“Of course, but if you change your mind, feel free to come to the stables.”
Lord Spenser nodded. “Perhaps we can plan an outing to your favorite tea shop later in the day?” He turned to Lydia. “Miss Weston, would you be available tomorrow afternoon?”
“I’d be delighted to join you, my lord.”
“Mrs. Kennedy?”
The older woman shook her head. “Not this time, Lord Spenser, but thank you for the invitation.”
“What a wonderful idea, Lord Spenser,” Mercy said. She turned to Eleanor. “Mama, would you care to join us?”
Eleanor shook her head. “No, my dear. This outing should be for the younger people.”
“This is so exciting!” Harriet exclaimed. “I do love their tea cakes. Thank you, Lord Spenser, for a wonderful idea.”
He smiled. “My pleasure.”
The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter and wonderful conversations. After Miss Weston and Mrs. Kennedy left, Harriet went upstairs to change for dinner. Having her sister and brother-in-law here was such a treat and made her realize how much she’d missed her sister and her wise counsel. After dinner, she sought her out. “Mercy, would you care for a stroll outside to see the stars?”
“Of course.” Mercy nodded. “Excuse me, my dear,” she said, kissing Wiltshire’s cheek before following Harriet outside. “My dear, what’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing’s wrong. I merely wanted your advice.”
“Oh? What can I help you with?”
“How did you know Wiltshire was the man for you?”
Mercy looked up at the stars and smiled. “It was like the earth moved under my feet and the heavens sang with joy when I first met him. It was the most magical moment of my life, and I’ll never forget it. Is there a reason you ask?”
Harriet nodded. Now that she had Mercy’s attention, she hesitated to confide in her. What if her sister didn’t approve of her association with the earl?
“Does this have anything to do with Lord Hartley? I saw the way you looked at him during Mr. Seaford’s wedding breakfast.”
“You know me too well. I’m becoming very fond of Jon…um…Lord Hartley.”
“Hmm…Jon is it? Are you falling in love with him?”
“My heart flutters every time I see him, and I crave more of his time. If that is love, then yes.”
“I see. Does he return your feelings?”
“I don’t know. I understand there are challenges, but I want to be with him despite those difficulties. I feel like I could help him face whatever obstacles come our way.”
“Harriet, what about your Season? How do you know you won’t meet someone else who makes your heart flutter?”
“There’s no one who could compare with him. He’s like an avenging angel sent down from heaven, and I was smitten the moment I saw him.”
Mercy took Harriet’s hands in hers. “My darling sister, if that’s truly how you feel, then you must let things play out in its own good time. You cannot force someone to love you.”
“I know, but I feel I’m already ruined for any other man. If I don’t marry Lord Hartley, I won’t marry at all.”
Mercy embraced her. “All I can say is follow your heart. I wouldn’t want to see you hurt, but I do understand how you feel. Have you spoken to Mama?”
Harriet shook her head. “No. I feel she wouldn’t understand. All she’s been talking about of late is going back to London and preparing for my debut, but I don’t want to return to London.”
“I’m afraid this is something you’ll have to discuss with her.”
“I know, and I will. Will you support me in this?”
