Cecilia and James exchanged glances.
“As do we all,” said Cecilia. “Excuse me, I need to freshen up before dinner.”
“Mr. Thornbridge, would you care to join me in my library for a drink?” James extended his hand in the direction of his library.
“I should be honored,” David said.
* * *
“HasMr. Thornbridge displayed any partiality for Miss Rangaswamy to you?” Cecilia asked her husband, as their carriage took them to the Amblethorpe London townhouse.
“You caught his interest in her when we talked before dinner.”
“It was rather obvious. And at dinner he hung on every word Miss Rangaswamy made, as if they were pearls cast before him.”
“Yes. He has spoken to me of his admiration for Miss Rangaswamy.”
“Admiration?”
“Eloquently,” James said dryly.
“Oh dear.”
James laughed. “Why do you say ‘oh, dear’in just that tone of voice?”
“I do hope he is not developing a tendre for her.”
“Why is that?”
“Mr. Thornbridge has lost all taste for the city, and yearns to return to the country,” Cecilia said.
“Yes, we have discussed this.”
“Miss Rangaswamy, on the other hand, loves the city. I do not think she would be happy in the country.”
“But shouldn’t we let them discover this for themselves? Without interference? Have you thought perhaps he may stay in the city for her, or she go to the country for him?”
“I suppose. It’s just—Gracious! There is a line of carriages, James! Look!”
James leaned across her to look out her side of the carriage windows. “I would have thought more people would have left London for the holidays by now.”
“It will be a crush. Lady Amblethorpe must be thrilled. And she doesn’t even have a daughter on the marriage mart.”
“We shall have to work diligently with this crowd to talk up the situation about Soothcoor’s nephew and encourage hiring chimney sweeps. “
“Yes.” Cecilia stared at the line of coaches. It appeared to be moving with some modicum of steady, albeit slow rate.
“Since perforce we must wait our turn, what had you been about to say regarding Miss Rangaswamy and Mr. Thornbridge?”
She shrugged her slender shoulders. “I’ve come to care for both of them. They are good people and deserve happiness.”
“I’m sure they will find their way,” James said.
“Perhaps, but I’ve sensed Mr. Thornbridge’s dissatisfaction with his life.”
“We will assist him in finding the right position so he can be content. That is the most we should do. Do not think to get involved with his love life as well. It will not serve, Cecilia,” James warned.
She sighed. “Can I help it if I want others to find the happiness we have found together?”
