Take her someplace she would like to go. Gunter’s for an ice is always pleasant. A picnic in Richmond is nice as well, as is the theater, but you would have to get up a party.
Gunter’s it was. He had neither the time nor the inclination to ride out to Richmond with a group of other people. Getting up a party for the theater was easy enough. He had only to invite her brother and aunt. Geoff would have to discover what types of plays she enjoyed. He had a fondness for comedies, but this was about what Miss Turley wanted. He hoped their tastes were similar.
He arrived at her house just as Lady Bristow had been assisted from their coach.
“Good afternoon, my lady.”
“Lord Harrington, we are glad you could join us.”
“As am I.” Geoff hurried over, edging the footman out, to take Miss Turley’s hand. “Miss Turley, I hope you had an enjoyable day.”
“Good afternoon, my lord.” She smiled up at him as she placed her fingers on his arm. “We did indeed. And you?”
He gazed down into smiling blue eyes. Courting her would not be nearly as onerous as he had originally thought. “Much better now.”
A light blush colored her cheeks. “Let us have tea. I think Cook may have made some of her special biscuits.”
“My lady, Miss Turley.” Littleton strode toward them.
Damn the man. Why couldn’t he stay away from Miss Turley?
Had Geoff truly not made his interest in her clear? He’d thought . . . but perhaps his grandmother was right, and he was the only one who was certain he wished to wed Miss Turley.
Fortunately, Littleton had had to greet Lady Bristow before he could acknowledge Miss Turley. Geoff whispered to her, “Thank you for agreeing to the dances and to drive with me tomorrow. You have made me an extremely happy man.”
She smiled at him again, and he found he enjoyed having her regard a great deal. Now all he had to do was keep Littleton from making any progress with her.
“You may join us for tea if you wish, Lord Littleton,” Lady Bristow said.
Geoff cursed to himself. That was not what he’d hoped for.
“Thank you, ma’am”—he bowed—“I would indeed.” Now that Geoff had been given permission to court Miss Turley, perhaps he should hint Littleton away.
Geoff placed his other hand over Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, but as they turned to go into the house, Littleton said, “Miss Turley. You are looking especially delightful today. I could not wait until our ride to see you again.”
Hell and damnation! Geoff had been right. She was riding with the bounder today. He’d have to ensure that never happened again.
“Thank you, my lord.” The corners of her lips tilted up and he was glad to see that the smile she gave the man didn’t seem as bright as the one she’d given him.
Drat it all. What the devil was happening to him that he was now studying her so closely as to notice, or hope, he had noticed the difference in her smiles?
Obviously, being told he could court her didn’t mean other gentlemen had to stay away. Or perhaps Turley hadn’t spoken to Littleton yet. Yes. That must be the case. Apparently, it fell upon Geoff to inform his lordship that Elizabeth was taken. Although, showing him might be better. He’d simply have to monopolize her time during tea.
When she sank onto the sofa, he ignored her aunt’s hand motioning him to a chair next to the sofa and sat next to her. He thought he saw Littleton’s lips twitch and wondered what the man planned to do, and what Geoff could do to limit his lordship’s attentions to Elizabeth.
The tea tray was brought in followed by her brother. While his soon-to-be-betrothed wife poured—a duty, he was pleased to see, she performed with as much grace as his mother—Turley strolled with Littleton to a door leading out to the terrace. The men spoke in voices too low to hear, but Geoff trusted Turley would inform Littleton that Geoff planned to marry Elizabeth. That she was off the Marriage Mart.
Yet, what if Littleton wished to wed her as well? He had already stood up with her twice on two different occasions. And Turley had said it was up to his sister to decide.
Damnation, that’s what Geoff had forgotten to do. There was another ball this week. He was not going to miss his opportunity to dance twice with her again. “Miss Turley, would you do me the honor of dancing the first waltz as well as the supper dance with me at Lady Jersey’s ball?”
A faint line formed between her well-arched brows. “How I wish you would have asked me earlier. The first waltz is taken.” She tilted her head a little and smiled. “I still have the second waltz available if that would do.”
“Yes.” It was not as important as the first dance, but it would do. “And the supper dance?” he prompted, reminding her that she had already promised it to him. “I believe that is a waltz as well.”
“Yes. Your name is already on my dance card.” She nodded. “I believe you are correct that it is a waltz.”
Setting his teacup down, he glanced at her. “Your garden looks lovely.”
