“It is no matter. I was simply passing and saw you within. Is everything well?”
“Yes. Yes, I was just talking with Father.”
Understanding lit her features as they both sat. “I see. I cannot say I disagree with him. If you need any help finding some candidates to—”
“No. Thank you.”
Her eyes twinkled. “You are certain? You know I would do anything to gain grandchildren.”
Lucas shook his head. “You have a stand-in granddaughter with the Bowcotts,” Lucas referenced his friend’s family in an attempt to turn the attention from himself.
“James and Kate did make an adorable daughter.” She smiled at that, then sighed. “I admit, though the idea of having you married makes me happy, I do not wish you to rush it.”
“Yes. Of course.” Discomfort made him wish to shift topics. He did not want to discuss his potential nuptials just now.
“If I am lucky, I may have two sons married soon.”
She could not mean—
“It seems Charlie has really taken an interest in Miss Faraday. Thank you for helping him. I am glad he has you.”
“Well,” Lucas hedged, “I am not certain he truly wishes to court her. He is unwilling to do so outwardly at least.”
Mother waved that off. “He will. She seems a good match for him.”
“She may not be... spirited enough.” She had wit and good humor, but Charlie’s personality was far more than that.
“Then they can balance each other out.”
“He has not gotten to know her particularly well.” He asked about her basic preferences, but did he know she was the sort to stop and talk with children on the street? What of her interest in medicine? Had Charlie asked more about that?
“He will,” Mother replied without an ounce of doubt.
“Yes, but—” Lucas cut himself off, only just realizing that he’d been refuting each of his mother’s statements in an attempt to prove that Charlie was not a good match for Miss Faraday. He cleared his throat.
“Well, I appreciate your help regardless. If ever you can find a chance to push the two of them together more, that would not go amiss.” Her eyes sparkled and seemed not to notice how rigid he’d gone.
“I will do what I can.” The words tasted like a lie on his tongue.
“Wonderful.” She came to her feet. “Now, I need to go speak with Cook about dinner.”
Lucas once again watched another individual leave the library after securing an agreement from him of something he did not particularly wish to agree to.
Perhaps he could allow Colin to get in a hit at his head sometime soon. At least with a head injury, he might forget everything he’d just promised.
Chapter 13
“Wait for me here? Ishould not be a half hour.”
The hackney cab driver watched her for a long moment before nodding.
“Thank you.” She turned from the equipage to face the solicitor’s office with a deep breath. She’d done it. After several failed attempts, she’d managed to leave Lord Tarrington’s home undetected. It had taken claiming a headache and retiring to bed early, sneaking out through the garden, and hailing a hackney cab with funds procured under the guise of needing a new bonnet, but she’d done it. And now, hopefully she could catch the man before he left the office. Dusk had just begun to fall, and though the crowds were far thinner, it was likely that Mr. Sperry would still be within.
The small bell tinkled above the shop door, and the front room was again deserted and disorganized. She heard the rumble of voices in the back room, so she simply settled herself in the singular chair available and waited, setting at her feet the small basket she’d packed in hopes of dropping it with Fanny, George, and Anne while she was nearby.
It was not long before the door opened. Lydia came to her feet as a man backed into the room, still speaking to Mr. Sperry.
“Thank ye, my lord, again. I cannot tell ye what this will do for my family.”
