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Laurence rose alongside him to greet her. His attire was remarkably similar, though he had forgone the evening coat, and his cravat was navy rather than white. Standing near each other, the two gentlemen looked as though they could have been brothers.

At the opposite end of the room stood a considerably smaller woman, her greying hair artfully arranged high upon her head—the Dowager Duchess.

"Duchess," the Dowager beamed warmly as they resumed their seats.

"It is so lovely to see you again. And may I say, you are positively glowing. One might almost think you were already with child."

From somewhere beside Arthur came a distinctly suspicious choking sound, and Eliza's cheeks burned instantly. She dared a glance towards her husband. A mistake. One look at him, and every memory of that afternoon came rushing back with alarming clarity.

"Oh, why, thank you," she replied, her voice a touch higher than intended. "I think." She laughed nervously. "How was your journey?"

She turned her full attention towards the Dowager Duchess, determined not to look at Arthur again, for fear her face would only darken with rouge. The Dowager Duchess entertained them at dinner by sharing tales of her travels, people she entertained and some of her recent purchases.

“And what about you all?” the Dowager asked, surveying the table. “What have I missed? My son, as ever, failed to write to me.” She cast Arthur a pointed look across the table.

"Oh, the usual," Laurence replied, taking a leisurely sip of wine. "I have kept Arthur from murdering half the establishment and served as nursemaid to our dear Radnor."

"Oh yes," the Dowager said knowingly. "I suspected you have been remarkably irritable of late, Laurence. Which is precisely why I brought an extra maid with me." She gave him one of his own theatrical winks, and Arthur scowled, likely unhappy his mother encouraged Laurence’s extracurriculars. But to Eliza's surprise, Laurence actually seemed to brighten, the smile finally reaching his eyes.

How very odd.

"And your grace?" the Dowager prompted.

Laurence answered before Arthur could.

"His Grace has been dining in his study as of late."

The pea balanced precariously on Eliza's fork chose that precise moment to spring neatly off her fork and onto her lap.

"Otherwise," Laurence continued with exaggerated innocence, "the same old routine."

Arthur cleared his throat.

"As Laurence has so graciously implied, Winworth and the surrounding estates remain a full-time occupation." He reached calmly for his wine. "Though I have endeavoured to devote rather more time to my marital duties of late."

The Dowager gave a slow, approving nod. Eliza knew he was managing Winworth and the surrounding villages, but between Laurence and him, they had also taken over managing the colonel’s modest estate while he began his recovery. Neither man would share this, though; they were not the boasting type.

"And what of you, my dear?" the Dowager asked, turning towards Eliza.

"Oh! Well, I've been practising my dancing and my painting. I have attempted needlework, though Vinnie would probably say attempted is the opportune word." She laughed softly.

The Dowager clasped her hands together with obvious delight.

"My dear, that is wonderful to hear. You truly are flourishing here."

"When I returned to London, I scarcely had a day of peace. I received letters almost constantly, and every caller wished to know the very same thing."

She paused for effect.

"'What was the new Duchess of Buckingham like?'"

Her smile widened.

"I must confess, you have exceeded every expectation." The Dowager smiled warmly. "My only remaining question is when you intend to make your London debut."

"A London debut?" Eliza tilted her head. She had not realised there was yet another duty expected of a duchess.

"Oh, it will be wonderful! A large ball, beautiful gowns, flowing champagne, and introductions to all the important members of society. I daresay my son has discouraged every caller from crossing your threshold." She laughed lightly. "So it is your opportunity to show London who the Duchess of Buckingham truly is."