‘Ah, my Lord, you always seem to know the best places in town. Might I trouble you for some advice? I am looking for a reliable watchmaker. You see, my late father’s pocket watch holds great sentimental value, but it has stopped working. I was hoping to find someone who could repair it. There is little talent for such things in my part of the country, so I thought I might take advantage while I am in London. Could you recommend a good place?’
Lord Harry paused, sipping his tea thoughtfully before replying, ‘Our family has always used Harrow’s on Bow Street. They are a very talented family establishment. You might have luck there, Miss Skye. I would be happy to accompany you, if you wish.’
His unexpected offer caught her off guard, but she quickly composed herself and made a plausible excuse.
‘Oh, I would not presume to impose on your time, my lord. I shall manage on my own.’
Before he could respond, she swiftly changed the subject, hoping to learn more about Lord Edward.
‘You seem remarkably close to your family members. I must admit, I feel somewhat envious—I have always longed for a brother or cousins.’
Lord Harry gave a wry smile and, after a brief pause, replied, ‘Yes, quite. Edward was a wonderful elder brother when we were younger. He took great care of me. We have drifted apart somewhat these days... you know, with all his duties and responsibilities.’
His tone carried a hint of finality, and Grace noted how carefully he avoided saying too much about his relationship with Edward. Lord Gerrard had claimed they didnotget along,yet Lord Harry’s explanation painted a more benign picture, suggesting their estrangement was simply due to life’s demands.
Grace, ignoring his subtle attempt to change the subject, feigned innocence and continued, ‘Oh no, that must be terrible—to not have the time to see one another. I cannot imagine what I would do if I could not see Heather.’
Lord Harry’s smile remained, though it grew slightly strained. ‘You must prepare for this inevitable change. After all, she is here to find a husband, is she not? Perhaps you will soon have to endure what we have.’
He gestured to Heather, who was laughing at something a young gentleman had said. Then, without another word, he bowed and limped away, leaning heavily on his cane.
Grace pondered his words. Why was hesosensitive about his estrangement from his brother? What was he hiding?
She had observed that when Lord Edward greeted his younger brother, it was always with affection—a warm smile, a friendly clap on the back. Perhaps Lord Harry knewmoreabout Edward’s activities than he was willing to admit. Perhaps their estrangement was not merely due toresponsibilitybut ratherdisapproval.
Grace was distracted from her thoughts when she nearly bumped into Heather.
‘Grace, you look beautiful,’ her sister gushed. ‘Dearest, you willneverguess who I ran into—besides you—on our way home from town.’
Grace raised an eyebrow. ‘Who?’
Heather paused for effect before exclaiming, ‘Charles!’
Gracegasped. ‘What did he have to say?’
‘Nothing, I did not speak to him. He was with his friends, but no doubt you will see him at the ball. I heard from Lord Gerrard, he is friends with Lord Edward and Lord Harry—something about them being at Eton together.’
Grace clenched her fists involuntarily. ‘At least we are not beholden to him. After what he did, I have afewthings I wish to say to him.’
‘Easy there, Gracy—what are those fists getting ready for?’ Heather teased.
Grace forced herself to relax her hands. ‘If he dares to speak to me, I will give him apieceof my mind.’
Their conversation was interrupted by Lady Elizabeth, announcing the start of the evening’s musical performances.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ask Lady Jane to begin tonight’s entertainment. Lady Jane, please set the example.’
Each young lady had been persuaded to perform, most eagerly taking the opportunity to showcase their talents. Heather, though nervous, agreed cheerfully.
‘Will you not sing, Grace?’ she asked. ‘You love singing.’
Grace shook her head. Though she enjoyed music, it was too intimately tied to her past—to a time when her parents were alive and would request her to sing. She had long since stopped performing publicly, unwilling to risk an unguarded display of emotion.
When Heather took her turn, Grace smiled encouragingly. Though her performance was slightly off-key—no doubt due to nerves—the audience received her warmly.
As the evening wore on, the performances continued, but by the fourth or fifth song, much of the company had turned to quiet conversation.
Then, quite unexpectedly, Lord Armitage appeared beside her.
