“Why, what do you want with him?”
“I want him to hear what’s transpired since they’ve been away.”
“Oh,” she replied. Her head tilted as she glanced up at him. “Are you going to speak with him about a formal betrothal?”
A lopsided grin swept across his face. “With your mother back, I don’t see we have much choice.”
By the time they found Harriet’s father, there was no reason to talk to him. He’d had a few brandies and Harriet decided he needed his fun.
“Harriet, is that really you?”
“Yes, Papa, it’s really me,” Harriet replied.
“Has your mother seen you yet?” he chuckled, adding, “Of course, she has, and I’m sure it didn’t go well.”
“She was her usual delightful self. Even Lucien is not good enough to be her son-in-law.”
Her father looked at Lucien. “Let me give you a word of advice, you two. If you wish to marry, you have my blessing. That being said, think if you really want a grand wedding or not. Believe me when I say it won’t be your wedding; you’ll have no say in anything.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
“Don’t thank me. I’ve met Lord Lucien many times, so I approve. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
“We will. We’ll leave you to your friends.”
They walked away and headed to the refreshment table. “I told you my father’s a gem. I’m sure he’d have been a delightful father if only my mother had allowed it.”
Arthur caught up with them. “I see you’ve seen your father. What about your mother? She’s here and made some demands of me.”
“One being that my things are to be packed and ready since I’ll be going back home.”
“Yes. I told her it was your decision, that you’ve really come into your own and were quite happy.”
“We just spoke with Harriet’s father, and he gave us the suggestion if we want to marry we have his blessing, but that we should think twice about a wedding because her mother will take over everything.”
“Small, intimate ceremony?” Arthur inquired.
Harriet smiled. “That would be hard to do unless she knew nothing about it.”
“I could get a special license, and we could marry in my drawing room. You and Daphne could be our witnesses,” Lucien said.
Harriet giggled. “Aren’t you taking the prince on yet another test run in his new car to Scotland?” She didn’t give him try to respond. “Since you wish me to go anyway, why not marry in Gretna Green? The prince and his entourage will be gone. It would be the perfect solution.”
She noted her mother speaking with Lady Winifred and two gentlemen. Harriet noted the two women kept looking in their direction. With her mother that meant she was up to something.
Trying to ignore the woman just meant her mother would be more determined. Turning her attention back to Lucien and Arthur, she squeezed Lucien’s arm.
He gazed down at her, and Arthur slightly shook his head as her mother descended on them.
“Gentlemen, I hope you will excuse me, but I need to borrow my daughter.”
“Mother, I was just on my way out. I’m sure whatever it is can wait,” Harriet said.
“No, it cannot!” her mother’s voice trilled.
She glanced at Lucien and then Arthur. No explanation was needed. “You have two minutes. After that, I’m leaving.”
“I need far more than two minutes.”
