His father scowled. “I disagree,” he growled. “We would be a laughingstock if we allowed Harriet to attend.”
“I daresay you are exaggerating,” Greydon remarked. “It isn’t entirely uncommon for a woman to attend.”
“A woman, yes, but not a widow,” his father pressed.
Rising, Harriet said, “I should be going.”
“Would you like me to escort you back to your townhouse?” Greydon asked.
Harriet gave him a weak smile. “That won’t be necessary,” she replied. “There are some advantages to being a widow.”
Greydon bowed. “I shall send word about the funeral.”
“Thank you.” Harriet turned towards his father and dropped into a curtsy. “My lord,” she murmured.
After Harriet departed from the study, Greydon crossed his arms over his chest and asked, “Was your harsh treatment towards Harriet absolutely necessary?”
“I wasn’t harsh,” his father replied. “I was pragmatic. There is a difference.”
“Would it be so terrible if she came to the funeral?”
His father walked around his desk and sat down. “Widows have no place at a funeral. Harriet would find it difficult to restrain her tears and it would be embarrassing- for both of us.”
“So you are trying to protect Harriet?”
“I am.”
Greydon dropped his arms to his sides. “I think that is a mistake.”
His father opened a ledger that was in front of him. “Duly noted, but I have work I need to see to,” he said. “Did you have a chance to review those documents I left for you?”
“I did.”
“And?” his father asked expectantly.
Greydon sat down on a chair that faced the desk. “I signed them and had them delivered to our solicitor.”
His father nodded in approval. “I am pleased by the progress that you have been making.”
Leaning forward, Greydon knew he was about to stoke his father’s ire but he didn’t care. He had a few things that needed to be said. “I understand you spoke to Lord Everton about me.”
“I did,” his father said, keeping his head down. “We decided it would be best if you ceased all communication with his daughter, Lady Enid.”
“And if I disagree with that?”
His father brought his gaze up and gave him a baffled look. “Lady Enid is a ruined woman. I do not know why you have been wasting your time with her, but it ends now. You have a duty to this family.”
Greydon held his father’s gaze as he said, “I have no intention of ending my friendship with Lady Enid.”
His father harrumphed. “Your friendship?” he asked. “Men and women cannot be friends. One always wants something from the other.”
“That isn’t true.”
“Lady Enid is just using you to help rehabilitate her image and it won’t work. She will only damage your reputation.”
Greydon rose from his chair. “You do not get to tell me who I can and cannot associate with,” he said. “I have my own mind.”
His father’s eyes narrowed. “You are my heir and I expect you to behave honorably.”
