“I am, too.” She returned her smile.
* * *
It wasn’t long before the outing with her soon-to-be mother-in-law and aunt could be deemed a complete success. Elizabeth hadn’t had so much fun in ages.
They shopped until packages filled the inside of the coach and the boot, had ices at Gunter’s, and tea with several of the ladies Lady Markham knew in the diplomatic corps who imparted several pieces of advice to Elizabeth.
“At all times be discreet. There will always be someone who will attempt to acquire information by listening to conversations. Therefore, you should never say anything you do not wish the whole world to know,” one of the ladies said as she selected a lemon biscuit from the plate. “I have every confidence that the duke will prevail over his opponent. Still, the situation in Paris will be difficult for a time.”
“Excellent advice,” Lady Markham said. “I shall add that you must not be too ambitious for Harrington. This posting is by way of an experience for him. It is not his vocation.”
“I had that impression.” Elizabeth wondered just how long she and Geoffrey would be overseas.
Aunt Bristow invited Lady Markham to dine at Turley House that evening. “It will be pot luck I’m afraid, and we shall sit down early. My brother-in-law plans to close the house and return to the country after the wedding.”
“I would be delighted.” Her ladyship smiled. “I only wish I had more time to spend with Elizabeth before she and Harrington depart.”
“Can you tell me, my lady, how long Harrington and I will be abroad?”
“Until you give birth to a son.” Lady Markham pulled a face. “I was fortunate to have two girls before Harrington was born. When you becomeenceinteyou must pray for a boy. That will ensure you have daughters.”
“He has never mentioned his sisters.” In fact, the only other family member he talked about was a younger brother.
“I should not wonder at that. They are both several years older than he is. One married a diplomat and is in Russia, and the other prefers the country.” She heaved a sigh. “I do not expect to see either of them in Town until their daughters come out, and then only if they cannot persuade someone else to sponsor the girls. He and his younger brother, Edmond, are much closer.”
After tea that evening, several minutes after her ladyship took her leave, Elizabeth’s father joined her and her aunt in the drawing room.
“I haven’t seen much of you,” he said in a morose tone. “And it occurred to me that after today I might not see you for a long time.” Awkwardly, he patted her shoulder. “I’m proud of you for marrying so well. Harrington might not be a marquis yet, but he will be in time.”
What a thing to say! Elizabeth hoped it would be years before he became a marquis. She was coming to care about her future in-laws a great deal. “Thank you, Papa.”
“That’s all I have to say. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She glanced at her aunt after he’d left the room. “That was rather odd.”
“As we all know, he has not been the same since your mother died.” Aunt shrugged. “There is nothing any of us can do about it.”
“I suppose so.” At least Elizabeth had not been able to do anything to help him. She stifled a yawn. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep well. You have another busy day tomorrow.”
Her whole life would change tomorrow, and for the better. She was marrying a gentleman she loved and who loved her as well.
* * *
When Elizabeth woke the next morning a sliver of weak sun slipped through a crack in the curtains, making a line across the Turkey rug. She glanced around her bedchamber. It would be the last morning she would ever awaken here, but she could feel no sense of loss or regret.
Knowing she might not return to her father’s estate, she had brought almost everything of importance to Town. Her books and a few small paintings were now packed, and would remain that way until she and Geoffrey had their own home.
In a few hours, she would be married to the man she loved, and whom she was sure loved her, even if he hadn’t said it yet. Then again, neither had she proclaimed her feelings and that did not make them less true.
Vickers entered the room carrying tea, toast, and a baked egg. “I thought you’d want to break your fast up here this morning. When you’ve finished, I’ll wash your hair.”
A few hours later, Elizabeth sat before her mirror as Vickers placed pearl-studded pins in her hair.
A knock came on the door. But before Vickers could answer it, Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty entered the room. What a wonderful surprise!
“I do hope we are not disturbing you.” Dotty bussed Elizabeth’s cheek.
