“I only came to see if you needed assistance or support. My intent is merely to offer you anything you need.”
“Lark.”
“I know we’ve barely seen each other since your wedding, but you are and always will be my friend. So whatever you need, tell me and I will provide it. That is what a friend would do.”
“Will you come to the funeral?”
“Of course, if you want me there.”
Anthony nodded. “I’m afraid I am incapable of rational thought right now, so I can’t even think of what to ask of you. But I fear I cannot face the funeral on my own.”
“You are mourning and not expected to think rationally. I can accompany you to the funeral if that is what you need.”
Anthony let out a breath. “I honestly do not know what I need. I am glad to see you, though.”
Lark smiled. He wanted to weep. “I cannot know what you are experiencing, but all I want to do is take your pain away.”
“I know. That is how you would feel.” Anthony shook his head. “Can you tell me about something trite and stupid? Gossip, parliamentary business, something to get over this overwhelming feeling I have that my life is ending.”
It was perhaps advantageous that Lark had recently taken to reading the scandal sheets again. “Certainly, I can do that. TheDuke of Cambridge just married. The race is on to see which of the king’s children will be the first to give the country an heir.”
“What a godawful mess,” Anthony said, clearly happy for the distraction. “The king has been in the grips of some madness for nearly a decade, and his oldest son, who is supposed to be ruling in his place, is a ridiculous dilettante who apparently only lay with his wife the one time, but now his daughter is dead, and somehow none of the king’s, what, twelve children has managed to produce a legitimate heir? What is wrong with that family?”
Lark laughed. “Is this a sufficient distraction?”
“Lark, ifIcould find a way to father a child, surely one of those seven Hanover men can discern the mechanics of it.”
“One would think. I guess we are about to find out.”
Anthony rubbed his eyes. “Well, thank you for that. Look at me making a joke.”
“I don’t love seeing you this way,” Lark said. Anthony had almost laughed, but it was clear he was deeply upset. “Your sadness is palpable.”
“I am in a bad way,” Anthony admitted. “The shock is too fresh for me to understand what I need, but I could use a friend right now.”
“I can be that for you. Truly.”
Anthony nodded. “Thank you, Lark. Would you like some whisky?”
“I am trying to refrain.”
“I’ve heard that you basically live in a bottle now.”
Lark supposed word would have reached Anthony, even if they had not been at any of the same events all Season. Anthonyhad barely attended anything. And yet. “Near the truth,” Lark said. “Hence refraining. Or trying to.”
“It’s unlike you to overindulge.”
“I suspect you know why.”
Anthony sighed. “I reckon I do.”
“Let us not talk about that now. I could use some tea.”
Anthony tugged on a nearby cord to summon a servant. A maid appeared in the door.
“Mary, could you please bring Lord Waring a tea service?”
She curtsied. “Of course, my lord. I will see to it.”
