“Excellent,” he replied.
They stood outside on the terrace for far longer than Harriet realized. Even Lord Lucien hadn’t been aware how much time had gone by. “I hate to end this as I’m thoroughly enjoying your company, but I fear I need to return you to your cousin,” Lucien said.
“I’m enjoying it as well, but we both know how the ton operates when it comes to young ladies acting properly.”
He smiled at her and offered his arm. They walked back into the ballroom which was still buzzing with conversation. Lord Lucien spotted Daphne and Arthur and led her to them. He greeted the couple before bowing and saying his goodbyes for the evening.
“I look forward to calling on you, Lady Harriet.”
“As do I,” she replied.
She sighed as he walked away. As she turned back to her cousin and his wife, she found both of them watching her with amusement on their faces.
“What is it?” she asked innocently.
“You enjoy the gentleman’s company?” Arthur asked with a grin.
“Yes, very much so. He’s going to call on me tomorrow,” she replied.
Daphne put her hand gently on Harriet’s shoulder. “Then I think we should leave so you can go to bed. You want to look your best for Lord Lucien.”
She followed them through the ballroom to the entry where they were told their carriage was waiting. Once inside Harriet settled back and listened to Arthur and Daphne speak between themselves about the ball and how delightful it was to see people they hadn’t seen since they’d married. They were still newlyweds, but Harriet didn’t believe their affection for each other would ever go away. They adored each other. She could only hope she’d find someone like Arthur.
The ride to Jameson House was not far and in the lack of the extra traffic, they managed to return home in minutes. Entering the grand hall, she bid Arthur and Daphne good night.
*
Waiting with batedbreath, Harriet watched as the door to the drawing room opened. The butler announced Lord Lucien who waited no time to enter the room. He looked smart in a dark-gray suit, light-gray shirt, and black cravat. So handsome, Harriet was sure she would swoon if she didn’t start breathing.
“Good morning, Lady Harriet,” he said in that deep baritone she found so soothing.
“Good morning to you as well, Lord Lucien.”
He stood before her and handed her a leather-bound book. “I assumed you like Keats. This is a first edition.”
Taking the book from his outstretched hand, Harriet thumbed through the volume. “It is magnificent. I shall cherish it. And yes, I adore Keats.”
She motioned for him to sit in a gold brocade wing chair. Watching him fold his long frame into the chair, she caught herself grinning. “Who else do you like besides Keats?” she asked.
“Shakespeare for sure. He was far ahead of his time.”
Harriet nodded. “His works are more popular today than when he was alive, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I have to agree.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a footman carrying a tea tray. He set it on the table in front of Harriet and quit the room. “How do you like your tea, Lord Lucien?”
“Plain. I enjoy savoring the tea itself. You can’t get that with adding cream and sugar.”
“That’s why I drink my tea plain as well, though I will admit to adding a tiny bit of sugar from time to time,” she replied.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if the tea is old or hasn’t been prepared properly.”
Harriet hoped he wouldn’t find it hard to talk with her. She passed a cup of tea across to him. He murmured his thanks and sat back in his chair. Taking a sip of her tea she gazed at him.
“You mentioned you build customized railroad cars. I imagine there’s not too much competition for that,” she said.
“Not much. Most companies want to make them for the actual railroads. I have a commission for two complete trains. The railroad wants it with various cars. Sleeping, a dining car to name a few.”
