Lucien hadn’t planned on taking her near the Serpentine even if there were areas that were quiet. He knew there were other areas of Hyde Park he could take her, or even take her to an entirely different park. It would be nice if they could ride in the country, but that would come later.
“Oh, I forgot to mention to you. There’s an Italian soprano who’s in town. I happen to know that Harriet adores her. Why don’t you accompany us. It’ll let the two of you be seen in public as a couple.”
“That sounds like a grand idea,” Lucien said.
A knock sounded on the door to Arthur’s study, and he beckoned whomever it was to enter. It was the butler, and he had a sealed envelope. “I don’t mean to disturb you, Your Grace, but this just arrived and was told it was important.”
He handed it to Arthur and began to leave. “Is anyone waiting on a reply?”
“No, Your Grace.”
The older man bowed and left the room. Arthur handed the correspondence to Lucien. “It’s for you.”
Lucien read the paper once, then again. The problem with having the Prince of Wales as a customer was the fact the man was demanding. More than anyone he knew. The prince had some changes he wanted to make for the car Lucien’s company was building for him. He wanted to go over them today and meet Lucien there in an hour’s time.
“Bad news?” Arthur inquired.
“No, not unless you consider the prince as such. He has changes for his car and has to see me now.” Lucien shook his head. He knew he couldn’t say no. Being who he was, the prince or just the fact he was doing business with Lucien was cause enough to get new orders from friends of the prince.
Rising from his seat, Lucien set his glass down. “I hate to do this, but I can’t ignore him. Can you apologize to Harriet on my behalf?”
“Of course I can.”
“Tell her I’ll be in touch with her as soon as I can get away from the prince.”
“Go, I’ll tell her,” Arthur replied.
Lucien walked out of the room, Arthur following him. They made it to the front door where his landau was waiting on him. He once again said his good-byes to his friend and climbed into the carriage. He told his driver where they needed to go and that it was urgent. Sometimes his driver knew other ways to go if the main thoroughfares were congested. Luckily that wasn’t the case today.
Chapter Six
“What do youmean he had to leave?” Harriet asked, trying to keep a neutral appearance on her face.
“He received an unexpected message from the Prince of Wales insisting they meet at his factory now. He had some requests for his car,” Arthur replied. He knew Harriet would be confused. She hadn’t had to deal with something like this before because she had been sheltered all of her life by her parents.
“Why now? That seems a little rude.”
“He’s the Prince of Wales and Lucien’s biggest client to date. If the man wants to meet in person in an hour, you make sure you’re there before the allotted time.”
“I suppose that’s true, but why today of all days?”
“You’d have to ask the prince,” Arthur replied. “Besides, Lucien and I talked about the two of you seeing each other. I agreed. Lucien is perfect for you.”
“You did? He mentioned he was going to speak to you. I had no idea it would be today.” That wasn’t entirely true, but she didn’t want her cousin to think she and Lucien had already agreed to a courtship and that he would speak with Arthur today. No, men had a habit of not wanting a woman involved in a conversation like that. There were important things to be discussed that ladies needn’t concern themselves with.
“Things will now change for you. You and Lucien will be able to attend soirees and the like together or with Daphne and myself.”
“Lucien’s not here?” Daphne asked even though Harriet had spied her near the doorway.
“No, Arthur says the Prince of Wales summoned him to Lucien’s factory so he could discuss some changes he wanted made to the car he’s making for the prince.”
“It’s well known the prince is quite demanding,” Daphne added. She walked towards the drawing room, motioning Arthur and Harriet to follow.
While they were sitting down, Daphne ordered tea before joining the other two. “Did you and Lucien have a nice meeting?”
“Yes, it seems we’re going to see a lot more of Lord Lucien. He wishes to court Harriet and I agreed they may.”
Clapping her hands together, Daphne squealed in approval. “I’m so excited for the two of you! Did you know what he was going to speak with Arthur about?”
