Page 91 of Everything But the Earl
“Lark? Oh, The Earl of Waring. I had forgotten his Christian name was Larkin.”
“I suppose I am getting to be pretty deep in my cups if I have become so informal.” He sighed and set the glass on a nearby end table.
“I am sorry, Anthony. I know you are a good man. You deserve happiness as much as anyone else. I am sorry that it is apparently not in the cards.”
“I shall persevere.” He smiled ruefully. “Well, my dear, I understand you have produced an heir for Caernarfon. Congratulations are in order.”
“It is not so formal as all that. We have a son, yes. I brought him with us to London. You could come by and see him, if you’d like.”
“You brought an infant to London?”
“My husband was called back to Parliament. He refused to be parted from me, and I refused to be parted with my son, so yes, we all came to London. The carriage ride was among the worst I have ever taken because I worried that he’d be injured if we hit bumpy road, although I will admit that the rocking of the carriage often just lulled him to sleep. And we did manage to startle a few of the proprietors at the coaching inns Caernarfon usually stays at as we traveled along the way. But Dafydd, my son, is very cute and could charm the paint off a wall, so truly, it was not so bad. I’m afraid I have become one of those mothers who is quite protective of her child.”
Anthony smiled. “How very gauche of you.”
Grace laughed because she understood he was joking. “I know. But Caernarfon is letting me do things my way, even if it is unorthodox. Although he did also talk me into hiring a nurse. Mrs. Roberts rode with us from Wales and is currently watching the boy like a hawk. We fear he may start crawling soon.”
“Babies do such things, I’ve heard.”
“Yes. But seriously, you should call on us. I know Caernarfon and Waring are close friends, butyouare my friend.”
Anthony nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate that. I don’t care much for babies, as you must know, but I will make an exception for you ifhe really is as cute as you say.”
“Even more so.”
“Although perhaps I might wait until Parliament is in session. I do not think your husband cares much for me.”
“I think you’re wrong about that, but whatever you are comfortable with. Or bring your fiancée to dinner sometime.”
Anthony frowned.
“Is Waring here?” Grace whispered.
“No. We seem to be avoiding each other. I no longer go to my club for fear of running into him, and he has not been coming to social engagements unless he knows for certain I will not be there.”
“Tragic.”
“Yes, well. Welcome to my life this Season.”
“Truly, I would like for you to come visit our home. Do not be a stranger to us. All right?”
“I promise.”
“What exactly are you promising to my wife?” Owen asked, suddenly appearing. He held out an arm for Grace, so she slid hers around his.
“Your wife has invited me to dinner. I hope you do not find this objectionable.”
“I do not,” Owen said. “You are Grace’s childhood friend, after all.”
“I suppose you do not find me threatening.”
Owen frowned at that. “Look, Beresford, things are awkward right now. I’ve known Waring since we were boys at Eton. He is one of my oldest friends, and he is no happier about your present situation than you are. But I swore an oath to give Grace whatever she wants, and if what she wants is to have you over for dinner, then I am amenable to it.”
“This is the oath you swore?” Grace asked.
“Have I ever denied you anything?”
She laughed. “I suppose not.”
