“No, that’s not necessary. I’m sure I can manage just fine.”
Moments later, Jo brought two tankards of ale and set them down on the table. “Here you go. I’ll be back with your food in a minute.”
Lucien nodded and waited until the girl had left before picking up his mug and taking a good, long swallow. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he proclaimed the ale was good tasting. “It’s quite nice. I wonder if it’s brought in from London.”
“Why don’t you ask her?” Harriet chided.
To her surprise when the serving girl brought their meals, Lucien thanked her once the plates were set down. Then he asked her about the ale.
“I have a question. The ale is remarkably good; is it brought in from London?”
“Actually no, my brother Tim makes it,” Jo replied.
“He has a talent for brewing good ale,” Lucien said.
Jo nodded and began to turn away. “I’ll be sure to tell him. He’ll appreciate the compliment.”
Harriet and Lucien began to eat their beef roast. It was tender, which surprised Harriet. She expected somethingchewier. The parsnips, potato, and carrots were all cooked to perfection and complemented the meal quite well.
“Are you enjoying your meal?” Lucien asked.
“Yes, it’s quite good, don’t you think?”
“I do,” he replied as he put a forkful of vegetables in his mouth.
Harriet was humored when Lucien finished before she did. His plate empty, he’d grabbed a slice of bread and slathered it with butter.
“You must like it. You’ve eaten everything,” she mused.
“I have to admit, I was quite hungry.”
She cut the last pieces of roast and put one in her mouth. There was something about the seasoning that also enhanced the roast, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
“Have you decided when we are going to return to London?” Harriet asked.
“I thought next week. I’m not quite ready to go back to normal living. I’m quite content being here with you. I don’t want to share.”
Harriet giggled and put her napkin to her mouth. “I don’t want to either, but I know you have pressing business.”
“That’s why I have a partner,” he replied.
“I would love to see where you make these cars. Aren’t your offices located there?”
“Yes, everything is there, and if you’re truly interested in going, I’ll arrange a time to show you when we return.”
“I’d like that. I think we should also invite your partner and his wife to dinner once we’ve settled in,” Harriet said. She placed her napkin next to the plate.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Lucien replied. “Are you finished? Dessert perhaps?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Lucien scanned the room for Jo so he could take care of paying for their meal. He saw her coming out of the kitchen and caught her attention. Jo walked to their table. “Are you finished? No dessert?”
“No, I’m afraid not today.” He handed her some bills which were more than enough to cover the cost of their meal. “This should be more than enough. Make sure you keep the difference.”
Jo’s eyes widened as she accepted what he handed her. “Thank you, my lord. I hope you’ll visit us again.”
“We shall indeed,” Harriet said with a kind smile.
