“This should be interesting.” Louisa took a sip of wine.
“It is rather. He is trying to make Harrington jealous.” Elizabeth looked at her friends. Louisa placed her fingers over her mouth as if to stifle a laugh, Charlotte tilted her head in a considering manner, and Dotty’s brows came together in a look of concern.
“Is it working?” they all said at one time.
“Well, he only started a few days ago, so it may be too early to tell. But I think it might be.” Elizabeth started to fidget with the fringe of her shawl, but took a drink of champagne instead. “At the ball last night, my aunt said that Harrington was extremely upset and glared at Lord Littleton and me when we were dancing.”
“That certainly sounds promising,” Charlotte commented. “I never had the impression he was jealous of Kenilworth. He only seemed inconvenienced that I preferred Kenilworth over him.” She tapped her fingers on the table. “Matt said that he complained that he would have to find another lady to wed.”
That was what Elizabeth had thought. In spite of her resolve, she began twisting the fringe on her shawl. If she had another drink of wine, she would drain the glass. Glancing at her friends, she asked, “Do you think that means he cares about me?”
Charlotte, Dotty, and Louisa exchanged looks. Finally, Dotty said, “I am not sure. Are you certain you want Harrington? I mean, must you marry this Season?”
“I could wait, but I have been drawn to Lord Harrington.” She glanced at Charlotte. “I was very glad when you decided you didn’t want him. Other than his inability to discuss anything personal, I like him a great deal and think I could easily fall in love with him. Yet, I want him to fall in love with me as well.” It would break her heart if he didn’t love her in return.
“Of course you do.” Charlotte leaned over and hugged Elizabeth. “I think it is a good plan. Still, if this does not make him see that he wants you, then you must give him up.”
“I agree,” Louisa said.
“I do as well,” Dotty added.
Elizabeth took a large breath and blew it out. Giving him up was the last thing she wanted to do. Still, they were right. Even if he offered her the life she wanted, without love it would be worthless. Not marrying him was the only course she could take. “Thank you.”
Just over an hour later, she arrived home to find a bouquet of the most beautiful pale pinkThigh of Nymphroses she had ever seen. “These are lovely.”
Broadwell handed her a card. “They are for you, miss.”
For a moment she wondered if they were from Lord Littleton, but the familiar strong, slashing handwriting told her they were from Lord Harrington. Perhaps this would give her some indication if the scheme was working.
My dear Miss Turley,
These roses reminded me of you. Please accept them as token of my admiration for you.
If you have the second set and the supper dance left on your card for Lady Somerville’s ball this evening, it would be my honor to claim them.
Are you free to drive out with me at five o’clock this afternoon? If you are already engaged, I would like to ask you to accompany me tomorrow at the same time.
Yr. devoted servant,
Harrington
“Oh, my.” He was definitely not giving up on her. She handed the card to her aunt. “What do you think of that?”
Aunt Bristow quickly read the note. “Very nice. Now if Gavin can keep Harrington away from your father, we may bring this to a successful conclusion.”
Elizabeth turned to Broadwell. “Have you seen Mr. Turley this morning?”
“Yes, my lady. He is in the breakfast room.”
She and her aunt scurried down the corridor and came upon her brother as he was leaving the room. “Gavin, your plan is working, but someone must keep Lord Harrington away from Papa. Will you be able to do it?”
“I’ve done better than that.” Her brother gave them one of his insufferable smirks. “I convinced him he needed to visit Grandmamma. A letter arrived from her this morning complaining of something on the estate she was unable to resolve.”
What on earth could it be? Grandmamma had always been able to deal with any of the estate problems. Gavin had to have done something to cause their grandmother to write Father.
Elizabeth gave him a smile. “Well, I do not know how you brought it about, but thank you very much.” She almost hugged him, then remembered how he hated having his clothing mussed. “I did not expect you to go so far out of your way.”
“Listen, puss.” He chucked her under her chin like he had when she was a child. “It was no trouble at all for me, and it will save our scheme. Father had heard Harrington was looking for him, and I can tell you you are correct. He would have spoilt the whole thing. He had every intention of giving Harrington the go-ahead. With him gone, he’s given me the job of speaking with Harrington. Not only that, but he has given me the power of attorney to consult with our solicitor about your settlement agreement, if it comes to that.”
