Page 20 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
And it was true. Edith always knew the right thing to say.
“How fares your father and Lady Sandhurst?” Last season, Edith’s father had formed a tendre with a widow.
“They are as close as ever, although he says they will not wed. The lady has been widowed twice and does not wish to marry again as she enjoys her independence. My father tells me he is content to squire her to the entertainments of the ton for the time being.”
“Is that a relief?” she asked carefully. Edith had lost her mother at a young age and was an only child. It had been just her and her father for many years.
“I admit it is,” Edith replied. “I have told my father he is always welcome to reside with Nathaniel and myself if he gets lonely in that townhouse. Goodness knows we have enough room.”
That was true, as Nathaniel owned one of the largest mansions in London.
Her own family’s home, Carstairs, was crowded with five siblings under one roof. Louisa's brothers appeared to have no desire to leave the nest, and her mother wasn’t concerned with their marital status, although the lady did want her daughter to find a spouse.
“My dear,” her mother had informed her, “It’s normal for men to sow their wild oats and marry later in life, while after a few seasons, a young woman may be labeled a spinster.”
Louisa hardly thought she could be characterized as on the shelf at the ripe old age of nineteen.
“Tonight is the musicale?” she asked her friend, determined to think of something other than her mother’s desire to see her wed. “And Alicia will perform?”
Edith nodded. “I had nearly forgotten. I will send a missive to your mother asking if Nathaniel and I may escort you to the musicale.”
“I’m sure she will agree. It is Wednesday, there are no Parliamentary sessions, and it is the day of the week my parents desire the house to themselves for an evening.”
“Nathaniel and I will be happy to have your company.”
She chuckled in reply. “Leopold will be thrilled not to attend the musicale. Although we all dance remarkably well, we are a family that does not appreciate music. I cannot play an instrument, but my mother did insist on dancing lessons. She truly believes a spouse is more easily found on the dancefloor.”
“Alas, my only talent is playing the pianoforte,” Edith replied, not looking concerned in the slightest.
“You have a husband. I do not. My mother has become relentless now that you and Charlotte are married.” She groaned. “Edith, none of the current crop of bucks are remotely appealing.”
Edith rolled her eyes. “None?”
She was afraid her friend was thinking of the only interesting bachelor this season: Lord Wycliffe. He was by far the most fascinating and exasperating man she’d ever met. The fact that he also had impeccable taste in clothing was a boon. His arrogant behavior was not.
“None that I deem are husband material.”
Edith didn’t reply, which was rather depressing. If Edith thought there was no hope that the viscount would ever marry, then she should have none.
Not that she liked the man.
“Let us return home so you can send a note to my mother before you forget.” Louisa rose to her feet. “I need to write a letter to Charlotte and tell her about the clock I won at auction.”
The thought of relaying her triumph over Lord Wycliffe in a letter to her friend cheered Louisa considerably.
* * * * *
Cecil considered visiting Angelo’s Fencing Academy to speak with Nathaniel before remembering Leopold also frequented the establishment. For once, he wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation.
Seated in his drawing room with a glass of brandy at his elbow, Bones entered the room.
“Lady Louisa has returned home. She is to attend a musicale this evening in the company of Lord and Lady Harbury.”
That is a fortuitous turn of events, he thought to himself. A plan formed in his mind, he would send a missive to Nathaniel to apprise him of his scheme.
The former smuggler continued, “If I need to monitor Lady Louisa’s movements so closely, that clock must be terribly important to you."
Cecil determined he could trust the man with some additional information. “I can’t explain how, but that clock is a possible threat to a member of the RA.”
