“She’s... improving,” Lord Mason hedges, holding open the antechamber door so Lord Havenfort and James can pass through.
“Good. Remember, I can have Cordelia’s doctor sent up for Meredith, all expenses paid. Please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Lord Mason says with a grateful smile.
“How is my aunt?” James puts in, wanting to seem as connected as Lord Mason.
Lord Havenfort’s smile falters for a moment before it stretches wide across his face. “She’s doing well. I’ll tell her you’ve asked after her. She’s been meaning to extend an invitation for dinner, when she’s less tired.”
“Of course,” James says. “My mother is excited for the new baby,” he adds, unsure of how else to respond.
It’s true, he thinks. Or maybe she’s jealous? He’s never quite sure when it comes to his mother and her relationship with her late brother-in-law’s widow.
“I’ll tell Lady Havenfort,” Lord Havenfort says. “In lieu of a dinner, actually, I thought you both might enjoy attending the opera tonight.”
“I can’t this evening,” Lord Mason says softly. “My apologies, Uncle, though I do appreciate the invitation. I’ve a meeting with Cunningham and his father to discuss some property.”
“Of course, of course. Gwen and Beth will be disappointed, but they’ll understand,” Lord Havenfort says.
“I’d be happy to attend,” James says quickly, jumping at the chance to make a better impression on his cousin and her stepsister. “I can pick them up, even. I so appreciate the invitation.”
“Wonderful,” Lord Havenfort says, giving James what feels like a genuine smile. “Seven?”
“I’ll come by with the carriage.”
“I’ll send Bobby along to join them,” Lord Mason says. “Make the numbers even and give him something to do. A substitute Mason, if you will.”
James opens his mouth, reluctant to be trapped in close, possibly hostile, quarters with Mason for the night, but Lord Havenfort is already handing them both their tickets.
“Splendid. Beth and Gwen will be delighted. Now, I must get home to see my wife. Good day, boys.”
James stands stock-still, holding his ticket as he watches Lord Havenfort march away.
“Have a good evening,” Lord Mason says, patting James on the shoulder before heading off himself.
James slowly turns to walk home, baffled. How has he just gotten himself invited to an evening full of Bobby Mason?
***
“Parr is by far the best jockey trainer, and to suggest otherwise only shows how little you’ve been paying attention,” Lady Gwen tells Mason later that night as they sit in Lord Havenfort’s box at the newly refurbished Royal Opera House waiting for the performance to start.
Mason leans around James to glare at Lady Gwen. His cologne wafts past James’ nose and James tells himself staunchly that he detests the scent of sandalwood, even though it’s long been his favorite.
“George Abdale is just as good a trainer—better, even, since it was his horse that won last year,” Mason counters.
Mason and Lady Gwen have been having this argument now for a solid hour, since James picked them all up in his carriage, and it’s beginning to wear on him. Not only does he have exactly zero interest in horse racing, but it’s wildly cutting into his efforts to impress his cousin and ignore Bobby Mason. He wants something to come of this uncomfortable evening, but they won’t stop talking about the Ascot races, and his opportunity for demonstrating personal growth is rapidly running out.In a few minutes, the fourth performance ofLes Huguenotswill begin, and they’ll be trapped in silence for hours. He’s going to have to change tack.
“George Abdale is very good,” MissBertram says from James’ right.
“Don’t you take his side,” Lady Gwen whines.
“I can have opinions independent of both of you,” MissBertram says. “And let’s not fight across Lord Demeroven all night.”
“It’s all right,” James says, determined to be polite to the ladies, to ingratiate himself, even if it does come at the cost of having done research into his least-favorite topics. “But I am sorry, cousin, it does sound like Parr has the best lineup this season.”
“Hah!” Lady Gwen crows.
“I know he’s new, but his jockeys have been winning heats up and down the races this season, and Wells is favored to be in the top three by Ascot,” James continues.
