With a snap of her fingers, the modiste’s assistants brought out a variety of rich, jewel-toned fabrics. As Elise felt the lushness of the satins, Reid’s words came back to her. “The green,” she said softly. “I think I’d like a dress in the green.”
After an hour of measurements and orders for more dresses, Elise was exhausted when the ladies piled back into Moira’s carriage.
“Well, I think that was an afternoon well spent,” the countess said with a smile.
“We’ve talked with the Dowager Duchess of Carrington, and the next step is for us to mention having met you, and how charming you are, when we see other ladies from our circles,” said Angeline.
“And thankfully, since you are charming, we won’t have to lie,” Moira said with a wink.
Laughing, Elise could only be grateful to have these new friends by her side.
CHAPTER32
Over the next few days as Parliament resumed after the holiday recess, Reid was happy to hear a buzz in the air about Elise’s return to London. That word was beginning to spread was solidified when Reid was summoned to lunch at his sister’s house by his mother.
“What is this I hear about Lady Elise being in town—and seen about with the wives of your friends?” his mother asked as soon as Reid walked into the drawing room.
“It’s lovely to see you too, mother,” he replied while bending down to kiss her cheek.
She waved her hand to dismiss his sarcasm. “Well?” she said, looking at him pointedly.
“Yes, Lady Elise is in London visiting her father and sister, and she went shopping with Ladies Geffen and Eastland a few days ago in search of a gown for the Wrexham ball.” It was not lost on Reid that the first ball of the season was usually held by the Wrexham’s, the family that had caused the commotion surrounding Elise to begin with. It was poetic in a way that this would be the location where Elise would once again make her debut.
“So is she one of your friends now, since you were so insistent on helping her at Cliff House?” his mother persisted.
“Mother,” Reid said, taking in a deep breath, “I need you to come to terms with the idea of accepting Lady Elise, as I fully intend to make her my wife.”
Inhaling sharply, she looked stunned. “You will do no such thing. You cannot,” she said after a minute. “Her reputation aside, you must marry into money for the good of the estate.”
“I know the estate needs funds,” Reid conceded, “but Fairleigh and I have come up with a plan to increase our harvest yields within a few years. My friend, Jonathan, and Lady Elise are also planning a vegetable garden that will provide food for our tenants, which will lessen expenses.”
“I’m proud of you for that,” she said. “But that won’t be enough. Real funds are also needed.”
“I’m well aware, but Lady Elise is not destitute. Lord Pelham gave her the money intended for her dowry when she moved to the estate. She has spent some of it, but it all went to property improvements, and the remainder she will bring into our marriage.”
“That’s all well and good, son, but what of her reputation? We cannot allow her to besmirch the Weston name.”
Fighting back his impatience with that type of thinking, Reid replied as calmly as possible. “We are both aware of the challenges, but you know as well as I do that she never should have been labeled as ruined to begin with. Using her family friends and the circumstances which led to her being cast from polite society, we are attempting to change the tide of sentiment in her favor so she will be welcomed back by theton.”
“So that’s why I’ve heard her name about . . . Do you think it will be enough to keep you in good standing should you be associated with her?”
Looking at his mother pointedly, Reid said, “She’s a good woman who was dealt a bad hand, and most importantly, I love her. I don’t want to hurt you or the Weston name, but she’s more important to me than anything else. I intend to marry her regardless, so prepare yourself.”
The countess’s eyes softened seeing how genuine he was. “I do want you to be happy, son, so I’ll pray it will work out for you.”
* * *
Later that evening, after a long strategy meeting with the few fellow Whigs in Lords, Reid made his way to the Pelham town house to dine with Elise and her father.
Greeting him with a kiss that instantly made him feel better, Elise nonetheless picked up on his strain. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Reid said with a sigh. “Just a long day. And lunch with my mother.” At that, Elise quirked a brow. “I’ll tell you all about it after dinner, let’s go meet your father.” Taking her hand, he relaxed into her presence.
The next hour eased Reid further through pleasant conversation and good food. He truly enjoyed Lord Pelham and was happy the man would be part of his family moving forward. And it was easy to see that things were no longer strained between father and daughter. He could only hope no longer needing to worry about Elise’s wellbeing or place in society would keep everything easy between them.
With the meal concluded, Pelham said an early good night and retreated upstairs, undoubtably to give the couple some time in private, which Reid appreciated. Pulling Elise in close the second they were alone, he kissed her deeply, savoring the moment. After several drugging minutes, Elise rested her cheek against his chest and stood in his arms. He cherished such moments and the feelings of home and completeness that they brought him. His arms felt empty now whenever he was not able to hold her.
“I don’t want to leave you, but I’m set to depart for Dorset the day after tomorrow,” she said from beneath his chin.
