Page 10 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“I’ll remember that if I feel the need to talk.” He kept his tone light and took a steadying breath.
With a sigh, the other man got to his feet. “Shall we join the ladies?”
He was glad to do so. There was no use talking about what he sometimes felt, about the nightmares he had. They didn’t occur as often if he kept his mind occupied. Although sessions were now over, overseeing the running of the registry would help fill the hours in the day.
“Cecil has departed,” Charlotte said as soon as he and Ashford entered the drawing room. “Off to the next adventure, I wager.”
He looked for a response from Lady Edith. She merely smiled vaguely whilst looking down at the hands in her lap. Despite her light-hearted demeanor, the young woman was not only beautiful, but intelligent. She shouldn’t have to work hard to gain a man’s interest. Cecil was a fool.
“Now we have uneven numbers for cards,” Louisa pointed out.
“My husband can sit out.” Charlotte threw Ashford an affectionate look. “He cheats anyway.”
* * * * *
Lord Wycliffe had gonewith nary a look in her direction. Edith wouldn't chase after the gentleman as it wasn't in her nature, and such a thing simply wasn’t done in polite society.
Paired with Lord Harbury for a game of whist, she lamented that such a nice man could be so terribly dull.
Although therewasthe look the baron gave Louisa when he took the fifth trick: slightly triumphant. She hadn’t expected that.
One benefit to Lord Wycliffe being absent was the remaining guests didn’t have to observe the animosity that might have bubbled up between the viscount and Louisa if they’d played cards together.
“Well done, Nathaniel!” Charlotte clapped her hands, cheerful despite losing to the baron and Edith. “It isn’t often someone gets the best of our Louisa.”
The party broke up soon after, as several dinner guests planned on joining Lady Diana at the grand opening of the registry in the morning.
“Nine o’clock is rather early,” Louisa stated when asked if she would attend the opening.
Edith put her arm through Louisa’s as they exited the house. “Diana doesn’t expect you until Tuesday. I’m sure I can provide any assistance she may need tomorrow.”
Louisa’s family home of Carstairs was located across the square from Ashford and Charlotte, and a moment later, the two women parted ways.
Often distracted as of late, Edith’s father attended a literary club that evening. No matter. He doted on his only child and had been quite happy with the suggestion to remain in Town a few months longer.
As Edith prepared for bed, her thoughts returned to the handsome, enigmatic Lord Wycliffe. What was the best way to gain his attention without appearing fast? Charlotte might be able to help. Or Ashford. She didn’t want to ask Lord Harbury about his friend. She wasn’t that desperate. Yet.
