Jeremy turned in surprise at the sound of Simon Winchester's voice. He had assumed that the son would be with the parents, at their home, not here in London. Then, through his surprise, he registered the term of address that Winchester had used. Jeremy bit back a hard response, which would have reminded Simon Winchester that he was not yet an Earl and only his father had the right to use such a familiar term with Jeremy.
He smiled tightly instead.
Harriet had walked on a few paces but now paused, smiling politely as Simon approached.
“Winchester, it is indeedunexpected,” Jeremy greeted, baring teeth in his bright, welcoming smile.
“And Lady Harriet. Your fiancée, I take it,” Simon added, bowing to Harriet, who inclined her head in response.
“Your father gave no inclination of returning so soon to town the other evening,” Jeremy noted innocently. “Else, I’d have extended an invitation myself.”
Simon grinned wickedly. “He did not. My mother and father remain in Essex at theirillustriousabode. I arrived alone to meet someone. What a coincidence that I chose today and Hyde Park of all places for my meeting. As did you.”
Jeremy suddenly wondered if it was a coincidence at all. Simon had already made it clear that he did not wish his parents to sell the Opera House. Was this part of some ploy to undermine Jeremy and his bid? So preoccupied was he trying to uncover Simon's motive that he did not notice when the young man approached Harriet and offered his arm.
“I noticed that you walk in company with your betrothed, but not on his arm. May I offer mine, at least until my companion makes her appearance?” Simon said, warmly.
Harriet blinked, glanced at Jeremy, and then smiled, accepting the gesture.
“Are you joining us, Penhaligon?” Simon asked.
Jeremy suddenly realized what he had just allowed to happen and found himself trapped. He could insist that Harriet releaseSimon's arm, but that would cause a scene—at best, he would look foolish, at worst, he would look like an insecure suitor. There was no reason why the young man could not offer his arm to support Harriet when Jeremy had not.
“Of course, forgive me, I was woolgathering,” he muttered, forcing the scowl from his face.
He walked on Harriet's other side as she held Simon's left arm. Ahead of them, Jane Sullivan and her companion approached, a broad-shouldered Scotsman with the sound of Oxford underlying his Scottish brogue. He and Jane had been introduced to Jeremy when they had arrived at Hyde Park earlier.
“Have we acquired a new member for our band, then?” Philip Hamilton howled in a loud, friendly voice.
“We have! May I introduce Simon Winchester,” Harriet chimed.
There were introductions all around, and a look passed between Harriet and Jane that Jeremy caught. Jane pointedly avoided looking at Jeremy, and Harriet was trying to conceal flushed cheeks. Philip and Jane walked on ahead while Simon followed with Harriet.
He was chattering away, and Jeremy, distracted, was not following the conversation until he heard, “Of course I think the French are marvelous people! Their former Emperor and his dictatorial ambitions should not reflect badly on them. A good friend of mine happens to be French, if you must know.”
As he spoke, Simon peeped over Harriet's head and caught Jeremy's eye. The mention of the French caught Jeremy's attention.
“French, did you say?” Harriet spoke before Jeremy could.
“Why, yes, and a resident not far from your own home, I believe. MademoiselleEloise de Rouvroy. Residing at Bynacre Priory. Have you met?”
“Why, yes… Ihavemet her,” Harriet said quietly.
Jeremy looked at her sharply.
“You have?”
“Indeed. While Jane and I were walking last week. She was coming the other way on her way to Oaksgrove.”
“For what purpose?”
“I do not know. I think to simply make the acquaintance of my brother and grandmother,” Harriet shrugged.
“I am surprised you aren’t familiar with her, Penhaligon,” Simon probed with bonhomie that made Jeremy's blood boil, “considering your reputation.”
“And just what is that supposed to mean?” Jeremy demanded, coming to a halt.
There are plots at work here. Simon Winchester and Eloise de Rouvroy are certainly in league. Can Harriet be involved as well?
