She explained, “My Uncle Jacobi is my mother’s half brother. He learned of my abandonment and came for me. I am most grateful, for my mother was employed as a housekeeper to a rich man. I had no family after she passed.”
He said, “Then I am doubly grateful Lord Honfleur showed you such compassion. I would have been eternally sorry never to have claimed your acquaintance.” They walked in silence for several elongated seconds before he added, “I was fortunate to have Lord Duncan take me under his wing, so to speak, and present me his daughter and several other young lords as my most constant companions. I am confident you feel the same regarding Lord Honfleur and Lady Caroline.”
“Oh, yes,” Audrey said readily. “Caroline is nearly as close as a sister. I would be lost without her.” Up ahead, Lady Theodora and Caroline had paused to wait for them. “My cousin and I promised to return promptly,” she explained.
“Might I call upon you?” his lordship asked softly.
She bit her bottom lip to drive away the pain of her denial. “Lord Honfleur would not approve, my lord,” she explained in quiet tones.
“Are you not out in society?” he asked with equal discretion.
“Not officially,” she rushed to say. “My uncle means for Caroline to know a Season first. I am to wait.”
