He swallowed a chuckle because she was clearly at least ten years younger than himself.
“But I’ve been so busy with preparing for the season that I haven’t picked up a book since.”
He ignored the disappointment that followed her statement and ushered both women into the small shop they’d come to with simply Armand’s on the sign. The small space contained four petite tables each with four chairs. At the moment, no other patrons were present. He wasn’t surprised considering the weather had turned so unseasonably cold.
They settled in at the table closest to the window that looked out upon Oxford Street. A young man came over and quickly took their order. Macarons weren’t his favorite, but he wasn’t going to say so.
Lady Holburn loosened the ties of her own cloak before folding her hands on the table. “So you must tell us who else is coming to Lady Elsbeth’s ball. Will it be a grand affair or small and intimate?”
The question wasn’t one he’d contemplated. “I have left all the details to my aunt. She is far more versed in these matters.”
Lady Holburn patted his hand. “Of course. I don’t know what you men would do without us to arrange all the details.” She beamed at her daughter. “Caroline is an absolute expert at details. I hardly had to arrange anything for her ball. She knew exactly what she wanted and who to invite.”
“Mother, I couldn’t have made all those arrangements without you.” She turned to him, her pretty light blue eyes holding his gaze but briefly. “Learning about such events is very different from actually putting them in practice.” She put her hand over her mother’s. “I would have been lost without mother’s council.”
As the two took turns telling him about the grand ball they had arranged and complimenting each other on their ideas, his mind wandered. It wasn’t that he didn’t wish to be bothered, so much as it wasn’t of great import to him since it had already passed.
“—was the beautiful butterfly.”
His attention returned at the mention of that particular insect. “A butterfly?”
Lady Holburn nodded. “Yes. The pale blue glass wings set off the blue glass beads in her dress, making her sparkle.”
He gazed at Lady Caroline who blushed. “The hair piece was a beautiful creation made by Rundell and Bridge.” Have you heard of them?”
He shook his head, his mind quickly reverting to The Butterfly illustration he remembered in the stolen book. He couldn’t see Lady Caroline being willing to try something quite that…creative. But marriage was not about creativity. It was about having a wife who could run the household and produce heirs. Unlike his own father, he planned to actually live in the same house with said heir.
“Tell me, Your Grace. Are you enjoying the season?” Lady Holburn leaned in as if she were sharing a confidence. “I understand this is your first season as well as Lady Elsbeth’s.”
Enjoying would be giving it far more credit than he would allow. “It has been both interesting and educational so far.”
Lady Holburn twittered as she leaned back. “Educational. What a unique way to look at such a variety of activities. I admit that I, for one, enjoy every last moment until we must leave Town.”
Lady Caroline gazed sympathetically at her mother. “Father did say we could host a few more balls this winter now that I’m out in society.” She looked over at him from beneath her lashes. “That is if I’m still unmarried by then.”
The hint wasn’t subtle though the look was. He appreciated her candor, no matter how it was related. “I doubt very much that a young woman of such fine qualities like yourself would be unspoken for by the season’s end. I’m surprised you have not had any offers.”
“Oh, but she has.” Lady Holburn unclasped her hands and laid one on her daughter’s arm. “You’ve had three, have you not?”
“Yes, Mother, but I’m sure that his grace would not be interested in my—”
“Piffle. I’m sure he is.” Lady Holburn looked straight at him. “I’m afraid that all three were lacking in something. We expect that Lady Caroline’s husband will be well-bred, well set-up, and well-placed. Is that not what you are expecting for Lady Elsbeth?”
The woman was shrewd. “It is. The gentleman also must be to Elsbeth’s liking, so it may take a bit of time for us to agree.”
Lady Holburn gazed at her daughter with motherly pride. “My daughter always agrees with me.”
He glanced at Lady Caroline to catch a mutual look of adoration. It triggered a memory of his older sister and mother, the look of knowing so similar. The image sent a chill up his back. Why think of them now? His aunt and cousin didn’t agree like these two, so why would he remember his deceased mother and sister? Suddenly uncomfortable, the need to escape grew. Searching for some excuse, he was thwarted by the waiter coming with their sweets.
Anxious to leave, he took advantage of the young man’s presence and bumped him at just the right moment so the macarons fell in his lap.
“You clumsy fool.” Lady Holburn looked about. “Where is Monsieur Armand? This should not go unpunished.”
“No, it was my fault. I moved at the wrong time.” He lifted the macarons from his lap and set them on the plate that had made it to the table. “Do not search out Monsieur Armand.” He stood, wiping the crumbs off his tan pantaloons. “But I’d best leave and change.”
The waiter apologized for the third time, so he turned to him and pressed a shilling into his hand. “No harm done.” He gave the man a wink.
The young man visibly relaxed, having figured out his ploy.
