AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I thought perhaps you could take Elizabeth for a ride in the barouche. It promises to be a beautiful day.” Robert took Elizabeth’s hand in his. “I’ll be working all day, darling. You should enjoy yourself for once. Get out and breathe some fresh air.”
“She needs to plan an event as host of a tea for the patrons of the Whitmore Gallery,” a voice called out.
Robert stifled his groan of protest at the sound.
Somehow, Aunt Eleanor stood in the middle of the room with her chin tilted in the air. “We’ve discussed this, Overton. Elizabeth’s participation in society is essential if you’re going to make the proper alliances for your political future.”
A sneer tugged at his lips at the officious tone in her voice, but he did not forget he was a gentleman. Slowly, he rose to his feet, followed by Ash. Though she stood a scant inch above five feet, Aunt Eleanor’s demeanor demanded that they all take notice and attend to her. At the age of fifty with black hair tinted with gray and steely gray eyes, his aunt had aged well.
That is except for all the lines around her mouth caused by her constant frown.
“Aunt Eleanor,” Robert said impassively. “Is that another new frock? I didn’t realize your clothing allowance was so handsome.”
A deep scarlet tinted her cheeks. “I’m...I’m positive you’ve seen this before.”
“I don’t believe so.” Robert examined his aunt’s face. He’d never seen her blush like that about her appearance.
“Lady Eleanor, what a pleasure to see your smiling countenance again,” The mockery in Ash’s tone was in direct contrast with the welcoming smile on his face.
He was a master at insulting the woman without her even knowing it. But today, by the mulish look on her face she wasn’t interested in sharing barbs with Ash.
“You’re back?” she asked pointedly.
“Indeed, my lady. I know you’re as thrilled to see me as I am you.” Ash patted the chair next to us. “Please sit next to me. We can share what we’ve been doing over the last year.” He delivered his best flirtatious smile. “And to think you’re visiting me on my first day back in London.”
Robert had seen that smile a million times. Ash had perfected it when he’d been a lad of eight with several teeth missing. The cook at Ash’s father’s estate never could resist him and would always slip him enough biscuits that he could share with Robert and Elizabeth.
“I’m not visiting you.” Aunt Eleanor marched to the table where Ash held out a chair for her. Once she was seated, a footman stood at attention beside her. He poured a cup of tea, then stood ready to prepare her a plate.
She waved a hand dismissing him. “Tea is fine.” Without missing a beat, she turned to Robert. “What are you still doing here? I heard that the Duke of Southart is already receiving callers.” She studied the Egyptian-style longcase clock that sat in the corner, then returned her gaze to his. “A little late in the morning, isn’t it, to be breaking your fast?”
“Madame, good morning to you also,” he said sarcastically.
“I wager that outside of the shopkeepers and street vendors, the rest of London is still asleep,” Ash said earnestly. “It’s a testament to your work ethic that you’re calling on Overton so early.”
Elizabeth coughed into her hand. Immediately Robert’s gaze darted to hers.
“Lady Overton?” Ash didn’t hide the concern in his voice.
Robert could tell by the twinkle in Elizabeth’s eyes that she coughed on purpose to hide the smile that threatened.
“She’s fine.” Aunt Eleanor ignored both Robert and Ash and directed her gaze to Elizabeth. “You didn’t attend the Tinwood’s reception yesterday. And much to my dismay, you didn’t call on Lady Donovan. She and her husband have newly returned from a trip to Ireland. Her husband will give a speech in the House of Lords next week. I’ve heard that they’ll host a grand ball following the speech. It’ll be an absolute crush. You must make her acquaintance, so she’ll invite you and Overton to their dinner party before the ball.”
“I apologize, my lady.” Elizabeth presented a dutiful smile. “But you see, Mr. Hawksworth just arrived yesterday. I did send Lady Tinwood and Lady Donovan notes informing them I was not able to attend due to family.”
“Family? It’s just Hawksworth.” Aunt Eleanor curtly dismissed Elizabeth with a wave of her hand. “As the wife of the next prime minister of England, you must make yourself available for these people.”
The dismissive tone of his aunt made Robert’s ire take flight. With a wave of his hand, the footmen left the room and closed the door. Slowly, he turned his gaze and stared at his aunt. “You will not talk to my wife in that tone of voice. And you’ll not insult Hawksworth, either. Whether I decide to throw my hat in the ring has not been decided, ma’am.” Calmly, he placed both hands on the table, never once allowing his gaze to stray from his aunt’s gaze. “Furthermore, Elizabeth will make her own choices on how and when she will entertain guests and make social calls.”
“Well done,” Ash mouthed the words for Robert’s benefit.
Aunt Eleanor arched an eyebrow and smirked at Robert. “Might I remind you, Overton, what is at stake here? This is your best shot at becoming prime minister. Think of your family’s legacy. You must continue to work for our status and future.”
It took every ounce of restraint not to laugh in his aunt’s face. No one cared about status except Aunt Eleanor. A lonely widow who still clung to the power afforded to her by her father, who was Robert’s grandfather. He’d been a close advisor to King George III when the monarch first came to the throne.
Aunt Eleanor had become one of Queen Charlotte’s ladies-in-waiting. His aunt still craved the power and influence she’d once had with the royal family. But when the Prince Regent came into power, every spec of authority she’d acquired vanished overnight. She was desperate to regain her standing within the court and had no qualms about using Robert and Elizabeth to attain it.
“Remember your father.” Aunt Eleanor shamelessly sniffed as if still mourning. “My loving brother was devoted to the marquessate and nurturing his relationships with the power brokers in London. He wanted you to follow in the footsteps of the great William Pitt the Younger.”
