Her mind was a whirlwind of activity, dissecting every interaction she’d had with the earl since she came to Bath. Who knew she’d meet such a formidable man in a meadow of all places? How could any other man measure up to the impossibly handsome earl? When she gazed at him, she saw his strength, his indomitable spirit… certainly not the Beast of Bath, as the locals called him. What a ridiculous moniker to attach to the most attractive man she’d ever seen. His scar was superficial in her mind and never bothered her, especially when he looked ather with his piercing green eyes, which seemed illuminated from within. She’d never seen their equal.
She was glad Miss Weston was coming to tea later today so she’d stop obsessing over Hartley for a few hours. Actually, she was looking forward to chatting with her again. She was knowledgeable on so many topics, and Harriet enjoyed being exposed to them. Both Mercy and Helena had been surprised and thrilled to hear that Miss Weston was spending the summer in Bath. There should be some lively conversation over tea, especially if Lord Spenser joined them as well. It was just the distraction she needed to stop thinking about Hartley, at least for a little while.
Chapter 15
Later that afternoon, Harriet satin the parlor with Wiltshire, Mercy, her mother, grandmother, and Lord Spenser. She tried to engage in the conversations around her, but her mind kept wandering back to the earl. Would he be at the property line tomorrow? She had no idea and knew speculating was fruitless, but she desperately wanted to feel his lips against hers again. Her thoughts were consumed with remembering every conversation they’d had so far, and how it was a little more each day. It must have been difficult for him to re-enter a social life after so much self-isolation. She was gradually drawing him out, and she loved that he seemed willing to try to engage with her.
Lady Dalling’s butler, Wilson, announced their guests, “Mrs. Kennedy, Miss Weston.”
Wiltshire and Lord Spenser stood and gave them a bow. “Welcome, ladies,” the duke said.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Miss Weston said with a curtsey.
“Please do come in,” Marian said.
“Your Grace, Lady Dalling, Lady Collin, Lady Harriet,” Miss Weston said with another curtsey. “It’s a pleasure to see you all again.
Mrs. Kennedy managed a slight curtsey to the duke and duchess. “Your Graces,” she said before sitting on the sofa next to Harriet’s grandmother while Miss Weston took the chair closest to Lord Spenser.
A maid came in with a tea cart. “Will there be anything else, Lady Dalling?”
“No, that will be all,” Marian said.
The maid curtseyed and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
“Lady Harriet, dear, would you pour out tea?”
Harriet nodded and began preparing cups for everyone. She served Wiltshire and Mercy first, as they were the highest-ranking couple in the room.
“I can’t tell you how lovely it is to have a full house for tea,” Eleanor said. “It’s such a pleasure having everyone here.”
“It is indeed,” George said, looking at Miss Weston.
“Miss Weston, how long will you be in Bath?” Mercy asked. “I’d dearly love to spend more time together before we must leave for our country estate.”
“Until September, Your Grace. Then my father wishes for us to return to London.”
Harriet watched Lord Spenser’s reaction to the news. September was only a few short weeks away. Would he propose before then? The way they were looking at each other made it clear that their feelings went beyond merely liking each other. She was glad to see them so happy, but it made her realize that she had no idea when her grandmother wanted to return to Town.
She didn’t want to return to London. The air was dirty, the streets were crowded, and the ton was ridiculous with all their rules and regulations. She wanted to stay here in Bath, especially since this was where the earl lived. He meant everything to her, and if they returned to Town, her mother would talk about nothing but her debut in the spring. Harriet had told her mother she didn’t want a Season, but Eleanor thought it was merely nerves on Harriet’s part. She was so very wrong.
She wasn’t nervous about a Season; there was merely no other gentleman she wanted to meet. Her heart already belonged to Hartley, and she wasn’t willing to give up on trying to convince him that they’d suit well together. She needed moretime and resolved to talk to her grandmother about staying longer in Bath after the summer season was over and most of the ton returned to London.
“Lady Harriet, dear?”
Harriet blinked and looked at her grandmother. “I’m so sorry, Lady Dalling. Forgive me, I was wool-gathering. Did you ask something of me?”
Marian chuckled. “Not I, dear, but His Grace wanted to know if he could join you on your morning ride.”
Harriet looked at her brother-in-law. “I would be delighted, Your Grace, although I do like to ride out early.”
Wiltshire nodded. “I also love the crisp morning air. Would tomorrow suit?”
“I’d be delighted.”
“Lord Spenser, will you join us?” Harriet asked.
“Lady Harriet, as much as I enjoyed our ride the other day, I do prefer to sleep in a little later than sunrise.”
