Page 20 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Chapter Nine
When Edith heard Charlottemention Lord Wycliffe’s name the next afternoon at Thorne’s Library, she was surprised to find she hadn’t thought much about the viscount that morning or the night before. She’d been too preoccupied with the puzzle that was Lord Harbury.
“What about Lord Wycliffe?” Seated on the sopha next to Charlotte, Edith looked up from her copy ofThe Times.
“He has been sequestered in my husband’s study with Lord Harbury all morning. I do hope Cecil doesn’t get Ashford involved in one of his dangerous schemes.” Charlotte worried her lower lip, a sure sign she was troubled.
Louisa snorted. “You are right to be concerned. There are rumors that a few months ago, there was an undertaking to prevent the Rundle Bridge from being sabotaged. Supposedly, Wycliffe and a friend were involved.”
“I’m sure the viscount wouldn’t entangle his friends in anything dangerous,” Edith replied quickly, directing a quelling look at Louisa. It was just like their friend to not think of how her words might affect Charlotte. “Ashford is a sensible man. He married you, after all.”
Charlotte smiled at that. “There are so many tales told about Cecil’s exploits one wonders what is fact and what is fiction.”
In addition to his devastating good looks, Edith found Lord Wycliffe’s sense of adventure attractive. Seeing Charlotte’s distress gave her pause. Perhaps the idea of a thrill-seeking beau was more exciting than the reality.
“My parents and brothers are leaving for our estate in Kent in two days.” Louisa relaxed against the back cushion of her stuffed chair. “I shall soon descend upon your household, Edith.”
“The housekeeper is expecting you.” Edith hoped her father remembered they would have a houseguest as she hadn’t spoken to him for any length of time in the last few days. When she came down for breakfast that morning, the butler notified her that her father had stayed at his club overnight and had yet to return home.
Charlotte pulled an ivory fan from her reticule, opened it, and fanned herself with vigor. Although the front door to the library was open, the shop felt stuffy.
Edith looked around the shop, happy to see the lending library running a thriving trade. No matter what changed in her life, it was comforting to have Thorne’s as the one constant.
“We received a new copy ofThe Gentleman’s Magazinetoday.”
Edith shook herself from her reverie to find Robbie standing near her, one of her favorite periodicals in hand. The magazine reported on most political news, including Parliamentary debates and decisions, and published opinion pieces.
She took the magazine from him with a smile. “Thank you, Robbie.”
“You’ve reminded me I have a bag of lemon sorbets for you.” Charlotte pulled a small packet of sweets from her reticule.
Robbie accepted the bag with a hearty thank you and returned to the subscription desk.
Looking throughThe Gentleman’s Magazine, Edith’s attention was caught by an article about the recent increase of prisoners transported to the colony of New South Wales. When she finished reading the piece, she was unsure whether the author was for or against transportation. The article would be a topic of conversation she could broach with her father before she asked him about his relationship with Lady Sandhurst.
Her friends thumbed through their own periodicals as she searched for a topic of conversation. “How did you enjoy your afternoon volunteering at the registry office?”
