“They were. My father has still not gotten over her death.” Elizabeth did not think he ever would. Her aunt said that she reminded him too much of Mama. Then again, so did Aunt even though she and Mama were not identical twins. That was probably the reason he was always so short with her. Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. “I too shall marry for love.”
“As we all should.” Her ladyship nodded and exchanged a look with Miss Covenington.
Did that mean Lady Markham had married for love or that she missed not having a love match? Yet, before Elizabeth could ask, Geoffrey came back followed by a footman.
Expertly, he guided the placement of the various delicacies on the table. Once the plates had been set on the table and the champagne poured, he took the seat between her and his grandmother. “I told your aunt we were having supper with my grandmother and cousin.”
“That was kind of you.” Aunt and Gavin had most likely wondered where Elizabeth had got to. “Does she still plan to depart directly after supper?”
“She does. I shall escort my grandmother and cousin to their carriage at the same time.” Geoffrey took a bite of an ice. “This is quite good. It is lavender.”
Elizabeth tasted the one he’d brought her. “It is excellent. I wonder if Gunter’s provided it.”
Lady Markham and Miss Covenington opined that the ice had to have come from Gunter’s. After that the conversation roamed through a variety of topics, but never once on Geoffrey’s future position. It was the first Elizabeth had been in his company that he had not mentioned it at some point.
“Miss Turley,” the dowager said. “I would be delighted if you would join us for tea in two days’ time.”
Elizabeth almost choked on the sip of wine she had just taken, but quickly brought herself under control, and gave the only response she could. “What a wonderful idea, my lady. I am happy to join you for tea.”
“Excellent.” Her ladyship glanced at Geoffrey. “Harrington shall escort you.”
Well, that answered the question of whether her aunt was invited as well. Obviously not.
“And I am delighted to accompany you,” he said, quickly dispelling any notion that he was being imposed upon, by asking, “Shall we go driving in the Park after tea?”
Then it occurred to her that his grandmother might think that a betrothal was imminent. For some reason she could not explain, Elizabeth felt as if she were being rushed to make a commitment to him.
Not that she did not wish to wed Geoffrey. She was fairly certain she did. One could not experience the feelings she had when he had kissed her and not wish to wed a gentleman. As to that, one should not be kissing a gentleman she did not wish to wed. She merely wanted a bit more time.
On the other hand, time was not something he had. Even though he had not mentioned a date he must arrive on the Continent, she was certain it was in the very near future. Not only that, but she would have to make a decision before her father returned within the next week.
She curved her lips into a smile as Geoffrey squeezed her hand.
Three older ladies stopped to speak with his grandmother when he whispered, “I only hope the admiral is not present.”
“The admiral?” Did Lady Markham have an admirer?
“Her parrot,” Geoff replied in an undervoice. “To say he is embarrassing is an understatement.”
“I have never seen a parrot.” And Elizabeth would very much like to.
Geoffrey groaned. “At a later date, then.”
Lady Markham turned her head and stared at him. “Are you disparaging Nelson again? You used to be fond of him when you were a child.”
“No, my lady,” Miss Covenington said. “That was Edwin. Harrington and Nelson have never got on.”
Lady Markham frowned. “Was it indeed Edwin? Now that I think on it, I believe you are correct.”
Who was Edwin? Apparently, Elizabeth was not to discover the answer this evening. The ladies rising took Geoffrey’s attention. Elizabeth would have to remember to ask him about whom they were speaking.
Geoff signaled a footman and ordered the carriages. By the time the ladies found their wraps, and Elizabeth’s family had joined them, the coaches were waiting at the bottom of the steps.
Turley had decided to attend another event, so Geoff helped Lady Bristow into the coach before turning to Elizabeth and appropriating her hand. He raised it to his lips and whispered, “I wish I could kiss you again.”
Her eyes searched his for a moment. “As do I.”
He kissed her fingers on by one. “I shall dream of you tonight. May I hope you will dream of me?”
