A sleety shower came and went, but the wind was still icily chill as they arrived at Harfield, to find a post chaise and pairdrawn up outside, its window down as the butler spoke to the occupants, a man and a woman.
“Wait here a moment while I see what is going on,” Edward said to Tess. Walking across to the post chaise, he called out, “What is it, Jeffries?”
Tess could not hear what Jeffries said, but she saw Edward peer into the chaise and then recoil abruptly, his face black with rage. Moments later, he opened the door and a man of around forty descended, and was hustled into the house by Edward, the butler scurrying after them.
This was so intriguing that Tess called for Harold to open the door for her and strolled across to the post chaise. The woman inside had drawn up the window again, but Tess opened the door.
“Good day, madam. Will you not step inside to warm yourself? The wind is bitterly cold out here, and if your friend is to be engaged for some time with his lordship—”
“No, no! Thank you kindly, but it’s best if I stay out here.” She was young, not much above twenty, very pretty, and rather showily dressed, making a little money go a long way. Her accent was not a northern one. Not a lady, Tess deduced, but she could not quite work out where she fitted into society.
“I must disagree with you. Come inside and let me find you a fire.”
She hesitated. “I should not. If I should meet one of the ladies…”
“It is a large house. There is little danger of it. Do come inside.”
Another gust of icy wind settled the matter, and she stepped down from the carriage and followed Tess into the house, Betty hurrying in their wake. A rather harassed footman admitted them, showed them to a small antechamber and lit the fire.
“Where is Lord Tarvin?”
“In the small study, madam.”
“Tell him where I am, will you? And send in some tea for Miss—?”
“Goodlake.”
“Very good, madam.” He bowed himself out.
“Tea… I really shouldn’t.”
“Why ever not? Since your gentleman friend has business with Lord Tarvin, you are just as entitled as he is to the hospitality of the house.”
She gave a throaty laugh. “I don’t think so, dear. The ladies wouldn’t like it if they knew.”
“Lucky they do not know, then, is it not? Do take off your coat, Miss Goodlake. There is no knowing how long your friend may be. Is he a friend… or a brother, perhaps? He is too young to be your father.”
Another laugh. “Let’s just call him my friend, for now. You know my name, but I don’t know yours. I know you don’t live here, because it’s only two older ladies.”
“At present that is true, but before too long this will be my house. I am Miss Nicholson, and I am betrothed to Lord Tarvin.”
Miss Goodlake squealed. She had already untied her bonnet, but now she hastily began to fasten the ribbons again. “There, you see, that’s just what I was afraid of. You shouldn’t have anything to do with me, miss, you being a lady an’ all, and bein’ hiswifebefore too long.”
“Are you an opera dancer?” Tess said interestedly. “Or… oh, you are not Edward’smistress?Oh, you are! How delicious! How absolutely delicious! And to think I thought he was stuffy!”
Miss Goodlake stared at her, but Betty harrumphed in dismay. “You really shouldn’t be in the same room with the likes of her,” she said to Tess. “It’s not right, bringing her under the same roof as good Christian folk.”
“That’s just what I say,” Miss Goodlake said. “I shouldn’t be here, by rights. Edward would be so cross with me.”
The door opened, and a small train of footmen entered, bearing trays of tea and an array of cakes and pastries. Miss Goodlake eyed them hungrily.
“There, now! Sit down and let me pour you some tea,” Tess said calmly. “Oh, these apricot tartlets are very good. Mrs Johnson’s speciality. Or would you prefer the cherry cake?”
Miss Goodlake would have needed an extraordinary level of willpower to resist these offers. She removed her bonnet and pelisse, and by the third apricot tartlet and second cup of tea, all restraint had been swept away. Only Betty, glowering in the corner and refusing to be appeased by a macaroon, was still disapproving.
It was at this point that the door opened and Edward stormed in, with the man from the post chaise behind him. Before Edward could say a word, Tess jumped up and laid a hand on his arm.
“Is this not delightful? I do not suppose you expected to see Nellie here, did you?”
