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“Hello, Andrew.” Eva dipped her head in courtesy. “I’ve only come to go with Henrietta to my modiste, to be fitted with some of the newer fashions.”
“Sounds like a fine thing to be doing. Though I thought you were at the shops all yesterday.”
“We didn’t purchase anything. Yesterday was only for looking and thinking of what we might like.” Henrietta turned back to her mother. “Eva has been very kind to help me get such an early appointment at such a busy time of year. It should be a shame not to take advantage of it.”
“That it would. And I’ve a new suit to procure myself. I could escort them if you’d feel better for it.” Andrew flashed a charming smile at his mother, and Lady Crawford visibly relaxed.
“Very well. But you are not to spend too much. No more than two outfits today, Henrietta. And the same for you, Andrew.” She eyed her son. “And stop slouching like an uncouth barbarian.”
“As you will, mother.” Andrew straightened and offered his arm to Eva. “Shall we, miss? Sister of mine?”
“Yes, of course.” Hetty turned and gave her mother and father a brief peck on the cheek, then followed Andrew out the door. Her brother handed each of them up into Eva’s carriage, then clambered in himself, settling next to Henrietta.
They had not gone very far when Andrew spoke. “Now then, since we are out of mother’s hearing, I daresay you will consent to fill me in on what ruse I’ve just been dragged into.”
“You were not dragged.” Henrietta huffed at her brother. “Rather say, you stepped into the thing on your own. And whatever makes you think that we are not going to the modiste?”
“Because there is no reason for you to be attending Eva’s modiste when you have your own and have only to make the appropriate requests of her. How mother didn’t catch you out on that…you know quite well that your modiste has all your measurements, and so does she, if she’d thought of it.”
Andrew’s smile turned playful. “Besides, I know you, sister darling. Clothing you might love, and I’ve no doubt the latest fashions are on your mind, but it would take something a good deal more interesting than a new dress to bring you out of your rooms at only,” he consulted his pocket watch, a gilded thing that had been given him by their grandfather when he reached his majority, “half-seven in the morning.”
“Perhaps they are simply very stunning dresses.” Eva smiled at their escort.
Andrew flushed slightly. “A stunning dress is still only a dress, unless it is on an equally stunning lady, Miss Darnell. And I shall not deny my sister her pride in her looks for she does deserve it, but nonetheless, I cannot see her so interested in such a thing that she would rouse two hours before her accustomed time.” He tipped his head and offered her a shy smile. “Though if the influence is entirely down to you, Miss Darnell, then I shall be quite content to ask no more.”
“You would not wonder how I should induce such behavior?” Eva looked up at him with an arched brow.
“I should not, for it’s a fact that I would also be willing to rise early for the sake of your company.” Andrew blushed further, and Henrietta, watching her brother, decided to take pity on him.
“If you must know, it is not just the clothing that I awoke for, though it is true that Eva and I have an appointment with the modiste. But I wished to finish early to attend to other business.”
“Other business? The milliner’s perhaps, or the shoemaker’s?”
“No, Andrew.” She eyed her brother. “Surely you have heard rumors of a wager between Eva and I amongst the gentlemen of the ton?”
“I had heard something of the sort, but I had not paid it much mind. Is it germane?”
“It is.” Henrietta shared a glance with Eva. “Eva and I have a wager on that I can match a certain individual and see them married in the span of three months. If I fail, I shall no longer be London’s premier matchmaker. In fact, I have promised I shall cease such activities altogether.”
“Heavens above, that’s a stiff wager.” Andrew’s eyes widened. “And who is the lucky, orunluckysoul, that you’ve set your reputation on matching?” His eyes grew wider still, darting between Eva and Henrietta with an expression of comical dismay. “Good God, Henrietta! Please tell me that I am not the target of your inclinations. I shall run away to the country if I am.”
“Not you, dear brother. You needn’t flee.” Henrietta patted his arm. “No, Eva has chosen a much more challenging prospect. To wit, the Marquess of Salisbury.”
“The Marquess of Salisbury? The man’s practically a hermit! How in heaven’s name would even you manage such a feat?” Andrew shook his head. “I’ve heard rumors that half the lesser families of the ton, the esquires and such, have sent their daughters his way, and none of them get more than the time of day. Why, the man hardly ever leaves his country seat, let alone mingles with the peerage. A more unsociable bachelor you would be hard pressed to find.”
“I am aware, my dear brother, of the Marquess’ social inclinations. Or lack thereof. But…” She smiled at him. “I have my ways, Andrew.” She tipped her head in Eva’s direction. “Eva has been assisting me with my plans.”
“Whatever for?” Andrew turned his head, blinking at the Darnell heiress. “I should think you would wish to win the wager, not lose it.”
“Ah, but Andrew, if Henrietta wins, I shall still enjoy a victory of my own, for I asked her to match the Marquess with me. So, it is all one to me, for win or lose, I shall win something in the playing.” She shrugged one shoulder with a pleased smile on her ruby-colored lips.
“I see.” Andrew shook his head. “Well, I am at a loss over such things.” He shrugged his shoulders. “And if it is your plan to continue your attempts today, then I daresay you’ll not want an escort any longer.”
“There is some truth to that.”
“In that case, I will take my farewell, for our paths would diverge here in any case.” Andrew indicated the street corner they had approached. “Hello, driver! Stop a moment!” He thumped his hand twice on the top of the carriage.
The driver pulled up obediently, and Andrew disembarked. Once he was safely on the curb, he tipped his hat to both ladies. “I wish you both a pleasant morning, and a pleasant day if I do not see you again. And Henrietta...do be careful and mind your reputation. To be London’s premier matchmaker is not a title over which it is worth losing all the rest of your reputation .” He offered a shallow bow, then turned and strode away up the street.
