Chapter Four #2
“He is quite fascinating to talk to. Though I’m not sure now that I see the company he’s keeping.”
“Don’t pay them any attention. I can assure you they’re jealous you danced with him. He is very polite and would never dare slight anyone,” Arthur said.
“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
By the next time they swirled by the spot where Lord Lucien had been standing with the young ladies, he was gone.
Harriet tried to make sure her glance was just that.
The next time she caught a glimpse of him, he was deep in conversation with an older gentleman.
Out of all the young men who’d sent her flowers, books, and candy, Lord Lucien outshone all of them.
But she knew better than to get her hopes up.
None of the gentlemen who’d shown a slight interest with her at the previous soiree had acknowledged her or else were not in attendance. Finding a spouse was hard work.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Arthur said, smiling.
She realized the dance was about over and she’d been somewhere else and not paying attention to her partner, even though he was her cousin. “It wouldn’t be worth it. I was just listening to the music.”
“It is very well played.”
The dance came to an end far quicker than she wanted. She wanted to hide as she came to the realization that the gentlemen who’d sent her gifts had merely been going through the motions as that ball had been to help shy ladies come out of their shell. That’s why they were ignoring her.
“Thank you, Arthur. You’re such a good dancer.”
“Don’t let Daphne know that. She’ll want me to dance with her even more. Speaking of Daphne, I’m going to take you to her so you’re not by yourself.”
“You’re such a gentleman, cousin,” Harriet replied.
As soon as Arthur took her to Daphne, Harriet noticed more young men glancing her way. Then came a group of three who introduced themselves and asked to sign her dance card.
Daphne was amused and whispered to Harriet, “See what happens when you dance with Arthur? Men flock to you.”
It was true. Arthur was becoming well known because of his position as an MP. He was known as someone who was fair, regardless of where he was. Parliament just gave him some extra exposure.
Harriet’s evening was nothing like her outings during the last season.
Tonight, she’d barely had time to catch her breath with all the dances and conversations she found herself in.
Somehow Daphne had disappeared from her side, but when she glanced around, she found her speaking with their hostess and another woman.
The musicians, back from a break, were warming up for the next set.
A familiar baritone interrupted her thoughts.
Lord Lucien was standing in front of her.
It was time for a second dance. Something that wasn’t normally done unless the man was interested in the woman.
He led her to the dance floor. Harriet could feel lots of eyes on them. She focused all her attention to the young man in front of her. The dance floor was crowded with couples, making it hard to do anything besides trying to keep out of other’s way. When the music ended, he led her to the side.
“Would you like to go out to the terrace and get some cool air?” he asked.
“I would,” Harriet replied.
“I will take you where your cousin will still see you,” Lucien said lowly.
She nodded and followed his lead. Standing next to the baluster, there were a few other couples near them, and some further down the terrace. Then she noticed there were a few out in the gardens walking.
“This feels so much nicer, don’t you think?” Harriet said.
He nodded. “It is.”
Lucien bent forward, so no one else would hear his words. “Lady Harriet, may I be so bold as to ask if I might call on you tomorrow?”
Maintaining her composure wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be, given what he was asking her. “Yes, you may. I look forward to it.”
“Excellent,” he replied.
They stood outside on the terrace for far longer than Harriet realized. Even Lord Lucien hadn’t been aware how much time had gone by. “I hate to end this as I’m thoroughly enjoying your company, but I fear I need to return you to your cousin,” Lucien said.
“I’m enjoying it as well, but we both know how the ton operates when it comes to young ladies acting properly.”
He smiled at her and offered his arm. They walked back into the ballroom which was still buzzing with conversation. Lord Lucien spotted Daphne and Arthur and led her to them. He greeted the couple before bowing and saying his goodbyes for the evening.
“I look forward to calling on you, Lady Harriet.”
“As do I,” she replied.
She sighed as he walked away. As she turned back to her cousin and his wife, she found both of them watching her with amusement on their faces.
“What is it?” she asked innocently.
“You enjoy the gentleman’s company?” Arthur asked with a grin.
“Yes, very much so. He’s going to call on me tomorrow,” she replied.
Daphne put her hand gently on Harriet’s shoulder. “Then I think we should leave so you can go to bed. You want to look your best for Lord Lucien.”
She followed them through the ballroom to the entry where they were told their carriage was waiting.
Once inside Harriet settled back and listened to Arthur and Daphne speak between themselves about the ball and how delightful it was to see people they hadn’t seen since they’d married.
They were still newlyweds, but Harriet didn’t believe their affection for each other would ever go away.
They adored each other. She could only hope she’d find someone like Arthur.
The ride to Jameson House was not far and in the lack of the extra traffic, they managed to return home in minutes. Entering the grand hall, she bid Arthur and Daphne good night.
*
Waiting with bated breath, Harriet watched as the door to the drawing room opened.
The butler announced Lord Lucien who waited no time to enter the room.
He looked smart in a dark-gray suit, light-gray shirt, and black cravat.
So handsome, Harriet was sure she would swoon if she didn’t start breathing.
“Good morning, Lady Harriet,” he said in that deep baritone she found so soothing.
“Good morning to you as well, Lord Lucien.”
He stood before her and handed her a leather-bound book. “I assumed you like Keats. This is a first edition.”
Taking the book from his outstretched hand, Harriet thumbed through the volume. “It is magnificent. I shall cherish it. And yes, I adore Keats.”
She motioned for him to sit in a gold brocade wing chair. Watching him fold his long frame into the chair, she caught herself grinning. “Who else do you like besides Keats?” she asked.
“Shakespeare for sure. He was far ahead of his time.”
Harriet nodded. “His works are more popular today than when he was alive, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I have to agree.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a footman carrying a tea tray. He set it on the table in front of Harriet and quit the room. “How do you like your tea, Lord Lucien?”
“Plain. I enjoy savoring the tea itself. You can’t get that with adding cream and sugar.”
“That’s why I drink my tea plain as well, though I will admit to adding a tiny bit of sugar from time to time,” she replied.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if the tea is old or hasn’t been prepared properly.”
Harriet hoped he wouldn’t find it hard to talk with her. She passed a cup of tea across to him. He murmured his thanks and sat back in his chair. Taking a sip of her tea she gazed at him.
“You mentioned you build customized railroad cars. I imagine there’s not too much competition for that,” she said.
“Not much. Most companies want to make them for the actual railroads. I have a commission for two complete trains. The railroad wants it with various cars. Sleeping, a dining car to name a few.”
“Is the Prince of Wales the most well-known of your custom orders?” she asked.
“Yes, he is, but as word gets around about where he ordered his private car from, I expect more to come to me.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out.”
“Just a good solid business plan,” he replied.
“That’s important. I’ve heard my father say something similar before.”
He set his cup down. “I understand you have no siblings?”
“You would be correct. I’m an only child.”
“Do you find growing up to be harder?”
“Yes, at times. I had no one to play with,” she replied.
The door to the drawing room opened and Lady Daphne entered.
By all accounts, she should have been there in the corner during Lord Lucien’s visit.
“Harriet, I know Lord Lucien has a passion for plants and flowers. Why don’t you two take a walk and you can show him.
It’s much too nice a day to sit inside.”
“Lord Lucien? Would you like to walk with me?” Harriet asked.
He stood and held out his hand to her. “Yes. I have a passion for peonies and roses.”
Harriet gracefully put her hand in his as she rose from the settee. She managed to gaze over at Daphne who was smiling gleefully. Harriet didn’t know whether to be happy or not with her meddling.
“Where’s Sam?” she asked Daphne as she walked across the room with Lucien.
“I had him moved. I didn’t think Lord Lucien would care to be cursed at by a parrot.”
“A parrot?” he asked.
“Yes, Daphne has this beautiful macaw named Sam. He likes to use naughty words.”
“No, I’d love to meet him. I’ve never seen a parrot up close,” Lucien replied.
“Very well. I’ll have him returned to the drawing room, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Lucien walked behind Harriet as she led them outside and on to the terrace.
Nothing was said between them, and she further led him down the stairs leading to the gardens.
She took the pathway to the left as it would get them to the roses first. As they came upon a bed of roses, she noticed all the bushes were in bloom.
“It appears everything is in full bloom,” she said.