Chapter Ten
“What time didThompson arrive? I know Marksman came around four.” Richard asked Mr. Walters as the man placed a plate of food before him. He briefly wondered what Lady Emma preferred for breakfast, though he had seen her choices at Duncan’s table, but with her injuries, at least initially, her mouth would have been sore. Would she customarily choose different items? If the lady became the mistress of his household, how would things change?
As he patiently chewed his food, he also wondered how they might fit together, in more ways than one. Would they converse over their meals? Did they share common interests? Despite enjoying the pianoforte with Lady Theodora, Richard had wished his partner had been Lady Emma—rubbing shoulders—reaching across each other. Flirting and teasing.But not in a sisterly manner, he thought.
Walters warmed up Richard’s coffee. “About five of the clock, sir,” the butler said as he stepped to the side to wait for additional orders.
“I know I am not required to say this, but permit them their sleep. Both Marksman and Thompson performed a service for me last evening.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I hold no idea when I will return from this celebration today. Hopefully, not too late. I could use a complete night’s sleep.”
Soon the meal was finished. Richard returned to his quarters to claim his watch and his gun. He told his valet, “I must see Sir Hunter is where he is required and in a timely manner.”
“I rewound and set your watch, my lord,” Mr. Kane said. “There is an extra handkerchief in your inside pocket. Do you require anything else, my lord?”
“The gift for Sir Hunter and Miss David?”
“Delivered to Miss David’s parents’ house for the reception, my lord.”
“And what did I purchase for them?” Richard asked.
“A new watch fob for Sir Hunter, as you requested several weeks back, and a crystal serving bowl for the couple.”
“Engraved?” he asked as Kane adjusted Richard’s cravat.
“Both, sir.”
“You are invaluable, Kane. I am confident I do not pay you enough,” Richard said with a grin. “By the way,” he teased, “what do I pay you?”
“As you just said, my lord, not enough.”
Their teasing was often part of their routine, and they were both smiling largely as Richard crossed to the door. “Once they rise, please assist Lords Thompson and Marksman as needed. As for me, I do not plan to go out this evening, so after the festivities, I will return.”
“I understand, my lord.”
Though his carriage was outside his home, Richard told the driver, “Discover some place near the church, but with an easier route to Lord David’s house for the reception. I will walk the three streets to the church. I imagine as long as the guest list of those Lady David meant to invite, there will be carriagesgalore letting off passengers along the street before the church. Congestion galore.”
“Aye, sir.”
Richard stepped closer to ask, “Is my house still being watched?”
“A different man, my lord, but one is still attempting to look inconspicuous while being obvious to all.”
“Likely he will follow me then,” Richard said before setting off at a leisurely pace in the direction of St George’s of Hanover, and the man who Mr. Bould had indicated followed Richard at a distance. Just to irritate the man, Richard stopped briefly to converse with Lord and Lady Downer, who also had chosen to walk the short distance to the church.
“Lady David and I attended the same private school near Bath,” Lady Downer said as her husband placed the woman between him and Richard.
Lord Downer asked, “If I recall accurately, you have known Sir Hunter for most of your life, is that not correct, Orson?”
“Like your lovely wife and Lady David’s connection, my lord, Sir Hunter and I met at Harrow and continued to be steady mates afterwards,” Richard assured, though as he considered all his recent obligations, he could not help but wonder if his relationship with the baronet could continue as it once was. He did not think Miss David would take well to Lady Emma’s independent personality, for Miss Elizabeth David, like her mother, rarely had an opinion all her own.
“How lovely that you have remained strong allies,” Lady Downer asserted.
“You have been blessed twice over, my lord,” Lord Downer observed. “You earned four ‘brothers’ as part of Lord Macdonald Duncan’s family, as well as Sir Hunter’s allegiance.”
Richard looked left and right before they stepped down from the curbing to cross the road. He also glanced behind him toview the person following him on the opposing side of the street. The man ducked into a store front, though Richard knew better.
