“You’re a sight for sore eyes, Spenser. You look well.”
“Yes, Bath agrees with me.”
The front door opened, and Lady Collin rushed outside. “Oh, my darling, you’re here,” she said, hugging her eldest daughter, then turning to Wiltshire. “Your Grace, lovely to see you again.”
Wiltshire nodded. “My lady, the pleasure is mine.”
“Do come inside and have some breakfast. You must be famished from your journey,” Eleanor said, linking arms with Mercy. “You must tell us all about your wedding trip.”
Harriet, Wiltshire, and George followed them inside.
“I shall join you shortly,” George said before taking the stairs two at a time.
“Harriet, are you coming?” Mercy asked.
“I’ll be down momentarily. I want to change. Don’t tell all your stories before I return,” she said, climbing the stairs to her bedchamber, where Rhonda was waiting for her. “We must be quick today, Rhonda. My sister and her husband have arrived and are waiting in the dining room.”
Rhonda nodded and helped Mercy out of her habit. As Mercy sank into the soothing water of the bath, she thought about everything that Lord Spenser had told her. Was he right? What if the earl was unable to commit to her? Would she wait her entire life for him?
