Page 5 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
“What a surprise to see you here.” The lady lowered her voice to ask, “In search of more members of the RA?”
He shook his head. “I’m not sure why I’m here. I was restless.”
“London does seem quieter without Ashford and Charlotte.” Her voice was sympathetic.
Cecil elaborated no further. It was hard to explain his feelings at present. His friends now had other responsibilities and couldn’t assist him at the drop of a hat with his war against the Rogue’s Alliance.
“Perhaps you could come for dinner one evening, Cecil. I know my husband would enjoy spending time with you, and I haven’t had a conversation with you since my wedding.”
“A dinner party sounds like an excellent idea,” he replied politely. It was logical that if he wanted to spend time with his friends, he would now have to spend some time with their spouses.
Nathaniel escorted Lady Louisa to stand beside Edith. The lady’s eyes widened upon seeing him; he’d never noticed how green her eyes were. Perhaps it was merely a result of the candlelight that surrounded them.
“Hello, Cecil. Has something happened?” Nathaniel asked with a frown.
“I was at loose ends,” he replied quickly, nodding to Lady Louisa. “Good evening, my lady.”
“Good evening, Lord Wycliffe.” The lady’s smile did not reach her eyes. He and Louisa had never rubbed along well, he surmised, due to their both being very competitive individuals.
Edith put her arm through her friend’s. “Louisa, I have yet to say hello to your mother. I shall return momentarily, husband.”
The look his friend and his lady exchanged was sickeningly sweet.
“What?” Nathaniel asked when the ladies had departed.
“You look like a lovelorn puppy.”
Nathaniel shrugged. “I am a lovelorn puppy.”
“And that pudgy baron is still after the graceful Lady Louisa?” he asked, curious despite having no interest in the girl himself.
Nathaniel nodded. “Several men are interested in the lady, but I believe the task of getting past her four older brothers appears too daunting for most of them.”
“Her brothers are an intimidating quartet. Do they not all attend Angelo’s?”
Nathaniel shook his head. “Leopold does. There is no better fencer in London. And he is nearly as good a shot as you are.”
“Really?” He doubted that.
Nathaniel looked at him closely. “Why are you here tonight? Edith gave us the opportunity to speak alone, so speak.”
“Tomorrow, I will attend an auction, and if I acquire what I seek, I may discover the architects behind the RA.” He glanced about to ensure no one was listening to their conversation.
“Are you referring to the sale of items from Lord Campbell’s estate?”
He frowned. “You’re aware of the auction? I wouldn’t have thought it was well regarded, with books being the predominant items for sale.”
“Edith and Louisa are attending the same auction. Louisa is keen to acquire something.” He wrinkled his nose a moment. “A rare carriage clock. One of a mythical pair.”
Cecil couldn’t believe it. The one item he wanted from the auction, and the chit was going to bid on it as well. No matter. He would win the clock. He had to.
“Don’t mention my interest in it,” he replied in a low voice. “Lady Louisa has no chance of winning it. I believe it is the clock my brother spoke of right before he died.”
“The gold clock!” Nathaniel whistled. “You finally found it!”
He replied grimly, “Yes, and nobody is going to keep it from me. After I take my leave of the ladies, I must go. Edith mentioned having me to dinner. I will see you soon, my friend.”
Once Louisa and Edith returned, Cecil bade them farewell, collected his outerwear, and exited the house. He waved his coachman off, desiring the long walk home. He needed time to think. Lady Louisa wanted the clock, but how much pocket money could she have to bid on the clock?
