Harriet smiled briefly. “This could be part of the reason my mother came today. I’m sure both sets of parents would be invited, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll write down the dates of each party.”
This wasn’t uncommon. People of society married, and others gave balls, soirees, and other ways to welcome the new couple into society. Harriet understood that and knew they needed to attend these since now they weren’t going to be able to hold their own with Lucien’s mother unavailable.
Tea had been brought in, and Harriet rose and walked over to the cart to make them both a cup. “I’m sure my parents got these as well, so either my mother will be here first thing or I’ll get summoned,” she said.
She set her husband’s cup down in front of him, then turned and picked up her own. Harriet waited for him to say something, but he remained quiet and pensive, like there was something weighing on his mind.
“Lucien, is everything okay? You seem so quiet suddenly.”
“It’s nothing. I was thinking about my father and getting him to attend. I’ll speak with him about all of these soirees and make sure he’s on board with going to them with us.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” she asked. It was curious that a man who was an MP and admired would hesitate attending something given for his son and new daughter-in-law.
“He may be a popular MP, but when it comes to social situations such as these, he seems to freeze. Especially without my mother.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I think I understand. Sort of the opposite of my mother. She thrives on social events with or without my father, and your father does not, especially without your mother. Am I correct?”
Smiling, Lucien was quick to point out a difference. “Pretty much, yes. My father does do well on his own if it’s something relating to parliament. A dinner, a party…”
“I take it your mother isn’t into going to those sorts of things?”
“On the contrary. She loves to go, saying some of the people attending are simply fascinating.”
As they both took sips of their tea, the drawing room opened and in walked her father-in-law.
“There wasn’t much going on so I decided to come home,” the duke said.
“Would you like tea? I’ll get a cup for you,” Harriet said.
“No need, my dear. I asked the butler to make sure one got here immediately,” he replied.
Harriet hadn’t noticed before how much father and son looked alike. Lucien was a younger version of him. The elder was quite distinguished with his silver-gray hair.
“We were just going through some invitations that arrived this afternoon,” Lucien said.
“Yes, I was informed I had a stack in my study.”
“Just let me know which ones you want to attend, though under the circumstances we should attend all of them,” Harriet said.
Lucien nodded. “That’s what we thought.”
“Once your mother returns, we’ll throw a ball the likes of which London has yet to see.”
“Have you heard from Mother? Does she have an idea as to when she might return?”
“I heard from her yesterday. She said she was waiting on her sister, Irene, to arrive. Irene is going to relieve your mother and stay so your mother can have a break,” the duke replied.
“I know she doesn’t want to leave, but I’m glad she will, even if it’s only for a couple of weeks,” Lucien said.
“I suggest we attend these festivities and if the duchess feels up to it, I’ll help her with planning the ball she had in mind for us,” Harriet said.
“That sounds reasonable as long as we don’t overwhelm her. I’m sure her mind is going to be elsewhere,” the duke said, adding, “I will leave you two. I’ve got a few things of my own to finish. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Watching the duke quit the room, both Lucien and Harriet let out a sigh of relief.
