Archibald shrugged. “I’ve decided it’s best to remain out of sight as much as possible when my future mother-in-law is in the vicinity. That said, I believe that wedding invitations will be forthcoming—likely arriving this week—and you will both be receiving one.”
“I look forward to it.” Contrary to what many people thought, Nicholas did enjoy weddings. At least, he did as long as both participants wanted to be there. They were happy affairs with food and alcohol—what wasn’t to like?
Of course, Theo’s wedding had been a tad uncomfortable for him because Theo hadn’t wished to marry and was coerced into it because of Nicholas. Guilt had threatened to swallow him whole, but he’d also firmly believed that Kate could make Theo happy.
The whole thing had been very confusing.
“Where is the ceremony being held?” Nicholas asked.
Chisholm groaned. “No. We aren’t talking about weddings today.” He tipped his hat to Nicholas. “It was good to see you, Blackwell, but we’re going to continue on our way.”
Nicholas nodded in acknowledgement and guided Pepperaround them. He rode from one side of the park to the other, then circled around and returned to Blackwell House.
He slipped off the horse, gave him into the care of a stablehand, and headed inside in a rather pleasant mood.
“I have a missive for you, Master Nicholas,” Albert called, hurrying toward him with a sealed note that looked the same as the one he had received earlier.
Nicholas took it from him. “Thank you, Albert.”
He opened it on the way up the stairs, then read the text before pocketing it. In his bedchamber, he checked the clock. It was nearly two o’clock, which meant that, according to her note, Sophie would be here soon.
Backtracking out of his room, he found a maid and requested a basin of water for his room and a tray of tea and scones with jam to be sent to the receiving room in anticipation of her visit.
He returned to his room and stripped out of his clothing. He wrapped a towel around his waist just as a footman entered with his basin of water.
“Set it there, please,” Nicholas said, motioning to a washstand.
The footman did so and left, closing the door behind him.
Nicholas used a clean cloth to wash himself and added a little of the scent he preferred before calling Barlow to help him dress in attire appropriate to meet with a debutante.
Freshly clad in a tidy black waistcoat, matching pants, and a pale blue shirt, Nicholas made his way down to the receiving room just as Alfred escorted Lady Sophie into the foyer.
He blinked, caught off guard by her appearance. He almost hadn’t recognized her. She was dressed more drably than usual, in a nondescript brown dress, her hair braided and unadorned.
She flashed him a grin that didn’t match her attire in the slightest.
“You’re very punctual,” Nicholas remarked, taking her arm and walking with her into the receiving room. Sophie’s maid wandered behind them, keeping enough distance that they could speak without having their every word overheard.
She laughed. “I try.”
“I can’t help but notice that this isn’t your usual style.” He released her and waved his hand up and down her person. “Have you decided to lose your sense of taste?”
“I am trying to go unnoticed. You don’t have to be rude about it.”
“So, did you bring an unmarked carriage?” He was curious how much she’d thought this through.
She scoffed. “Of course.”
“Good. So, why the cloak-and-dagger routine?”
She glanced at the door, so he went over and closed it. The maid had sat in the far corner of the room and was doing her best to pretend they didn’t exist.
The food tray he’d requested was resting on a small round table, so he crossed to it and poured two cups of tea, then added plenty of sugar to hers.
“Would you like a scone with jam and clotted cream?” he asked. “They’re freshly made.”
“I would love one, but I can get it myself.” Sophie came over and scooped a large dollop of jam onto a scone, followed by a generous portion of clotted cream. She bit into the scone, and cream smeared on her lip. When her tongue darted out to clean it, blood rushed to his groin, and he had to look away.
