Now, as she was about to step into the drawing room, Broadwell, her father’s butler, stopped her. “Miss, her ladyship said tea will be served on the terrace.”
“Thank you.” That was actually a wonderful idea, though it made her no less nervous. She was not used to being the center of attention. That distinction had always gone to her friends. Yet, with her brother, aunt, and Lord Harrington already present, she could not help but to stand out.
The day was not too warm and the garden was in full bloom. She made her way to the back of the house as male voices drifted from the direction of the morning room and garden.
Two sofas, two chairs, and three tables had been set on the terrace, replicating the seating arrangement in the drawing room. Her brother lounged in a chair to the right of one sofa, her aunt was in her usual place to the left, and Lord Harrington sat on the small sofa opposite where Elizabeth usually sat.
At that moment, her brother saw her and stood. Lord Harrington followed closely behind.
Stepping forward to her, Gavin took Elizabeth’s hand. “My dear, in the event Lord Harrington has not been presented to you, please allow me to do the honors.”
She squeezed her brother’s fingers gratefully. “Thank you, but I met his lordship at a ball a few days ago.” Raising her gaze to Lord Harrington, she smiled. “Welcome. I am glad you were able to join us. Please have a seat. Tea will arrive shortly.”
Lord Harrington lowered his tall frame onto the sofa across from her. He really was a fine, handsome man. Although he was not as broad as some gentlemen, he filled out the shoulders of his coat well. His cravat was elegantly tied and a sapphire nestled in its folds. She was pleased to see that he had eschewed the new trousers for pantaloons and highly shined Hessian boots. This was not a man who would need the extra padding in his calves that some did. Her brother did say he liked sports and it showed.
Elizabeth supposed she should not think about such things, but she couldn’t help herself. Now she would see if handsome did as handsome was. She sent a little prayer to the deity that Lord Harrington did not disappoint her. Particularly as she was already disposed to like him.
Chapter Four
Broadwell entered carrying the tea tray, followed by a footman with a second tray holding a plate with small sandwiches.
Once the trays had been placed on the low table between the two sofas, Elizabeth poured a cup for her aunt before addressing Lord Harrington. “How do you like your tea, my lord?”
“A splash of milk and two sugars, please.” He watched her carefully as she poured, which Elizabeth found to be a little odd. It was something all ladies learned to do.
She placed two biscuits on a plate. “Cook’s ginger biscuits are excellent. Would you like a sandwich as well?”
“Please.” He smiled, but it was a tight polite one that made his well-shaped lips appear rigid.
Good Lord. Was he always this stilted or could it be that he was a bit nervous? Well, whatever it was, she would have to try to put him at ease. She handed her brother his tea. Not waiting for her, he selected several sandwiches and biscuits. To ensure Lord Harrington had an equal chance at sustenance, she quickly placed more sandwiches, biscuits, and a lemon curd tart on his plate. There, at least he wouldn’t starve.
“I hear that you will be traveling to the Continent soon.” Hopefully, that would draw the man out.
He set his cup down. “Excellent tea, Miss Turley.”
Elizabeth could not help but preen a little. “Thank you. It is my own blend.”
“To answer your question”—his eyes lit up and he leaned forward slightly—“yes, I shall travel shortly to the Continent where I will join Sir Charles Stuart’s delegation.” Harrington frowned slightly. “There are just a few matters to which I must attend before departing.”
Matters such as acquiring a wife, she assumed. “How excited you must be. I have longed to travel.”
“Have you, indeed?” His lovely blue eyes lit up, and she nodded, encouraging him to continue. “I know some ladies do not wish to be so far from home.”
Ah, he must mean Charlotte. Now that Elizabeth thought about it, she was surprised Lord Harrington had expected her friend to be happy so far away from family. “I am sure there are some ladies and gentlemen, as well, who do not wish to leave England. I, however, am not one of them.” She gave him a cheering smile. “I grew up hearing about my father’s and grandfather’s grand tours. And my grandmother had cousins in France she visited on occasion. I have always wanted to see the places they talked about.”
“I too heard the same stories.” He leaned forward eagerly, as if he had found a kindred soul. Elizabeth hoped it was so. “Although I shall most likely never take a grand tour, I expect I will be able to visit many of the countries and cities they did.”
They continued to talk about the grand cities of Europe, but her aunt and brother, surprisingly, only contributed to the conversation when addressed.
Before she knew it, all the tea had been drunk, and the food eaten. Lord Harrington would soon leave, and he had yet to mention Lady Holland’s ball this evening.
“You are lucky indeed to have been offered the position. I envy you the opportunity.” Elizabeth rose.
Harrington sprang to his feet. “I have my father to thank for that.” He held her gaze for a moment, then said, “I am escorting my grandmother to Lady Holland’s ball this evening. Would you do me the honor of standing up with me?”
“I would be delighted.” Elizabeth pursed her lips as if in thought. “The supper dance is still open.”
Ever since Dotty, Louisa, and Charlotte had found husbands, Elizabeth had been much in demand. Not that any of the gentlemen other than Lord Harrington had piqued her interest. Since Charlotte had indicated she was not interested in the man, Elizabeth had begun saving a dance for Harrington, just in the event he asked. Her idea had finally borne fruit.
