Page 29 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
He stared into Louisa’s eyes, the dark shade of green reminding him of a lush field in spring. “This isn’t a game.”
“No, it’s not.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I guess there is nothing else to say. Good day, Lord Wycliffe.”
Cecil shook his head. “I’ve never met a woman more stubborn.”
Louisa did not reply. Edith groaned.
He looked at Edith. “Shall we go?”
The lady nodded, placed her teacup on a side table near her chair, stood up, and said irritably, “You both need to learn to compromise.”
Lady Louisa rose to her feet as well. “I will see you both at dinner tomorrow evening.”
“Perhaps you can come to some sort of agreement then,” Edith replied quietly.
As he walked the lady back to her home, Edith said, “Louisa won’t give in, you know. I’m sure you don’t want to approach Leopold for his assistance.”
He did not. “I have a lot to think about.”
“So Louisa was correct. You have the other clock.”
He replied grimly, “Oh yes, she was right. Please keep that information to yourself.”
“Nathaniel?”
“He knows.”
“He does? I imagine my husband wanted to protect me.” She paused. “The best way for us all to be safe is for you to bring down the Rogue’s Alliance once and for all.”
“I agree, Lady Edith.”
Several minutes later, he was in his own home, or what amounted to one for the time being. He looked around him, satisfied with his efforts in the space. What he was no longer happy with was his living arrangements.
“Ashford and Nathaniel have large homes and families. I’m nearly thirty years old and live like a young blade.”
Did he want a family? He already had one. Perhaps it was time to reopen the townhouse in Hanover Square and invite his mother to London. No, not yet. He needed to make sure the RA was disbanded first. Then he could set about strengthening his relationship with his family and meet his infant nephew.
Thoughts of family reminded him to send the gift to David for his son. He’d had the rattle engraved with the boys’ name and birthdate. His brother might well have an apoplexy when he received the package.
Cecil was restless. Since he couldn’t be assured of a decent meal until Edith’s dinner party tomorrow, he would take himself off to his club.
As he rode in his carriage to St. James’s Street, the vision of a stubborn copper-colored haired lady invaded his mind. Cecil shook himself. Even if she did have lovely eyes, he had plenty of other things to think about.
* * * * *
Louisa wasn’t sure how she’d known Lord Wycliffe had the other carriage clock, but her instincts were proven correct by his behavior.
She’d returned the clock to her bedchamber and was thinking about the riddle and the enigmatic Lord Wycliffe when her maid knocked on the door.
“My lady?”
“Come.”
Lucy smiled weakly as she stood in the doorway, wringing her hands. “Your brother Leopold wishes to speak to you in the drawing room.”
Leopold? He must have heard about the viscount’s visit. There was nothing for it. She would speak with him now rather than have a scene over dinner.
“Please tell him I will be down directly.”
