Page 38 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“That handsome baron who is obviously in love with you?” Diana replied with a grin.
Her mouth fell open. “Pardon?”
“I’m sorry that I speak so plainly.” She shook her head in mock sorrow. “One of my many failings.”
“I’m used to it,” she responded, releasing a laugh. “Remember, Lady Louisa is my friend.”
Diana grinned. “She is formidable, isn’t she? Lady Louisa reminds me of Cecil in so many ways.”
“Does she?” Edith asked blandly.
The other woman sighed. “I see you don’t wish to speak about Lord Harbury. A pity. I do adore Cecil, but I don’t think he’s husband material.”
Before she could stop herself, she asked, “Whyever not?”
“He is a stubborn, proud man. You have such a kind, gentle way about you, my dear. That might soothe some beasts, but I fear not our Cecil.”
She felt slightly affronted to be called kind and gentle. That description didn’t sound at all exciting.
“I wasn’t trying to offend you, my dear,” Diana said soothingly. “I’ve known Cecil for years. You have many excellent qualities. If he were interested in any of them, you would know by now.”
For the second time that day, Edith wanted to shout at someone. As she had during her earlier conversation with Louisa, Edith took a few calming breaths. “And you’re not enamored of him yourself?”
“Cecil?” Diana’s expression was now somber. “My heart still belongs to my beloved Geoffrey. I despair of finding that kind of love ever again.”
And just as with her recent conversation with Louisa, several things became clear. Diana’s brash, bold exterior hid a broken heart. Louisa often said Edith was the most patient person in the world. Perhaps she was, for she felt her irritation with DianaandLouisa fade.
“Perhaps Lord Harbury has too much of an adventurous past for you? That trouble with him searching for a spy on theCressy. Such drama! And barely escaping death on theSt. George! Poor Nathaniel. Running a registry office must be rather tame in comparison.”
“I imagine it is,” she replied vaguely. Edith had no idea what the woman was referring to regarding a spy. As Charlotte wasn’t home, she would have to wait to get the story from her friend.
“Where are my manners? Would you care for some tea? I can spare a few more minutes before I must change.”
Edith shook her head and got to her feet. “I should be going. It was lovely chatting with you.”
Once back in her father’s town coach, she realized Diana hadn’t brought up the missing veterans, which told Edith the lady didn’t know anything about the second disappearance.
Both Diana and Louisa thought Lord Harbury had feelings for her. Could he be in love with her?
Now she had two reasons to observe the baron.
* * * * *
After he dashed offa note to his old friend at the Royal Naval College, Nathaniel wrote missives to Ashford and Cecil to inform them about his conversation with the runner Black Jack.
Alicia was at a tea with Lady Kettering. The woman had taken quite a liking to Alicia, and he was glad of it. The lady’s reputation was above reproach, and she could help Alicia widen her scope of acquaintances.
He was all alone in the large house, except for several servants. He had no desire to fence. Or walk. Or ride. There was no reason to casually drop by the registry office as Edith wasn't volunteering today.
It was time he spoke with Lord Norwich. He was determined to interview the man; the earl would surely admit him to his home.
Nathaniel had been shocked to learn who the Foreign Office believed was the spy on the Cressy. He’d attended The Royal Naval College in Portsmouth with Lt. Cooper.
When Nathaniel boarded the ship anchored alongside the island of Vinga near the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden, the lieutenant had extended his hand. “Harbury! What a surprise to have you transferred to theSt. George. There are rumors Lt. Goodwin is returning to England to complete a mission for the crown.”
He shook Cooper’s hand. “I wasn’t apprised of all the particulars, merely that I was to take his place for now.”
“You’ll find Commander Pater an excellent captain, and we have a first-rate crew.”
