“I should like to send food up to the study anyway,” she said easily. “Mrs. Hargreaves will be pleased to do so.”
James nodded. “That will be good.”
A faint smile touched Eleanor’s mouth.
James hesitated, then added, “You look well today.”
Her brows lifted slightly. “Do I?”
“Yes,” he said. “The color suits you.”
She glanced down at her gown, a soft shade of green that echoed the gardens beyond the window. “I thought it appropriate for the morning.”
“It is,” James replied. “I like it.”
The words felt strangely intimate for something so ordinary. Eleanor’s fingers tightened slightly around her cup.
“Thank you,” she said.
He cleared his throat. “And you. What are your plans today?”
Her expression brightened. “The modiste is calling later this morning. I must respond to the flood of calling cards from last night as well.”
“I imagine there were many,” James said.
“There were,” Eleanor replied. “It seems Blackmere has captured the imagination of theton.”
James studied her. “You managed that very efficiently.”
She met his gaze. “It is part of the role.”
“And you wear it well,” he said.
She smiled faintly, then hesitated. “I was also considering whether we might take up Langford House in the coming days.”
James stiffened almost imperceptibly. “In London?”
“Yes,” Eleanor said. “Most of society has returned. It would be… expected.”
He took a sip of coffee to buy himself time. “I will consider it.”
Her expression was neutral, but he sensed the restraint beneath it. “Of course.”
James rose. “I should prepare for Roderick’s arrival.”
“Very well,” she said.
He paused, then inclined his head. “Have a good day, Eleanor.”
“You as well,” she replied.
He left the room with the faint, unsettling sense that he had just sidestepped something important.
Roderick arrived just before noon, boots muddy and expression alert.
“You look tired,” Roderick said by way of greeting.
“So do you,” James replied.
