What had the portrait gallery to do with anything, Geoff didn’t know, and he stifled any thoughts of asking for clarification. Bentley’s attempts to explain anything were often long, drawn-out affairs, with a fellow being no better informed at the end than at the beginning.
Instead, Geoff said, “I thought you were in the country until your wedding.”
“Father needed to take a bolt to Town because of something in the Lords, and I came along.”
Most likely the war funding.
“Are you marrying Lady Charlotte?” Bentley’s cheeks puffed out and he frowned. “Can’t be. Didn’t she just marry some fellow by the name of Kenilworth? I’m certain Oriana told me that.”
“She did.” Geoff’s tone was terser than he would have it. He did not like being reminded of his failure. Even though it all worked out for the best. He could not imagine anyone more perfect for him than Elizabeth. “I have the honor to be betrothed to Miss Turley.”
“Friend of the ‘Graces,’” Endicott said by way of elucidation.
“They were duchesses?” Bentley asked, completely confused.
Endicott rolled his eyes. “Lady Charlotte, Lady Louisa, and Miss Stern were the Three Graces. You were here all Season, Bentley. How did you miss that?”
Suddenly his countenance cleared. “Oh, right. I remember now. Well, she wasn’t a grace, but I’m going to wed Miss Blackacre. Perfect for me.”
“Turley and I were getting ready to go to Boodle’s,” Geoff said. “Would you two like to accompany us?”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Endicott said.
“Yes, of course.” Bentley nodded. “Must support a friend.”
A few minutes later, the four of them were off to Boodle’s. Endicott bemoaned not having had the foresight to court any of the ladies before they were snapped up this Season.
Whereupon Bentley astonished them all by saying, “You haven’t met the right lady. Once you do, you’ll court her properly.” Then he promptly fell into his usual way of things. “Good to make notes and have one’s valet remind one.”
Geoff was about to join Endicott’s and Turley’s laughter, but remembered the list his grandmother and cousin gave him. He would not be marrying Elizabeth without their help.
After dinner, they formed a set for cards, playing for penny stakes. None of them were heavy gamblers. They were all, except Endicott, reliant upon their sires for their incomes, nor did they have fathers who would happily pay their gambling debts. Geoff had learned his lesson his first week on the Town, which had been his last week until the next quarter day.
He returned home before midnight still relatively sober. The next morning he woke at dawn. In a matter of hours, he’d be a married man, and he looked forward to it more than he thought was possible.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The day before her wedding, Gavin called to Elizabeth from the drawing room. “Lizzy, come in and meet Captain Sutton. He was with General Ross’s forces going to the Americas and is on his way to Belgium.”
Her brother had been receiving visits from some of his former school chums who passed through Town on their way to Holland to join the Duke of Wellington’s army. To a man, they were excited to be fighting with the Old Hooky again, as they called him, referring to the duke’s prominent proboscis. Even though there was concern about other seasoned officers and soldiers who would not make it in time. She’d listened closely to everything Gavin related about their conversation.
The captain, who had risen, bowed. “A pleasure, Miss Turley. I understand felicitations are in order.”
He took the hand she offered but did not attempt to kiss it. “I am glad to meet you as well, and thank you.” She lowered herself onto the sofa opposite the men. “What unit will you join?”
“Second battalion of the 95th Rifles, my old unit.” His exhilaration at going was clear and for several minutes the discussion revolved around who would be taking what commands, and the gossip about the Earl of Uxbridge being sent to command the cavalry instead of Cotton. “Well, he’s Lord Combermere now, but that was a change no one expected on account of Uxbridge running off with the duke’s sister-in-law.”
“I hope it doesn’t cause problems,” Elizabeth remarked, wondering who would have made such a decision.
“Not from what I’ve heard.” The captain glanced at her brother. “Gavin tells me we may see you over in Belgium as well.”
“Yes, indeed. We will depart soon after our wedding.” She rose. “Speaking of which, I still have much to do, and I am going out with Lady Markham soon. Please remain seated. Captain, I hope to see you again.”
By the time she’d had the final consultation with her maid about the packing for the journey, approved the final list of her items from the town house that would be taken to her new home, as well as sending for some pieces of furniture her mother had given to her that were still in the country, it was time to change for her outing with Lady Markham.
Elizabeth and her aunt were in the hall when her ladyship arrived.
“How lovely you look.” Lady Markham beamed at Elizabeth. “I am so looking forward to our day together.”
