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He didn’t want to see her as he had any of the other ladies he had been with. There was something special about her, and Derrick wanted to know more and figure out why. Maybe he would never know, but being around her made Derrick smile.
She was an enigma, and Derrick was eager to peel back her façade to see what she was really like underneath.
If only he didn’t have to wait. If he knew where Lady Eleanora lived, he would be over there immediately in spite of the time. Derrick didn’t like waiting around, but he didn’t have much of a choice. He would just have to see what Brent found.
Thankfully, it was just the morning that was spent trying to get his accounts in order and he ended up pacing around instead. Just after lunch, as Derrick was escorting his mother to the drawing room, Brent was hurrying across the foyer.
“My lord?” He almost toppled over as he stopped on the slippery tiles and bowed. “May I have a word?”
“Can’t it wait, Brent?” Lady Northampton asked with a sigh. “My son and I are very busy.”
“It’s business of my lord’s that needs to be attended to right away. Forgive me, my lady, but Lord Northampton asked me to let him know as soon as I had what he needed.”
Derrick didn’t need to ask what that meant. He turned to his mother.
“My apologies, Mother. This does need my attention.”
“I see.” The dowager countess didn’t look happy. “I suppose I can’t do much about it. But don’t forget that we were going to be visiting your cousins this afternoon.”
“You can go on ahead. I know where they live. Once I’m done, I’ll come and join you.” Derrick kissed her cheek. “Don’t fret. I’ll join you soon.”
Lady Northampton pursed her lips, but she nodded and went into the drawing room. Derrick turned and beckoned for Brent to follow him. They went into his study, and Derrick closed the door.
“That was an interesting way to say you had found what I wanted.”
“Would you want me to say in front of the dowager countess what you were asking me to do this morning, my lord?”
“I don’t want her to know about this right now. What did you find?”
“Lady Eleanora Drummond is staying with her aunt, Lady Diane Mansford, with her sisters and her cousin Lady Emma Burton.”
“I remember Lady Mansford. She lives near Finsbury Park, doesn’t she?”
“Cavendish Road, just around the corner from the park.”
That was only a couple of miles away. Easy enough to get to in the carriage. Derrick gave Brent an approving nod.
“Thank you, Brent. I’ll head over there as soon as the bouquet is ready for me.”
“It’s already being put together. I spoke to Lauren before I came back here.” Brent smiled. “I had a feeling you would want to leave as soon as possible, so I made it faster for you.”
“There are times like this when I’m glad you work for me. I appreciate your efficiency.” Derrick looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. “I suppose this is appropriate for calling on a lady? It’s early afternoon.”
“I don’t know, my lord. That is complicated, but I’m sure they’ll let you in with the flowers you’re carrying.”
“I suppose.” In his experience, ladies did love flowers. Derrick opened the door again. “Thank you again, Brent. I’ll make sure you have a couple of flowers to give your lady friend the next time you go out with her.”
“My lord, there’s no need…”
“The language of flowers makes things pretty clear, don’t they?” Derrick winked at the blushing man. “I’m sure you can choose wisely with the gardener’s daughter’s help.”
He left the room and headed towards the front door. He should wait until a time when it was acceptable to visit, but Derrick didn’t want to wait any further. He wanted to go and find Lady Eleanora and see her eyes light up when she saw the flowers. The joy in her expression would be worth it.
If she let him in the door, that is.
#
“Are you alright, Ellie?” Emma asked as Ellie covered her hand to hide another yawn. “You’ve been yawning quite a bit today.”
