Page 14 of The Theory of Earls (The Beautiful Barringtons 1)

Her eyes slid over Welles.Almost.

Phaedra and Olivia came forward and bid her goodbye as did Romy, who stuck her unintentionally with a pin from the cushion attached to her wrist. Margaret liked the duchess and her daughters. Today had been the happiest she’d spent since her father’s death and certainly the most fun she’d had since arriving in London.

Welles rose from his chair. “I fear I must take my leave as well, madam. I only stopped by on my way to attend to a business matter. I’ll accompany Miss Lainscott out.”

Margaret’s pulse leapt wildly. It appeared fate was intervening. She became more certain of her plan for Carstairs, for surely the coincidence of Welles being here was a sign of sorts.

The duchess pouted prettily. “I expect you and your brother to dine with us this week.” The thread of steel returned to her voice. “Promptly at seven, two days hence.”

Welles inclined his head. “We will both be here, madam. And I’ll take you all for a ride in the park tomorrow,” he said to Phaedra, Olivia and Romy. “And Theo if we can pull her away from her studio.”

“Possibly a visit to DuPere’s?” Romy asked, shooting a glance at her mother. “I wish only to look at the silks.”

“Say yes, Mama.” Phaedra came over and placed a hand on her mother’s shoulder and squeezed.

“Of course.” The duchess nodded. “But take a full purse, Tony. Your father says these girls are like to bankrupt us all.”

The way Welles’s face froze at the slight mention of the Duke of Averell was obvious, though he recovered quickly before taking the duchess’s hand. “Until then.” He pressed a kiss to her proffered cheek. “After you, Miss Lainscott.”

---