Frits let out a breath. “I sent you a letter asking for an appointment. I wish to marry Lady Adeline.”
“Talk to me after the vote.” Watford strode out of the room.
Bollocks!
That was one way to ensure Frits stayed for the vote. He pulled out his pocket watch. Over an hour to go, and he didn’t even know what to do until then.
“Littleton, what are you doing here?” Turley clapped Frits on the back.
He glanced around, but didn’t see anyone in the corridor. “I came to ask Lord Watford for permission to marry Lady Adeline, but he wants me to vote on something before he will give me an answer.”
His friend’s laugh started deep in his stomach. “I wondered what it would take to get you here.”
“What is the bill?” If he was going to support something or not, he should know what he was doing.
“The government is attempting to indemnify the actions of ministers concerning anything they might have done regarding the West Indies. We are opposed, based on the theory that if they did what they were supposed to do, they don’t need indemnification. The issue has been ongoing for a few months. You will be expected to vote against the bill.”
That sounded fair. “I don’t have a problem with that.”
“Good man. What are you doing now?” A door opened, and several peers entered the corridor.
“I have absolutely no idea. The last time I was here was when I took my seat.”
“You might as well stay with me.” Turley shrugged. “I can show you where to sit.”
That sounded like a good idea. “Very well.”
Frits followed his friend around, doing relatively nothing that he could see, until it was time to enter the chambers. Then, at the last minute, the vote was canceled. “Does this happen often?”
“Yes.” Turley nodded. “If the government doesn’t think they have enough votes to pass the bill, they’ll cancel it.”
Frits glanced around. “I must find Lord Watford. I wrote to him four days ago.”
“I’d be surprised if he’s even had time to read your letter.” Turley looked around. “I’ll help you find him.”
But when they finally discovered where the man was, he looked harried and begged off. “I don’t have time now, but if you can come by Watford House early tomorrow morning before I leave, I shall make time for you.”
Frits didn’t know what to think. Did his lordship not care if his daughter married? He also did not want Adeline to know he was speaking to her father, and early morning was problematic. That was when she walked Maximus. “Would it be possible for you to stop by Littleton House on your way here?”
“Yes. I can do that.” Lord Watford waved to another peer, who was waiting for him. “I’ll be by at half past nine.”
Frits took a step back and bowed. “Thank you, my lord.”
As his lordship strode off, Turley asked, “Would you like to stay and see how things work?”
As far as Frits was concerned, this place was a madhouse. Cats in heat were easier to manage and made more sense. “No, thank you. I must be going. I left my coachman walking the horses almost two hours ago.”
“All right. I’ll see you tomorrow evening, if not before.”
Tomorrow evening was Adeline’s come out ball. He hoped to have an answer from her father before then.
The next morning, not knowing what Lord Watford liked, Frits had coffee and tea ready, as well as the makings of a substantial breakfast. His lordship was punctual and was shown into the breakfast room.
He waved the man to a chair. “Coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please.” Lord Watford surveyed the room, which was one of the reasons Frits had met him here. It was one of the most pleasant rooms in the house. He handed his lordship the cup of coffee. “Thank you.”
Frits poured a cup of tea for himself. “Would you like anything to eat?”
