Drat.He had missed her. Well, it was no more than he deserved. “Please tell her I called.”
Well, blast it all. At least he had tried, and she would know he came, even if it was several hours later.
In no hurry now, he strolled to his house, letting himself in. On the round onyx hall table lay a letter placed on the silver salver. His title was written in a strong yet feminine hand. Rupert picked it up and carried it to his study, where he popped open the seal.
Dear Lord Stanstead,
I wish you luck to-day. However, I had some urgent errands to perform and could wait no longer.
Your friend,
Vivian, Countess of Beresford
Rupert held the paper to his nose. It had her scent. He could almost feel the warmth of her fingers as she penned the note. He may have missed her, but Robert had said she was once again accompanying Phoebe to this evening’s entertainment. Rupert would apologize and tell her everything that had occurred.
Glancing at the mound of paper on his desk, he debated attempting to find her or going to his club. Discretion won. About twenty minutes later, he was passing White’s when Lord Sudbury came down the steps.
“Stanstead.” The older man waved. “I heard about your success. Congratulations, my boy. Your grandfather would have been proud of you.” The older gentleman paused. “He wouldn’t have agreed, but he would have been proud.”
How could Rupert have forgotten? Sudbury had been friends with old Lord Stanstead. The grandfather who was no blood relative to Rupert, but his mother’s husband’s father. In truth, blood relatives or not, none of his grandfathers were anything to brag about. They all colluded to keep his parents apart, and for years had succeeded. “Thank you, sir. I believe the world is changing and we must change with it.”
“All you young people say the same thing. Never mind that. You received my invitation?” A hopeful look appeared on Sudbury’s countenance. “My sister is visiting for several weeks and wanted to entertain. She normally resides in the country. Not my usual thing; it will be rather tame,” he said, as if to excuse the nature of the masquerade. “Still, one must maintain good relations with one’s family.”
Rupert grinned. “I not only received it, but accepted.”
“Good, good. It was hard to know who to invite. M’sister’s got definite opinions on what should and should not go on at a party.”
He didn’t say anything for a few moments. Sudbury was not only an old roué but an inveterate gossip as well. Nevertheless, Rupert wanted him to issue an invitation to Vivian. “If you are searching for other guests, I can recommend Lady Telford. She is in Town with her two charges, a widow and a young lady she’s bringing out.”
The man’s eyes brightened. “Lady Telford, you say? I had no idea. I haven’t seen her in an eternity. Thank you, Stanstead.” Sudbury turned to go, then stopped. “What is her direction?”
“Mount Street.”
“Good of you to tell me. M’sister, you know, will be pleased.”
As Sudbury strolled off down the street, Rupert wondered if the man had carried a torch for her ladyship all these years. At least now he knew Vivian would be invited.
Vivian’s hands grew damp and her stomach clenched as she entered the land agent’s office. Even though she had her maid with her, it was not thedonething for a lady to visit a business office. She should have had him come to her. Yet if she had, then everyone would know what she was doing, and she didn’t want to answer the questions that were sure to be asked.
Of course, her cousin and Silvia knew she did not intend to remain at Beresford, but Vivian had not been specific about her plans. Clara probably assumed Vivian would marry, and that was not going to occur.
A clerk quickly jumped to his feet. “May I help you, ma’am?”
She straightened her shoulders. “Yes, you may. I am here to see Mr. Jones regarding several property descriptions he sent to Mr. Trevor for my review.”
“My father is not in at the moment, but I’m sure I can assist you.” The younger Mr. Jones opened the door to a room filled by a large rectangular table and several chairs. “If you will make yourself comfortable, I’ll fetch some tea and biscuits for you and your companion.”
She entered the room with Punt following closely behind her.
“Speaking of companions,” Punt said, “I don’t suppose you’ve given any thought to who is going to be yours?”
“Not yet. I thought I’d purchase the property then speak to my cousin about indigent relatives who might require a position.”
Punt snorted. “And when do you plan to tell your mother?”
Leave it to Punt to ask that question. Mama would not approve of Vivian setting up her own household. “When it’s too late to change anything. The first person she will tell is Papa, and I do not want his interference.” Which would be forceful and loud. She almost winced at the thought of confronting him. “As it is, I’m surprised I haven’t heard from my father.”
“I did think he’d have another match in mind.” Her maid waited until Vivian had selected a chair, then sat next to her.
