“How dull Pendleton will become without one of its finest ornaments,” he said.
Leonora laughed. “So prettily said, Gerard. Your talent is wasted in this backwater.” She sat between them on the bench, and toyed with the locket at her throat. “I have yet to gain your promise to come and visit us.”
Gerard bowed his head with a smile. “I will, just as soon as I can. But there is much to do here.” He rose. “Now you must both excuse me.”
He made his way back to the house.
Leonora pursed her lips. “I’m not sure I want him to come to London.”
“Why ever not?”
“He’ll be on every mama’s list of eligible bachelors.”
“Yes he will.” Harriett watched his broad shoulders disappearing through the front door.
Leonora stood and brushed down her dress. “I may come back after my dance at Almack’s.”
“May?”
Leonora raised her brows. “If I haven’t received an excellent offer,” she said, as if speaking to a simpleton.
“You’re not in love with Gerard, then?” Harriett asked.
Leonora gave her tinkling laugh. “Heavens no. What of that? Better a man be madly in love with you, then you can get whatever you want from him.”
“That sounds awfully mercenary, Leonora. You might change your mind when you’re older.”
Leonora shrugged. “We shall see.”
♥♥♥
After he saw the guests off in their carriages, Gerard went to join Lord Edgerton in the library.
Edgerton took a sip of brandy. “You have a lot on your plate, Gerard. Lady Edgerton has offered to restore order to the house. If there’s anything I can do, you have only to ask.”
Gerard rose and went to the drinks tray. He topped up their drinks from the decanter. “It’s extremely generous. I appreciate the offer very much, sir. However, I don’t wish to disrupt your lives, especially as Leonora has embarked on her first Season. Should you feel it prudent to return to Town, I will certainly understand. It might take me longer to right things here, but I shall manage.”
“My wife has made up her mind, Gerard.” Edgerton smiled and shrugged. “We fellows must obey.”
Gerard could hardly argue the point without appearing ungrateful. He was in two minds about them remaining, there were distinct advantages in having the house occupied. An empty house allowed the staff and any interested parties to run rampant. If the murderer was still around, he could proceed to carry out his plans unhindered. And, as it was only for a week or two, he could be here every night to keep a watch on the house.
Gerard frowned. “The constable plans to return before the inquest, he’ll want my assistance in interviewing the rest of the staff, before I can turn my mind to other matters.”
“Quite so. Perhaps I can help with that.” Edgerton smiled. “I would prefer to be out of doors, before my wife finds employment for me in the house.”
Gerard ginned. He wished he could be honest with Edgerton, he disliked lying and was not as good at this business as Harrison had been.
He would have to tell Harriett enough to keep her onside, or he’d be worrying too much about her safety. He couldn’t invent a story, either, she was sharp and he doubted she’d let him get away with anything less than the truth.
