“It was good to see him,” Harriet said. “He’s been so busy with Parliament lately.”
“Yes. I agree. I’m happy to hear Mother is coming home for at least a couple of weeks.”
“Why don’t we retire to our suite and get ready for dinner,” Harriet said with a sly grin.
He shook his head. “It’s a bit early to dress for dinner.” Then Lucien realized what his wife meant and barked out a laugh.
Chapter Eighteen
Three days later,the Duchess of Northumberland returned home. Harriet greeted her in the grand hall, and they both went to the morning sitting room while the duchess waited for her maid to unpack her trunks. The older woman did look tired, and that could come from the time spent with her sister or her journey back to London.
As they entered the sitting room, a footman was placing a tray on a table just as Harriet had ordered.
“I have to admit it is good to be home,” the duchess said.
Harriet nodded as she began to fix two cups of tea. She noted a plate of biscuits and once finished with the tea, she picked up the plate and the duchess’s tea and placed them on a table in front of where they’d be sitting. Harriet then went back and got her teacup and sat down next to her mother-in-law.
“So, tell me, how are you settling in?”
“Quite well.”
The duchess picked up her teacup and took a sip. Putting it down, she picked out one of the jam-topped biscuits and took a bite before putting it on her saucer.
“You’re sure? The duke mentioned in one of his letters your mother came over, telling you of a party she and your father wish to give?”
“I got her handled, once I informed her she needed to postpone any plans she might have until you returned,” Harriet replied.
“She is quite persistent, isn’t she?”
Harriet rolled her eyes. “That describes her perfectly. We decided all these invitations to balls and soirees would be perfect for now.”
“Yes, they’re wonderful ways to introduce you and Lucien to society. Less stress,” the duchess said.
“That’s what we thought.”
Her mother-in-law picked up her biscuit and took a dainty bite. “How’s Lucien? Is the Prince of Wales still being so demanding?”
“Actually, no. He ordered two more cars, but he’s not as involved with them, and he sort of accepted the fact that Lucien cannot be there at his beck and call. Lucien’s partner has done well keeping the prince at bay.”
“Good, I’m glad. That man has such an ego. I realize he’s who he is, but he thinks of no one but himself.”
Both women laughed at the reference, which was true, but no one dared mention except in the privacy of their own homes.
“I pity his poor wife,” Harriet said. “I realize theirs is a marriage of convenience, but could you imagine having to put up with his actions in public? All the rumors, the other women, the parties. I imagine she has no choice but to look the other way.”
“At least she has children to help keep her mind occupied. Nannies or not, she is their mother.”
“Yes,” Harriet replied.
The duchess picked up her tea once more. “Have you gowns for all these balls?”
“I think I have one, perhaps two I’ve yet to wear. Otherwise, I probably need to visit the modiste.”
“Let’s plan on looking at what you have tomorrow and from there we can decide if you need a quick trip to have a couple more made.”
“That sounds like a grand plan. I look forward to it,” Harriet replied.
The duchess rose from her seat. “I believe I’m going to go upstairs and change my clothes.”
