“I have spoken with the Prince Regent extensively while I’ve been in town.”
“What an honor!”
“Indeed. That is part of why I have not come to see you until now. I’ve been quite busy with this project. I believe if weaccomplish the Prince Regent’s vision, I could be handsomely rewarded with either a leadership or diplomatic position.”
Adele knew of her father’s ambitions, and service to the Crown was what he’d always most aspired to, but lately, titles seemed to matter more. That was, he wanted to be Lord Chancellor or Prime Minister or Chancellor of the Exchequer. Likely he was working with the Prince Regent with the hope of earning an honorary title as well. To what end, she did not know; if he were elevated to become a marquess or duke, he had no clear heir. Well, Adele had a distant cousin who would be the likely recipient of any titles Adele’s father acquired.
As far as Adele could tell, the only real purpose of a hereditary title was to pass it on to a son. Well, her father had a few ceremonial duties and a piece of entailed property outside London where he lived when Parliament was not in session. But it seemed to Adele that all these titles were meant to create artificial ranks within society. After all, how were she and Hugh different? Hugh had a higher rank than Adele’s father—Adele had no rank at all because she was a woman—but until Adele had known Hugh’s identity, he could have been any man. But now, just because he was a duke, they would probably never see each other again.
And for what purpose could her father be trying to accumulate all these honors except as a means to gaining power and money.
She pushed it aside. Her father had called on her and she should give him her attention, even if sometimes she found his ambition gauche.
“I will likely be in town for a few more weeks while we develop this planning project,” said the earl. “But you know how I do not care much for London. I hope to return to Canbury as swiftly as possible. But while I am here, perhaps we can have dinner.”
“Yes, I would like that.”
“And perhaps you would like to accompany me to a little fete next week.”
“I would be happy to as long as I am not needed here. The countess’s health has been failing for some time.”
“Yes, the butler mentioned as much when I arrived. I do hope it is not too serious.”
Adele nodded. “She seems to have already greatly improved today. What is this fete?”
“Do you know the Marquess and Marchioness of Wakefield? They are the hosts.”
“I know them by reputation but I do not believe we’ve met.”
“Wakefield is an old school chum of mine. He heard I was in town and sent me an invitation to the ball he and his wife throw annually. It might be quite the crush. Wear your best evening gown.”
Adele nodded. She hadn’t been to a ball in a number of years, but she still knew how to dance and did own one gown that would be appropriate. She and the countess were sharing a ladies’ maid at the moment, but perhaps Adele could borrow Mary the evening of the party to help her do her hair.
“I hate to make this visit so short, but I have urgent business,” said the earl. “I wanted to see you as soon as I was able.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
“You are all right here? The countess is taking good care of you?”
“I am taking good care of the countess, but the staff here is wonderful and I want for nothing.”
“Very good.” He kissed her cheek. “If you need anything, please ask and I will do what I can.”
“I will.”
As she walked him out a few minutes later, it occurred to Adele that she’d lied. What she wanted was Hugh, but of course, no fatherly intervention would bring him here.
Chapter Thirteen
Estate management wasa struggle when Hugh could only remember about half of what his secretary insisted was a great deal of knowledge and experience. Killingworth, Hugh’s secretary, had given up on having Hugh solve complex mathematics equations. “Your solicitor, Mr. Hogarth, has also requested a meeting to discuss some parcel of land in Kent,” said Killingworth.
“Very well. Set up the appointment.”
Killingworth now turned his attention toward sorting through the vast number of social invitations he’d received in the last week.
“I don’t know if I am up for a ball,” said Hugh.
The dowager walked into his office then as if summoned. “A ball?”
