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“You have never visited London, Miss Stapleton?” he asked.
“Alas, no. I confess I have not even visited Newcastle, so my knowledge of such grand places is very small. So you see why we must depend upon a well-travelled man such as yourself to describe such places to us.”
He studied her a moment, then dipped his chin and described some of the treats London had to offer. The talk of Astley’s Amphitheatre and parks and museums drew Mama’s wistful reminisces of when she, as a young bride, had seen the city with her new husband, “but I am sure it is very changed now.”
“Time has a way of altering places, ma’am,” the captain said. “But I’ll confess that while London has much to amuse, and I believe would indeed prove most diverting for a young lady, I am not so enamored with it as some. My friend, Lieutenant Musgrave, is rather more fond of the city than I.”
Theo’s brows rose. No, this was not the way to garner Becky’s interest in her future abode.
He ignored her, focused as he was on the small bowl of flowers centering the white tablecloth. “I find that after many years of war, I sometimes quite envy those who live in quietude, yet such is not to be my lot, committed to the army as I am.”
“Forgive the impertinence,” Mama said, “but have you no young lady you wish to wed?”
“None,” he said promptly. “I am wedded to a military career, which is why such fancies must forever remain fancies to me.”
“I remember my darling Teddy saying something similar to me once,” Mama said dreamily, “then he quite changed his mind.”
“Such does not surprise me, madam,” he responded gallantly.
“It could happen to you too.”
“Perhaps. But sufficient for each day is its troubles without borrowing more.”
Becky’s mouth parted as she raised her brows at Theo.
“What have I said now?” He glanced between them.
“Nothing of consequence.” Theo shook her head slightly at Becky. “Now, would I be correct in assuming you wish to speak to the solicitor?”
He inclined his head. “Yes. And the reverend and doctor too. Provided, of course, they can be persuaded to hold their tongues.”
“All have proved to be souls of discretion,” Theo answered. “The squire, however, is not a man known for his reserve.”
“I wondered. Thankfully, I expect I shall not need to call in there any time soon.”
She smiled. “May I enquire whether you have written to these gentlemen yet? If not, you may find a visit to the village leads to more enquiries about your identity.”
“You have the right of it. I have not fully thought on how to carry out my visits there.”
“If I might be so bold to say, your ability to remain unknown might be better served if you invite them to speak with you at Mannering. Or, if you prefer, we could invite Mr. Cleever and Mr. Crouch here, on the pretext of dinner, if that suits.”
“The general would not mind?”
“He cares more for his stomach than conversation, and we are in the habit of Mr. Crouch attending a meal at least once a fortnight.”
“Perhaps that might work well. The state of Mannering is hardly conducive to visitors.” He shook his head, as a chuckle tumbled from him. “And here am I wishing to relieve you of the burden of my company, and yet so easily do I succumb.”
“Oh, but we do enjoy visitors,” Mama said. “I find I cannot easily make visits elsewhere these days, so it’s lovely to have others come to me. Well, to you, sir, in this case.”
“And there is no burden. We are happy to do all we can to help.” Theo smiled at Becky. “Your niece is a credit to your sister.”
“That she is.” He gave Becky a fond glance that warmed Theo.
Further discussion secured the promise of an invitation to be sent to both Mr. Cleever and Mr. Crouch for a meeting at Stapleton Court on the morrow, as it was determined that while the solicitor might be persuaded to hold his tongue, his wife’s discretion could not be so readily counted upon, so a dinner would not do.
“And perhaps after you have met Mr. Cleever, you could return to Mannering and point out the state of things there, thus eliminating any need for him to admit he was seeing you or Mannering, which may be the case should Mrs. Cleever learn of an invitation there,” Theo suggested.
“I believe you would make a great strategist, Miss Stapleton.”
