“He said he was the happiest man on earth.” Lord Littleton smiled at Elizabeth. “Turley said you like Harrington, and we all know he must marry.” Lord Littleton shrugged. “I thought I would do you a good turn.”
“I hope it works.” She pulled her bottom lip between her lips. “I hope it is me he likes and not just the position.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Lord Littleton grinned. “From the look on Lord Harrington’s face, I predict it will not be long before he calls on your father.”
“He certainly looked as if he’d like to murder you,” Gavin said to Lord Littleton.
“As long as he doesn’t put thoughts to action,” his lordship responded drily. “Would you like to give Harrington more incentive by riding out with me tomorrow, Miss Turley?”
“Thank you, I would.” Elizabeth responded to his grin with one of her own. “Even if he begins to behave as he should, I do not wish to give in too easily.”
“Lord, no, my dear,” her aunt said. “There is nothing wrong with letting a man chase you.”
That was what her friends had said as well. She wished Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty were here, but they were all getting ready for Charlotte’s wedding in the morning. When she was told, Elizabeth had been sworn to secrecy and had not even confided in her aunt.
Elizabeth prayed Lord Littleton was wrong about Lord Harrington approaching Father. He could and would give his permission far too soon. That could ruin everything. “Gavin, what if he does ask to see Papa right away?”
Her brother rubbed his jaw as he thought. “I’ll keep Father away from his usual haunts for a day or two. That should do it.”
“I hope you are right,” Elizabeth said, unconvinced. “I wish he would leave Town for a while. However, if Lord Harrington does come I will not be at home tomorrow morning. Aunt and I are attending the Worthington End of Season Breakfast.”
“Dear me,” Aunt said. “I’d almost forgotten about that. Harrington surely will not attend.”
“Trust me, my lady, when I say he will be in a bad way by the end of tomorrow,” Lord Littleton laughingly assured them. “I agree that keeping him away from your father is a good idea. I’ve always thought Harrington was a bit of a cold fish when it came to the ladies. Hooking him is what you want.”
Hooking him? If other gentlemen thought Lord Harrington was cold, did Elizabeth really want him?
* * *
Early the next morning, Elizabeth and her aunt were among the first guests to arrive at Stanwood House in Berkeley Square.
Charlotte, standing next to Lord Kenilworth, was radiant, and his lordship appeared besotted. That was exactly the look Elizabeth wanted to see on Lord Harrington’s face when he gazed down at her. Hopefully, her brother’s scheme would work to bring him around.
“Congratulations.” She curtseyed to Lord and Lady Kenilworth. “I hope you will be extremely happy.”
Charlotte glanced at her new husband. “We already are. And you? How is it going?”
“Well, I think.” Under the guise of bussing Charlotte’s cheek, Elizabeth said, “I’ll tell you about it if you have time.”
“Find Dotty and Louisa, and we’ll meet at the table on the terrace,” Charlotte whispered.
The same place they had gathered at Dotty’s wedding breakfast. “In an hour?”
Charlotte nodded. “That should be sufficient time for me to finish here.”
“Hatching plots already, my love?” Lord Kenilworth murmured in what even Elizabeth thought was a sensuous tone.
“Only helping a friend.” Charlotte smiled.
An hour later, Charlotte, Louisa, Dotty, and Elizabeth were sitting at the round table on one corner of the terrace. A footman served champagne, small sandwiches, and ginger biscuits.
Once Elizabeth and the others toasted the bride, Charlotte asked, “How can we help you?”
“I’m not sure I require your help,” Elizabeth said. “I do want your opinion. You see, my brother’s friend, Lord Littleton—”
“Never tell me Littleton has taken an interest in you!” Louisa exclaimed.
“No, no.” Elizabeth couldn’t stop a giggle. “He has decided to help me with Lord Harrington.”
