“Thank you, but I think I can stretch my available funds for the next three months. However, if the investment takes longer to pay out than that, I may have to take you up on your offer.”
“Of course. The offer stands whenever you have need of it.”
“Have you heard from Wiltshire lately? Are they planning on attending any part of the Season?
“As a matter of fact, Helena received a letter from the duchess the other day. Evidently, Mercy is still not feeling well. The pregnancy has been harder on her than they expected, and Wiltshire plans to stay at their country estate so as not to stress her before the babe is born. He’s given me his proxy to vote on a bill coming up soon.”
“I see. I hope the duchess weathers this pregnancy without any complications. I can understand why Wiltshire is concerned about her health. Women are remarkable with their ability to bring children into the world, although it’s not without significant risk.”
The two men had talked for another hour about various things when Wright knocked on the door.
“Luncheon is served, my lord,” the butler said.
“You’re staying, aren’t you?” Richard asked.
“Absolutely. I very much enjoy Mrs. Henderson’s food.”
The two men left the study and made their way to the dining room.
“This smells delicious,” George said, taking a seat. Mrs. Henderson had put out an impressive array of food, and he wasted no time piling a little of each dish on his plate. “Are you sure I can’t steal your cook away?”
“Not a chance,” Richard said, chuckling. “I make sure I pay her well for that very reason. She’s a gem.”
Before they’d taken more than a few bites, they heard voices in the hallway. “Are you expecting company?” George asked.
“No. I thought Helena would be gone most of the day.”
The voices drew nearer, and they were soon joined by Lady Evans and Miss Weston.
“My darling, I thought you were out for the day,” Evans said, rising from his seat and kissing Helena’s cheek. “We would have waited had I known you’d return so early.”
Helena smiled at her husband. “A run-in with Miss Darvey and her friends at the museum cut our outing short.”
“Oh, I see. Good day, Miss Weston,” Evans said.
“Lord Evans, Lord Hutchinson,” Lydia said with a curtsey.
George stood and held out the chair next to him for Miss Weston. Her orange blossom scent wafted over him, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked stunning in a blue walking dress. His heart swelled at the sight of her, and he wanted to say so much to her but ended up asking a bland question instead. “Have you been well, Miss Weston?”
“I am, thank you, my lord,” Lydia said, sitting in the offered chair.
“I do hope Miss Darvey wasn’t rude to you, my dear,” Evans said.
“No. We walked away before she could engage us further, although I have to say, she didn’t look too happy about us leaving.”
“Is that woman ever happy?” George asked.
“I sincerely doubt it,” Lydia said. “I actually feel bad for her friends, though.”
“I wouldn’t feel too badly for them; they chose to be in Miss Darvey’s circle,” Evans said.
After an hour of casual conversation, Helena stood. “I’m feeling quite tired. My darling, will you escort me upstairs so I may rest for a while?”
Richard stood and held out his arm for his wife. “Of course. Hutchinson, Miss Weston,” he said with a nod before escorting Helena from the room.
George was sure that Helena had orchestrated the opportunity for him to be alone with Lydia, and he would be forever grateful for even a few moments in Lydia’s company.
“That wasn’t too subtle, was it?” Lydia asked with a chuckle.
