Page 37 of Loving a Dowager
With the assistance of Theo’s papa, and the Network, Henrietta had employed unconventional methods such as establishing accounts under fictional male names merely to ensure she was able to participate in stock schemes and business ventures that most women were not privy to. She was no financial wizard like Landon, but it had been enough to ensure she never needed to seek out assistance from others. To place her ownership in the family law firm in jeopardy and relinquish control by legally binding herself to another was simply out of the question.
“Weathersbee is an extremely intelligent man. I believe he is wise enough to understand. Was it not you who advised me to simply speak from the heart?”
“Aye. I might have conveyed that message a time or two. However, following one’s own advice is not as easy as issuing it.”
Theo smiled behind her cup. Blast. Theo was right; she’d have to speak with Walter and tell him the truth—she was in love with him.
Chapter Twenty-One
The frisson of energy in the air was tangible. The Archbroke box was crammed with PORFs, every member on alert and prepared to deal with any potential threat to the Prince Regent who was milling about in the box, ogling the female theatre attendees below and chatting to Archbroke who stood close by.
A dark, foreboding feeling seeped into Henrietta’s bones. She scanned the crowd for Walter and his nephew. There was no sign of either of them or Lord and Lady Otterman.
Bronwyn, who stood next to Henrietta, whispered from behind her fan. “They are late.”
“The curtain never goes up on schedule, and the performance shall remain delayed until Prinny decides to cease milling about and take his seat.” Henrietta squeezed her reticule. Walter considered being on time late, so for him to be delayed meant something beyond his control had prevented their party from arriving. Henrietta tried to calm her breathing. Her newfound feelings for the man were most bothersome and affecting her duties.
Bronwyn furiously waved her fan about. The fine wisps of hair that escaped her elegant coiffure fluttered, creating a halo effect. “Aye, and Archbroke is doing a marvelous job of distracting the Prince Regent.” Raised as a Network member in servitude to PORFs, Bronwyn continued to idolize Archbroke and always spoke of him with deference.
Henrietta considered her nephew by marriage and replied, “He does have his strengths.”
“You may not be fond of how much time he devotes to his responsibilities, but you cannot deny he loves Theo above all else.”
“He should be at home with his wife and baby.”
“That would upset Theo, and he hates it when his wife is unhappy.” Bronwyn snapped her fan closed and let it dangle from her wrist. “I believe that to be a trait the men we love all share—the desire to see us happy.” Bronwyn shifted slightly to the side, allowing Henrietta full view of Walter and the small party that was approaching the box.
“My, you have keen hearing,” Henrietta remarked.
Bronwyn smiled and linked her arm through Henrietta’s, and together they made their way to stand next to the new arrivals.
Henrietta greeted, “Lord Otterman. Lady Otterman, Lord Weathersbee and Lord Darlington.”
Lady Otterman sank into a graceful curtsy. “Lady Henrietta. Countess Hadfield.”
Formalities complete, Henrietta slid a glance at the man she had been anxiously awaiting. Walter winked at her, making her blush like she was nineteen once more. One by one, the gentlemen executed elegant bows in greeting. Ready for the evening events to commence, Henrietta said, “Lady Otterman, please come join us. We were on our way to take our seats… at the front of the box.”
Gliding next to Bronwyn, Lady Irene was all poise and confidence. The curious, disapproving stares of the ton from the other boxes appeared to have no ill effect upon her. Maneuvering through their box, Henrietta caught the Prince Regent summoning them with a flick of his finger. She sent up a prayer for patience and whispered, “We have been summoned.”
Lady Irene responded, “His Royal Highness’s gaze makes my skin crawl.”
“Naught to fear, you are married and surrounded by friends,” Henrietta lied.
Sinking into a deep curtsy, Lady Irene took the Prince Regent’s offered hand and rose.
The Prince Regent ignored the rest of them. “Archbroke, who is this delightful guest of yours?”
Dutifully, Archbroke stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, may I present to you Lord Otterman’s wife, Lady Irene.”
“Otterman is a fool to have left your side.”
“I’m right here, Your Royal Highness.” Lord Otterman stepped forward, and Lady Irene shifted closer to Otterman in a public display of support for her husband.
Prinny’s gaze narrowed before he slapped a hand upon Otterman’s shoulder. “Come, you and your lovely wife must join me in the Royal box this eve.”
The Prince Regent pivoted and made his way to his box. His contingent lined up in order of rank with Archbroke right behind Prinny.
Lady Irene grasped Henrietta’s hand. “This is not the plan.”
