“Let’s sit, darling,” he said. “We’ve time enough.”
They walked hand in hand to the sofa. She sat near enough to lean against him. He set his arm about her shoulders.
“Did your parents ever agree to bring your harp to London?” he asked.
“No. Their plans for this Season did not include me being happy.”
He tugged her a little closer. “Our scheme to render you unlikable didn’t make things any better.”
“I would have liked to have had my harp here,” she said wistfully.
“Someday, Odette, when we have a home of our own, I will see to it you have a harp at home and one here in Town. Then you need never be separated from your music.”
“Or from you,” she added.
“That will be the very best part.”
***
Adelaide had arranged this innocent interlude for reasons beyond the enjoyment of the young couple. She wanted to see for herself how they interacted and whether or not they were as good for each other as she hoped they were. She was not in the habit of making unhappy or unhealthy matches.
Listening to Jack and Odette from her spot near the door, she had her answer. He was kind and gentle, careful of the young lady’s feelings, attentive. Odette spoke to him with an openness she offered no one else. She was happier in his company, more content.
They were good for each other.
Too many people were not fortunate enough to be blessed with a happy marriage. Adelaide had made it her personal mission to change that one blissful couple at a time. Here was an opportunity to manage two happy matches at once.
In two evenings’ time, all four young people and their parents would be at the social event of the Season: a ball at the Grosvenor Square home of the Duke and Duchess of Wickford. Adelaide meant to have all the pieces in place for a very impressive bit of matrimonial chess.
Chapter Eleven
“Iunderstand young Mr. Hewitt will be at the ball this evening,” Mrs. Northrop said to Mother as they stepped from the carriage outside the duke and duchess’s Town home. “You must be very pleased about that.”
Mother looked confused for only a fraction of a moment before assuming an expression of delight. “We are always pleased with his company.”
“As well you should be.” Mrs. Northrop addressed the comment to both of Odette’s parents. “An exemplary young gentleman. His connection to your family is quite a boon.”
“I suppose it is.” Father’s lips pressed outward in a frown, as they always did when he was pondering something.
“Come, then,” Mrs. Northrop instructed. “We oughtn’t delay.”
She moved forward, directly toward the front door. Odette hurriedly caught up with her, leaving her parents to do the same.
They stepped inside and were divested of their outer clothing. They followed the din of voices to the wide corridor directlyadjacent to the ballroom where their host and hostess were welcoming their guests one family at a time. The first guests Mrs. Northrop came upon were none other than the Hewitts.
Mrs. Hewitt, in particular, appeared happy to see them. “A pleasure, Mrs. Northrop.”
“Thank you again for the lovely visit this morning,” she answered.This morning?Mrs. Northrop had called on Mrs. Hewitt? “Having been in Bath for most of this Season, I do appreciate getting reacquainted with the details of theton.”
Mrs. Hewitt waved that off. “You knew things I hadn’t heard yet. I am in awe of how many significant people you are very closely acquainted with.”
Mrs. Northrop appeared neither flattered nor embarrassed by the praise. “I am pleased to have added you and your family to that circle of acquaintances, as well as Lord and Lady Barrington’s family.”
That brought Mrs. Hewitt’s attention to Odette. “A joy to see you again.” While Mrs. Hewitt had never been unkind or cold, this was a warmer greeting than Odette was accustomed to receiving, especially since coming to London.
“And I you,” she answered most sincerely. She had always liked Jack’s mother. “This promises to be a lovely evening.”
“Indeed. Anyone who is anyone is on Grosvenor Square tonight.”
