“We must ask my aunt. We are supposed to attend a ball, but perhaps we can send our regrets.”
He had not been focused on tomorrow’s ball, but the one this evening. This was the ball where she would dance twice with him—not for the first time, but for the first time after he had almost kissed her—and he would do his best to keep her by his side. “I did not forget. I merely thought you would enjoy the theater instead of another ball.”
“Iwouldtake pleasure in attending the theater.” She slid a look at the door as Lady Bristow and Gavin Turley entered the drawing room. “There you are. I thought you had forgotten us.”
“Thank you for inviting me.” Geoff stepped forward and bowed to Lady Bristow. “I apologize for arriving a bit early.”
“No matter, my lord.” She inclined her head. “You had my niece to keep you company.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks grew rosy. “We have been discussing the theater. Lord Harrington invited us to accompany him to a comedy playing tomorrow evening.” She poured glasses of wine for her aunt and brother, then one for herself. “Would you like to attend?”
“Indeed, I would. I had meant to take you, but we never seem to have a free evening.” Her aunt took the wine and sipped. “Gavin, have you plans for tomorrow?”
“I do, but that should not stop you from attending.” He shook Geoff’s hand. “No need to have even numbers for the theater in this case.”
“Very well.” Geoff took a drink of the excellent claret. “I shall notify the manager we will attend.”
No sooner had they finished their wine when dinner was announced. He had hoped that the seating would be informal, but he was disappointed. Although the table was reduced to seat four, he sat on her ladyship’s right, across the table from Elizabeth who sat at her brother’s right.
He soon discovered he was indeed taking potluck. The first course consisted of le potage printanier, with two removes, followed by a loin of pork, jugged hare, and baked cod in cream sauce, and three removes including French beans with almonds, and a green salad. The last course consisted of various creams and jellies. Very much what one would expect for a family dining alone. Yet, the food was superb. He could easily imagine her presiding over a much larger table of dignitaries, politicians, and foreign aristocrats.
“I must tell you, my lord,” Lady Bristow said, her pride clear as she spoke. “Since her mother’s death two years ago, my niece has managed not only the town house, but the country households as well.”
That would explain her maturity. Elizabeth was indeed the perfect wife for him. Not only did she meet all the qualifications on his list, but there was passion between them. That was an unlooked-for boon.
He smiled at her. “It is clear you are doing exceptionally well.”
“Thank you.” She colored again. “I was fortunate that my mother taught me what I needed to know.”
Geoff would not allow Elizabeth to make light of her talents. “I will tell you frankly that my mother taught my eldest sister, but she had a deuce of a time putting instruction to action.”
She chuckled lightly and said, “In that case, I shall take credit for my labors, and thank you again, my lord.”
“We will leave you gentlemen to your port,” Lady Bristow said, rising.
As he watched Elizabeth follow her aunt out of the dining room, Geoff resolved to find time to be private with her at the ball. It was time to gain her agreement to wed.
The door closed behind the ladies, leaving Geoff and Turley to their port. Once the wine was poured and the decanter placed on the table, the servants withdrew.
“Have you any idea when your father will return?” Geoff planned to propose soon, and, as a minor, she would require her father’s permission to marry. Her brother had said he’d been left in charge of Elizabeth, but did that mean Lord Turley had given his son a power of attorney to do all that was necessary for her to marry?
“Sometime this week, I believe.” Turley twirled his glass, watching the dark wine coat the glass. “You and my sister appear to be getting on well.” He held the glass up as if to inspect the ruby color. “You do know that your attentions to her this afternoon in the Park have caused talk. It is all around the clubs.”
“I suspected as much.” Geoff took a swallow of the port. It was a fine vintage. “I plan to ask your sister to marry me.” He looked at the lady’s brother. “I have reason to believe she will accept my proposal.”
Turley leaned back in his chair. “If the looks she was giving you this evening are any indication, I think you may be correct. I won’t stand in your way if she wants you, but I take leave to tell you that I expect her to be treated well.”
“I would never mistreat a woman, especially my wife.” The very idea was repulsive to Geoff. Not only that, but his family would disown him.
“That is all I ask.” Turley took a swallow of wine.
Geoff had the feeling her brother would like to have said more, but he was glad Turley did not. What was between Geoff and Elizabeth would remain between them.
“We should join the ladies.” Turley rose and Geoff did as well. “My aunt will want tea before we leave for the ball.”
Elizabeth was persuaded by her aunt to play and sing a ballad on the pianoforte. Her playing was more technically correct than passionate, as it should be, but her voice reminded him of a lark. Clear and sweet, and just what he liked. He looked forward to evenings where she would entertain him and, later, their children.
After tea was served, their little party left for the ball. As they entered, note was taken of his arrival with her family. Although he wasn’t happy to have to give her up to Littleton, who led her out for the first set, that was the man’s only dance with her.
