Chapter Eleven #2
“Because I find her charming, delightful, and smart, among other things,” Lucien said closing the gap between Harriet and himself.
“You must be referring to some other woman, Lord Lucien. You haven’t described Harriet,” she replied.
“Mother, stop it. Lucien and I are to become betrothed soon so please, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all,” Harriet said. She half startled herself by speaking to her mother that way. She knew if she didn’t take control, her mother would, and she wasn’t going to have that.
She gestured in Lucien’s direction. “You see what happens when I’m not around? As far as you two going to marry, I’m sure your father will have something to say when he finds out.”
“Mother, don’t try to ruin my happiness just because you have none in your life,” Harriet said sternly.
“I assure you I’m not doing any such thing. You’ll thank me someday,” she replied.
Lucien interrupted the volatile conversation. “Come, there are some people I want to introduce you to. There’ve just arrived.”
“Mother, if you’ll excuse us. I’m sure we’ll speak again before the evening is over.”
“Have your things packed and ready to go in the morning. You’re coming home with me,” she said before turning and leaving the two of them stunned.
“She can’t do that. I won’t let her do that,” Harriet said.
“Is your father here?”
“I don’t see him, but he uses these gatherings to get away from my mother,” Harriet said.
“If you see him, let me know,” Lucien said lowly.
“Why, what do you want with him?”
“I want him to hear what’s transpired since they’ve been away.”
“Oh,” she replied. Her head tilted as she glanced up at him. “Are you going to speak with him about a formal betrothal?”
A lopsided grin swept across his face. “With your mother back, I don’t see we have much choice.”
By the time they found Harriet’s father, there was no reason to talk to him. He’d had a few brandies and Harriet decided he needed his fun.
“Harriet, is that really you?”
“Yes, Papa, it’s really me,” Harriet replied.
“Has your mother seen you yet?” he chuckled, adding, “Of course, she has, and I’m sure it didn’t go well.”
“She was her usual delightful self. Even Lucien is not good enough to be her son-in-law.”
Her father looked at Lucien. “Let me give you a word of advice, you two. If you wish to marry, you have my blessing. That being said, think if you really want a grand wedding or not. Believe me when I say it won’t be your wedding; you’ll have no say in anything.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
“Don’t thank me. I’ve met Lord Lucien many times, so I approve. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
“We will. We’ll leave you to your friends.”
They walked away and headed to the refreshment table. “I told you my father’s a gem. I’m sure he’d have been a delightful father if only my mother had allowed it.”
Arthur caught up with them. “I see you’ve seen your father. What about your mother? She’s here and made some demands of me.”
“One being that my things are to be packed and ready since I’ll be going back home.”
“Yes. I told her it was your decision, that you’ve really come into your own and were quite happy.”
“We just spoke with Harriet’s father, and he gave us the suggestion if we want to marry we have his blessing, but that we should think twice about a wedding because her mother will take over everything.”
“Small, intimate ceremony?” Arthur inquired.
Harriet smiled. “That would be hard to do unless she knew nothing about it.”
“I could get a special license, and we could marry in my drawing room. You and Daphne could be our witnesses,” Lucien said.
Harriet giggled. “Aren’t you taking the prince on yet another test run in his new car to Scotland?” She didn’t give him try to respond. “Since you wish me to go anyway, why not marry in Gretna Green? The prince and his entourage will be gone. It would be the perfect solution.”
She noted her mother speaking with Lady Winifred and two gentlemen. Harriet noted the two women kept looking in their direction. With her mother that meant she was up to something.
Trying to ignore the woman just meant her mother would be more determined. Turning her attention back to Lucien and Arthur, she squeezed Lucien’s arm.
He gazed down at her, and Arthur slightly shook his head as her mother descended on them.
“Gentlemen, I hope you will excuse me, but I need to borrow my daughter.”
“Mother, I was just on my way out. I’m sure whatever it is can wait,” Harriet said.
“No, it cannot!” her mother’s voice trilled.
She glanced at Lucien and then Arthur. No explanation was needed. “You have two minutes. After that, I’m leaving.”
“I need far more than two minutes.”
“That’s it. Take it or leave it.”
“Oh, very well.” She turned to Lady Winifred and the others who were with her mother. “Lady Winifred wanted to make sure you were introduced to Lord Reginald Cross.”
The man was a toad, but she could see why he appealed to her mother as a marriage prospect.
He was at least thirty years older than she was, had white hair which he kept pulled back.
He was obese and his face was a shade of red she didn’t think she’d ever seen.
With all that going against him, Lord Cross thought he cut a dashing figure.
“Lord Cross,” she said in a monotone.
“A delight, Lady Harriet,” he replied. “Would you do the honor of dancing the next set?”
“I’m afraid I can’t, Lord Cross.”
“Harriet! There’s no need to be rude,” her mother trilled.
“I don’t think I was being rude, I simply have no time. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She began to walk away with Arthur and Lucien.
Whatever was being said, Harriet had no time for. Knowing her mother, she was most likely apologizing to Lord Cross for her bad behavior.
“Here, take my carriage back to the house. Daphne and I will be along shortly, Arthur said as they stood outside.
On the way back neither said a thing for the longest time. Finally, Lucien spoke up. “What would you prefer to do? Go to Scotland or marry here in private?”
“If we go to Scotland, it’ll just be you and me. If you get a special license and we marry here, it would be Arthur, Daphne, and your parents. I think I’d prefer the latter.”
“Your wish is my command,” he replied. “I know this isn’t how either of us planned on getting married, but…”
“Don’t apologize. I know how my mother is. Everyone does.”
“As long as you’re happy. That’s all I care about.”
The carriage came to a stop in front of the house. After helping Harriet down from the carriage, Lucien went to speak to the coachman about returning to the ball to pick up the duke and duchess.
“I suppose I should take my leave. I plan to see the bishop in the morning. I’ll come by after I do.”
“I look forward to it,” she replied. Stepping up she kissed Lucien on the cheek. He, in turn, kissed her on the lips. He didn’t make it all that passionate because there were servants around and he didn’t want gossip from anyone.
He was flustered because he wanted her under him. He wanted her more than any woman he’d ever met.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, I will.”
She watched as he walked over to his carriage and climbed in before turning to go inside. Tomorrow was going to be a huge change for her.