“How would you like your hair tonight, Lady Harriet?” Rhonda asked.
“I love the way you did it last time for dinner, with the braids and curls.”
The maid nodded. “Of course. I’ll be happy to do that again.”
When Harriet finally ventured downstairs, her mother and Lord Spenser were in the parlor.
“There you are, my dear. You look lovely in that peach color,” Eleanor said.
“What do you think, Lord Spenser?” Harriet asked as she did a quick twirl.
“I think Evans has the right of it. You look the sweet kitten, but a tiger resides just below the surface,” Lord Spenser saidwith a chuckle. “The young men of Bath better watch themselves around you.”
Harriet smiled at him. “I don’t think anyone has ever compared me to a sweet kitten, my lord. Will you dance with the tiger tonight?”
“I’d be honored, my lady.”
Within moments, her grandmother joined them in the parlor.
“Lady Dalling, are you trying to outshine all the young ladies of Bath this evening?” George asked.
“Ah, Lord Spenser, you’re always such a charmer.”
“I only speak the truth,” he said with a chuckle.
“If everyone is ready, shall we depart?” Marian asked.
George offered his arm to the older woman and escorted them all outside before handing them up in the carriage.
“I’m so excited,” Harriet said, sitting next to her mother. “Have you been to the Assembly Room before, Lord Spenser?”
“I have, and I’m surprised by how well-attended these assemblies are now,” he said. “I remember that, not too long ago, Bath wasn’t so well-populated during the summer.”
“I do hope you’re enjoying your stay with us,” Marian said.
Spenser nodded. “A great deal, my lady.”
“We’re very happy you decided to join us,” Eleanor said.
He nodded. “I am as well.” He leaned toward Lady Dalling and whispered, “I must thank you again for saving me from a summer of dealing with my eldest brother’s antics and my father’s tirades.”
Marian nodded but didn’t comment.
Harriet glanced between her grandmother and Lord Spenser and wondered what was going on with his family. As neither of them elaborated, she thought it best not to comment, even though she wished to know the details. She was usually the last to know anything and was not above a little eavesdropping if the opportunity presented itself.
It wasn’t long before the carriage stopped outside the Assembly Room, and George handed down the women. They entered the room, and George secured them a table.
“I wonder if Miss Weston is here this evening. I saw Mrs. Kennedy in town recently, and she mentioned that they’re here for the summer,” Eleanor said, looking around the room before returning her attention to Lord Spenser. “She’s such a lovely young woman.”
“I have no idea what the lady’s social calendar is, Lady Collin,” George said.
“Well, after you dance with me, you must dance with her,” Harriet chimed in. “You look so well together.”
“Are you playing matchmaker, Lady Harriet?” George asked, arching a brow.
“Not at all,” Harriet said, shaking her head. “I merely thought you’d enjoy a dance with her. I like her.”
“Shall I procure lemonades for you ladies?” George asked.
