Chapter Five #2
As he approached the townhouse, a carriage pulled away from it. Not close enough to halt it, he hoped it wasn’t his mother. Then again, if it was, he could leave a brief note and all awkwardness would wait for another encounter.
He ascended the stairs then rang. The butler opened the door immediately. “Lord Durham. Welcome.”
At least his aunt’s butler knew who he was. “Is my mother in residence?”
“Indeed she is. She’s in the parlor, though Lady Redding just left.”
“Then I shall call upon her.”
The butler took his coat and hat before stepping forward to announce him.
“No. I’ll announce myself.”
“Very well, sir.”
The parlor doors were closed as he stepped to them, but he didn’t open them. Instead, he counted to eleven, needing those seconds to take on the personality his mother expected. Finally, he lowered the latch of one door and stepped in.
His first impression was one of stepping back in time, when he was still in leading strings being presented to his mother, who’d sat on a pale pink settee much like the one she sat on now, embroidering a handkerchief, pillowcase, or something. “Good day, Mother.”
She looked up from her needlework, the deep lines in her brow due to him—as were the wisps of white hair escaping from her cap to leave the darker strands hiding. “Philip. I didn’t expect you. This is a lovely surprise. Please, I will send for tea.”
He waved his hand as he strode forward and sat in the chair opposite her. “No need. I simply came to bring you good news.”
Her pale blue eyes, even lighter than his own, appeared hopeful. “Good news is always welcome. You’re well, then?”
“I am.” He hesitated to ask, but it was required. “And you? Are you in good health?”
“Indeed I am. Last week I was abed due to a migraine, but I believe the sunshine has scared it quite away. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see you. You must tell me all that you have done this year so far. I’ve seen so little of you.
There is no need to avoid me. You know I don’t blame you. ”
She always had to bring up his father’s death when he was about. Not willing to discuss it, he ignored the inference, even if it was true. “I’ve come to let you know that I’m betrothed, and in three weeks I will be married at our parish church in Newnham.”
“Oh, Philip, this is grand news! You must tell me all about her.” She set aside her needlework and clasped her hands upon her lap as she leaned forward. “Who is she?”
“She is Lady Georgina. Lord and Lady Edgerton’s daughter.”
“Edgerton.” His mother frowned as she thought. “They had eight children, I believe, and Lady Georgina is the youngest. If I remember correctly, she’s a wisp of a lady. Reminds me of a forest fairy.” She smiled at him. “She’s been out a couple of seasons now. How did you meet her?”
A forest fairy? That hadn’t occurred to him, but now that it had been pointed out, he could imagine it, especially with the lady’s interest in birds. “We met at a Twelfth Night ball.”
“Oh, Philip. It must have been love from the start. That was but a few months ago.”
“Yes. It was a masquerade and she was dressed as a bird.”
“And what were you? Were you a prince? No, you must have been a philosopher with all that you learned at school.”
“Actually, I was a jester.”
She clapped her hands and sat back. “Even better. Everyone enjoys a man who can make them laugh. I imagine she was quite taken with you.”
“Yes, well, I wanted you to know in the event you wished to attend the ceremony.”
“Wish to attend? I wouldn’t miss it. My only son being married is a momentous occasion.”
“Are you sure? It is a full day’s travel to Newnham.”
She waved her hand as if the journey were of no consequence. “I attended your sister’s wedding, and that was in Linton. Have you told Ursula yet?”
He hadn’t even thought to tell his sister. “No. I thought you might like to pass along the happy news. Is she in Town?”
“She is, and I’m sure once she hears, she will have a dinner in your honor.”
That was the last thing he wanted, but it would be expected. His punishment for marrying was already starting, and he would endure it as he should. “I’m sure Lady Georgina would welcome an invitation to meet my family. Now, I fear, I must take my leave.” He rose from the chair.
His mother quickly stood as well and held her hands out to him. “I shall look forward to seeing you very soon. Perhaps you can bring Lady Georgina here so that I might spend a bit of time with her before we attend your sister’s gathering for you.”
He took her hands and let her squeeze his own. “Of course. I will speak with her about it when next I see her.” He pulled his hands away. “Please give Lady Redding my regards.”
“I will. Thank you so much for the wonderful news.”
He gave his mother a nod before quickly exiting the room.
In no time, he was striding down Bond Street on the way to his rooms. Already, he had two engagements set with Lady Georgina.
If they were to make it to the wedding with no one the wiser as to their true reasons for marrying, they would need to create their own story.
His only concern was whether she would remember it.
Since she’d been to the Duke of Northwick’s school, he hoped she could.
It was either that or they could not be seen together anywhere, and that alone could cause the gossips to start wondering.
He slowed as he came to the Albany. After he married, he couldn’t bring his wife back to Town when all he had was four rooms, his valet, a footman, and coachman. Maybe she’d like to stay at Crestfield after they married. That would solve that dilemma nicely.
Even as relief filled him, he remembered their conversation in Hyde Park. Being exiled to the country was the last thing she wished. But maybe once she saw it, she might change her mind. He still had time to decide what to do.
First, he had to navigate the ton with a betrothed who was as likely to tell a secret as a story.