Page 107 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“I see,” his mother said softly. “And will the duke be attending?”
“He’s only seven, Lady Wade,” Louisa said.
“But he’s coming,” the elder Lady Wade said.
If Louisa was smart, she would have all her belongings packed so she could leave with Victoria.
She looked at Simon. She had to be smart. She had to leave him. Her heart was already broken; the longer she stayed, the harder it would be to mend.
“We have so much to do,” Georgie said with a groan.
Lady Wade smiled. “Perhaps you and your mother could take care of the menus. Louisa, if you would make certain that the staff has already prepared all the guest rooms.”
“That is my place, Mother Wade,” Ellen insisted.
Lady Wade’s smile faded. “As you wish, Ellen. I’m sure I’ll find plenty of things I’ll need help with.”
“Grandmama,” Georgie said, “show me what entertainment you’ve planned.”
“I have a list in the morning room. You’ll be thrilled.”
As they both rose, Ellen said, “Miss Shelby, please see that my room is prepared. I usually use the green suite.”
“Right next to yours, Louisa,” Lady Wade said helpfully. “But I’m sure the housekeeper has already—”
“No, that’s all right,” Louisa interrupted. “I would be pleased to make sure everything is ready for Lady Wade.” She curtsied to them all and began to walk across the room.
Simon realized that he must have missed quite an exchange, because Louisa sounded glad to escape. As she moved by him, the air swirled with the current of her scent, roses in summertime.
He inhaled and said softly, “I’m certain you curtsied when I entered.”
“Always, my lord,” she answered back.
And then she was gone, and the room seemed colder. For her sake, he was glad her sisters would be coming.
“She is a polite girl,” his mother said, as if that was all that could be said about Louisa. “Simon, I would like to speak to you in private.”
Damn. He’d really been hoping that his mother had left with the others. “Has everyone gone?”
“Yes,” she said.
“So we’re alone. I’m glad you were able to attend the house party.”
“So many people had already left Scotland for the London Season. But I was coming here even before I received your grandmother’s invitation.”
“You missed me?” he said lightly.
“I heard that your grandmother hired that Shelby woman.” Her voice was full of outrage.
Simon’s smile faded, and he clenched his jaw. “She has been of great help to Grandmama.”
“And to your sister, I hear.”
“Yes, she has. How can you have any complaints, when Georgie finally seems to be blossoming?”
His mother was very good at ignoring what she wanted to. “Has that Shelby woman tried to be alone with you?”
He frowned. “Excuse me?”
