“Yes, well, that is exactly what I said, and I was told it would lead to his early demise.”
“Thank you for telling me.” She would make a point of not mentioning her opinions on her ladyship’s butler.
“If my father spent more time in Town, I daresay he would demand someone less . . . er, with more vigor. But he is not. Therefore, Grandmamma rules the roost here, and shall continue to do so for several years yet.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I understand. It makes little sense to upset her for no reason.”
“Precisely.” He gave her a smile that had nothing to do with lessons and everything to do with touching. “Let us beard the beast.”
“Geoffrey, you shall not speak of your grandmother like that.”
He gave her a boyish grin. “Just don’t peach on me.”
“As if I ever would.” She smiled back.
When had her life become so wonderful? She had been so concerned that he did not wanther,and any lady would do, but his behavior had changed dramatically for the better after Gavin and Lord Littleton played their little game.
Poor Lord Littleton. She hoped he found another lady. He was really a very nice man.
They entered the back drawing room and the knot that had grown in her stomach unfurled when she saw Lady Markham smile.
She came forward to greet them. “How lovely to see you, my dear.” She bussed Elizabeth’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing her, Harrington. Please have a seat. Tea shall be here directly.”
“Thank you for inviting me, ma’am. This room is beautiful.” The walls were covered with a large floral print on a cream silk. Leaf green curtains softened the long windows, outside of which yellow roses grew. The furniture was in the neoclassical style, neither too fussy nor too delicate looking.
“You already know my cousin and companion, Apollonia,” the dowager said.
“Yes, indeed.” Elizabeth held out her hand. “How do you do?”
“Very well, thank you.” Apollonia glanced at Geoffrey. “I can see the two of you are doing well, too.”
For no reason at all, warmth rose up Elizabeth’s neck and entered her cheeks.
“We are.” Geoffrey bussed his cousin’s cheek.
Apollonia sank onto a chair next to the sofa upon which the dowager had chosen to sit. Elizabeth and Geoffrey sat on a small chintz-covered sofa opposite the other ladies, making sure to keep at least a little distance between themselves.
Almost as soon as they had taken their places, the door opened and Gibson entered followed by a footman carrying a large tray. In addition to the teapot and cups, there were biscuits, tarts, and seed cake. The tray was placed on the low table between the sofas.
“Will you pour, my dear?” the dowager asked.
“Certainly.” If this was a test, she was sure to pass it easily. She had been pouring tea for years. “Do you take sugar or milk, my lady?”
“One sugar and a dollop of milk.”
“I would like two sugars and a good amount of milk,” Apollonia said.
Elizabeth handed the cups to Geoffrey to give to the ladies as she fixed his tea.
He placed a piece of everything on a plate for her, then helped himself to several biscuits, a lemon tart, and a slice of seed cake.
Taking a sip of the tea, she tasted a smoky flavor. “Do you use lapsang souchong in your blend, ma’am?”
A small smile played around Lady Markham’s lips. “How astute of you, my dear. I do indeed. I find it more interesting.”
Elizabeth wondered if there would be more tests, but apparently her ladyship had discovered what she wished to know as the rest of the next hour passed in general conversation.
Finally, Lady Markham rose. “Harrington, I am sure you will wish to show Elizabeth where she will live when you visit us.” The older lady held out her hands to her. “Welcome to the family, my dear. I am positive you will be an asset to us.”
