“I didn’t realize it took so many gowns. Mother had six made and after I’d worn all of them, she had alterations done to make the gown appear as though it were new.”
Tea was brought and set down on their table. Daphne poured them each a cup and Harriet examined the pastries and sweets. She picked up a plate and made her choices of a scone and slice of lemon cake.
“Their lemon cake is excellent,” Daphne said with a smile and began to make her own choices.
The sound of rolling thunder caused them both to look up from their plates. Many other patrons looked up at the loud sound before going back to eating their treats.
“Arthur and I have been discussing hosting a ball. We haven’t done that since we’ve married. We’ve had few dinner parties both here and at our home in Kent. How would you feel about it?”
Harriet put her fork down and sat up. “It’s really up to you and Arthur. Don’t host a ball on my behalf.”
“It wouldn’t be specifically for you and is something we need to do. Members of Parliament would be invited as well as the usual crowd. Arthur thinks we’re past due as far as his colleagues in Parliament go.”
“If you put it like that, I suppose it would be fine,” Harriet replied.
“We’ll make sure eligible young men are there as well. I think I remember Arthur saying there were a couple MPs who were unmarried.”
Harriet put her hands to her cheeks. She was sure her face had turned beet red. This wasn’t something that was easy for her to talk about. A sudden loud burst of thunder exploded, this time seeming closer. “He doesn’t need to go to any trouble on my account.”
“It’s not, I can assure you. Arthur believes your shyness is going to ease without your mother hovering nearby.”
“He may be right,” Harriet replied.
“I think so. Now why don’t we have this boxed up and head home. I have the feeling the storm is going to be a bad one. We can come back on a better day and have ices.”
“I agree.”
A short time later they were on their way home. The rain had begun to come down hard, making it more difficult to get through the traffic. Harriet rubbed her hands against her upperarms. The storm dropped the temperature significantly and made it feel even more damp and cold. By the time the carriage pulled up in front of Jameson House, they were met by two footmen with rather large umbrellas. They made it inside where it was dry just as the next clap of thunder hit.
Daphne was in charge of everything, from informing the butler where the packages went to ordering tea for the two of them. Harriet followed her into the drawing room where they found Sam walking around on the floor.
“Sam, what are you doing?” Daphne asked the parrot.
“Sammy no like. Sammy no like.”
“What doesn’t he like? The storm?” Harriet inquired.
“Yes. He hates thunder or other loud noises,” Daphne replied. She bent over and extended her arm for Sam to jump on to. The bird immediately jumped onto her hand. Once she righted herself, she smoothed the parrot’s feathers.
“I would think they had thunderstorms in the jungle,” Harriet said.
“This environment is different than a jungle. No canopy of trees to protect you.”
“True.”
The door opened and a footman with their tea advanced into the room. “Would you mind pouring for us. I’m going to put Sam in his cage and cover it. He’ll feel safe once I do,” Daphne said.
Harriet walked over to the tray that held a pot of tea and cups. She remembered Daphne took hers with sugar, so she added two cubes before pouring the hot liquid. She did the same for herself, only this time added a splash of milk. Stirring both she picked both cups up and took them to a nearby table in front of two cream-colored damask chairs.
Another clap of thunder, this time immediately followed by strong lightning. Harriet startled at the lightning and thunder. Itwas so loud she was sure it hit close by. As she sat down another bolt of lightning lit up the drawing room.
“Is Sammy all right?” Harriet asked.
Daphne nodded. “Yes. I put him in his cage and covered it so he can’t see the lightning. He’ll settle and he has treats so he’ll soon forget what the weather’s doing.”
“Food speaks louder than thunder?”
“Oh yes. Sam’s quite food oriented, especially snacks like apples,” Daphne replied.
