“So you are open to the idea?” Sidney asked, looking for reassurance as he grew hopeful.
“I am, but I can’t give you an answer before talking with Mark. It’s what will be best for him that concerns me the most.”
“I can understand that, Noah. Is he here? May I speak with him about Ravenswood?”
“I’m afraid he’s working at the shop currently and won’t be home until later this evening. You are welcome to stay for dinner if you’d like,” Noah offered.
“I’m afraid I can’t. I’ve just arrived in town and need to get settled. I’ll be here for the foreseeable future, as Parliament is reopening.” Handing him a card, Sidney said, “Here is the address of the Hasting town house in Mayfair. Please feel free to call on me there anytime so we can discuss things further, and I’d love to meet Mark.”
Noah took the card and shook Sidney’s hand as they stood. “I know you are anxious. I’ll speak with Mark, and we’ll have an answer for you within the week.”
* * *
It was the longest four days of Sidney’s life. But when the doorbell rang that Friday with a smiling Noah and Mark on the other side of the door, Sidney knew his dreams were about to come true.
CHAPTER36
Raising her arms in a stretch, Angeline gloried in being out of the carriage after arriving at Fitz’s townhome. She and Moira were joining him for the week to attend some of the season’s first events.
Angeline wasn’t entirely sure she was ready to face the gossip and occasionally vicious nature of theton,but she did enjoy the symphony and the theatre. And though she was trying to suppress it, she was excited to see Sidney again as well.
It had been a month since he’d departed for London so suddenly. In that time, Angeline had often wondered what could have possibly sent him running off when he was about to leave so soon anyway. She tried not to worry about it. As Sidney was still new to the title, his lawyer could have been informing him of a countless number of things.
Even though he had left early, Sidney kept his promise and wrote to Angeline at least once a week. He was a witty letter writer, and she always enjoyed his stories of frustrating encounters with “backward-thinking, selfish Tories,” as Sidney referred to them. It had been easy to fall back into friendship with him. What had been harder was keeping her feelings limited to those of friendship only.
Their talk the first morning he was back at Ravenswood had been good for both of them and helped to clear the air, speaking on more than they had in Dorset. Able to make full apologies after time to reflect helped them reassure one another after what was said and left unsaid during those terrible weeks in October. She felt like Sidney accepted they could no longer be more than friends, and they might be able to move on. Angeline had been fooling herself into thinking that for months now. But on that last day when he so innocently asked if he could hold her hand, she thought she might die from the pleasure of even that small contact.
Entering the house and taking off her coat, she was surprised when a member of the staff approached her with a note. Taking it with thanks and quickly breaking the seal, she scanned to the bottom to see who it was from.
My Darling Angie,
I know you have just arrived and must be tired from the road, but I would ask for your presence at my house this evening. There is a matter of great importance I need to speak with you about, and I’m afraid it can’t wait. I’ve asked my cook to prepare dinner for seven o’clock, but could you please arrive at half past six so you may meet my guests?
Ever your servant,
Sidney
“What is it?” Moira asked with curiosity, peering over her shoulder.
“It’s from Sidney. He’s asked me to join him and some guests for dinner tonight. He said it’s important.”
“Well, I guess you had better attend then. I’ll have one of the maids unpack your belongings right away so we can prepare a dress for you to wear tonight.”
By six that evening, Angeline was dressed and ready to go. Not sure what she should wear or how formal the dinner was, she chose a brilliant gold gown that was cut more simply. Though it shouldn’t be a consideration, she knew Sidney loved her hair, and the color of the dress complimented it well. Still curious as to what he could be up to, Angeline departed Fitz’s townhome as quickly as she had arrived.
Arriving at the Hasting townhome, she was ushered in and welcomed by a beaming Sidney. “Angeline, thank you for coming on such short notice. You look positively ravishing this evening.” Angeline could see the desire in his eyes, and she cursed herself for provoking him.
Sidney led her into the drawing room, and three men rose as she entered. An attractive middle-aged man with lush silver hair was to her left, and to her right were presumably a father and son, based on their similar appearance and difference in age.
Sidney gestured to the man on the left first. “Lady Angeline, Viscountess Eastland, may I introduce you to my friend and lawyer, Mr. Hugh Stanton.” Stanton gave her a slight bow as a beautiful smile lit up his face.
“My lady, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Angeline wondered what exactly he had heard, but before she could ask, Sidney turned her toward the other two men.
“And this is Mr. Noah Bright and his son, Mr. Mark Bright.”
“My lady,” they both murmured with polite nods.
