Her heart beat harder, humiliation creeping up her neck. This woman did not come to see her out of friendliness, but of obligation. “Oh.”
“Oh, drat,” Mrs. Langford scrambled. “I did alsowantto call on you. You and I are similar in many regards. In fact, I had hoped to call on you again.” She put a hand to her middle. “I only wanted you to know that Mr. Stanton asked for me to come here, as I believe it shows a fondness for you. Even if he is too proud to admit it.”
Or he wished to pawn Honora off on someone else. But if that were the case, why would he pick a woman married to one of his closest friends? If he truly wished to be rid of her, surely he would not have recommended such a close acquaintance.
“I shouldn’t have said anything,” Mrs. Langford said, waving a hand in the air. “I was only trying to help a friend.”
“Even against his will?” Honora smiled again. Perhaps this woman would be a good friend for her. She didn’t mince words, getting straight to the point. Which was much like herself.
Mrs. Langford smiled. “Yes. Even against his will. Which is how most things in his life appear to be done I am afraid.”
“Well, he is lucky to have such friends. Any person would be.”
Mrs. Langford stood, and Honora followed suit.
“I hope you will be willing to come and have dinner with us all soon.”
Honora’s head jerked. “Me?”
With a gentle lift of her shoulder, Mrs. Langford smiled. “And perhaps Stanton, too.”
“I really think you are imagining this attachment between Leonard and myself.”
“Leonard?” She smiled as if Honora had only proven her point. “And I think one would have to be blind to miss it.”
“Well, I thank you for your visit, Mrs. Langford—”
“Sophie,” she offered. “Call me Sophie. Most people do.”
Honora dipped her head. “Sophie. And you must call me Honora.”
As her guest left, Honora’s mind warred between two thoughts. In one regard, she was elated to possibly have a young woman to call friend. But another part of her mind struggled—wishing for nothing other than to solve the puzzle of Leonard Stanton. Perhaps there was a vital piece of information missing. And if there was, she was going to find it out.
Chapter Seventeen
Honora walked to Mr. Stanton’s door, the sun somewhere behind the gray clouds of late evening—because night was when the less desirable came out to play.
This time, she didn’t even need to knock. Leonard was walking down his front steps before she made it there herself. Her gaze washed over him, his wavy brown hair styled neatly. A pity, really. But the rest of his appearance she could admire, even—a tad reluctantly—the more styled locks, paired with a deep-blue tailcoat, gold-hued waistcoat, and dark-cream pantaloons.
He was going to stick out like a parrot among sparrows.
“Leo,” she said with a smile, waiting until he was on flat ground with her. She trailed her eyes over his form. “You look very well.”
For a brief moment, she saw it. His eyes did a similar perusal, though much shorter. But the effect was just as impactful. “As do you.” His brows scrunched as he took another look at her dress. “That is what you are wearing?”
She looked down at her plain brown muslin. “Yes. We aren’t going to a ball. And while I am getting great enjoyment out ofyour ensemble, I am very much afraid you will stand out where we are going.”
“Ah.” He looked down at his own attire. “Well, that will have to be the way of it then. I am not going to change.” With a look at her carriage, he asked, “Are we to take your carriage? For I fear that will stand out much more than my attire.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I have arranged for another means of transportation. It will be here shortly.”
“Of course it will.” This time, his words didn’t have their usual biting edge, but rather were more a statement of fact that she would have thought of such details ahead of time. He ran his hands along his arms. “Goodness, it is freezing out.”
“Poor little rich boy,” she said, fighting a smile.
With a scoff, he looked toward her. “You are one to talk, rich little thief that you are.”
“Reformed thief,” she said, leaning forward and looking down the road as she heard hoofbeats clatter down the cobblestones. “I made a promise and I shall stick to it.”
