It was frustrating that he had spent many hours planning his future but, as yet, had not found the woman meant to live that life with him.
“Oliver, are you well?” asked Her Grace.
“What, Mother? Oh, yes, I was gathering my thoughts about next steps. I should get back to my work. Is there anything that you desire before I do that?”
“No, dear. I thought I would go visiting this morning so I will take a maid and the carriage.”
“Of course. Remember to take two footmen to accompany the driver for your protection.”
“I always do, dear. I shall see you later at tea.”
“If I am free, yes. Otherwise, I will make myself available at dinner. But do make sure I am aware of your return, so I shan’t worry.”
“Of course, dear.”
He left his mother to execute her day as he went back to his. Thoughts of wives and little darlings and hearing himself called Daddy for the first time were put aside for now.
The footman returned from delivering his missive without an answering message. “Your Grace, Lady St. Matthews did notwish to reply immediately. She said she would be happy to respond in due course and thanked you for the letter.”
“Peculiar. Did she happen to mention why?”
“No, Your Grace. She only offered me refreshment in the kitchen and said she would speak to her granddaughter about schedules.”
“Where was this granddaughter?”
“I gather she was in the gardens taking the air, Your Grace.”
“Very well. Thank you, John, I appreciate your diligence.”
John stoically left the study. Surely she could have taken a few moments out of her day to confer with her grandmother. It was inconsiderate. Unless the elder didn’t announce his message and the need for a prompt response. He hoped that was the case rather than a statement of who this young woman was and, if so, he hoped her grandmother survived long enough to finish the raising of Lady Lilliana Griffin. Or married her off. Well, she would have to stay on his list of responsibilities for now.
His wife would certainly not show such ill manners, and if she did, she would feel the flat of his hand on her upturned backside soon afterward. However, he was even more eager to meet up with this young lady than before. And her grandmother. All of this would be moot if the chit’s father were still alive, surely. Had they been notified of her father’s passing? Not that he could find. He would need to get someone to find out this information in the future. He hated loose ends.
When Lady Georgiana Weston returned, she was accompanied by Oliver’s youngest brother, Walter. Walter had found himself engaged several weeks ago and was stupidly happy. Except for, it seemed, the time leading up to the nuptials. Oliver took the opportunity to tease him often. The middle brother, Andrew, was in France.
Walter entered behind their mother, laughing at something that had been said. Oliver took his opportunity.
“Ah, if it isn’t the lovesick cow come following you home, mother.”
“Lovesick bull, if you don’t mind, brother.” They laughed together as they hugged heartily.
“Yes, alright, if you must. How is the fair Lady Rowena?”
“Beside herself, most days. Mother, I need a drink. Shall you join us?”
“No. I’m headed for my chambers and to have a lie down. I already had my tea at the Whitcomb’s so I will see you at dinner.” Lady Weston and her maid headed upstairs.
“Oliver, I love Rowena, but this marriage business was created to see if the parties will crack before the nuptials.”
“How so? The wedding itself is simple.”
“Yes, but the engagement ball, then the attendance of all the celebratory parties in your honor, then the wedding breakfast. Then there is the moving of Rowena’s things to my home and all that goes with that. Next, the honeymoon arrangements so we may be away for a number of weeks without the affairs of the estate to hinder our time. Then to decide who will know where we are. It is all too much.”
“You aren’t staying home?”
“Too many people to meddle in our alone time. No, I’m thinking Europe.”
“If you are able to leave your estate, I would agree.”
