Page 100

Eliza’s eyes widened, then she clapped a hand over her mouth. ‘You didn’t!’ she said with such glee that Harriet had to laugh.

‘What did Lord Granville say?’ Eliza whispered, looking around to make sure no-one could overhear.

‘Not a great deal. I think it safe to say he stomped off in a bit of a snit.’

‘Oh, Haryo. Poor Lord Granville.’

‘What about poor me?’ Harriet said, with no small amount of umbrage. ‘Why should I marry a man who is in love with someone else?’

‘Shhh,’ Eliza said and pulled her to a seat at the edge of the room, away from the other guests. She sat facing her and held on to her hand. Harriet found herself holding on tightly to it.

‘I don’t think he is in love with Lady Bessborough. I’ve been taking note. He looks at her with affection, but sometimes he looks at you as though he wants to wrap you up in his arms and run away with you. Other times, he looks at you like he wants to devour you.’

Harriet blinked. ‘Really?’

‘Oh, yes. I noticed it last night. He paid scant attention to Lady Bessborough other than to smile kindly at her, but he watched you all evening. When he led you out for the third dance, I almost expired with excitement.’

‘He has mentioned nothing at all about loving me.’

‘Perhaps he doesn’t know how you feel and is afraid to put it to the touch.’

Harriet looked upon her friend and wondered if she might be right. Dear Eliza. The shy, awkward girl who had come to London seeking a husband was growing into a charming young woman. Outspoken at times, but with a beautiful heart.

‘Enough of me. Tell me about you. Have you had a visit from the Lieutenant Colonel?’

Eliza blushed and smiled. ‘Not yet. I’m sure he will call, but I’m also sure it will just be a call and nothing more.’

‘Not expecting a proposal?’

She shook her head. ‘He promised to come and tell me all about his trip to Scarborough, though.’

Eliza looked genuinely excited at the prospect. Something of her surprise must have shown on her face, because Eliza chuckled softly. ‘I’m very fond of Scarborough,’ she said.

Harriet chuckled. ‘I’m beginning to think I am taking things far too seriously.’

Eliza shook her head. ‘No, matrimony is a serious business. What will people say about you dancing three times with Granville?’

Harriet shrugged. ‘Who knows? I daresay I’ll be hailed as some kind of man devouring harlot, or an outrageous bluestocking ape leader, but that’s nothing new.’ She squeezed Eliza’s hand. ‘I’m sure I will survive.’

‘Hm… Haryo…’ Eliza was staring at the door. Harriet followed her gaze and groaned aloud as Granville sauntered into the room, smiling at the ladies, bowing and looking good enough to eat.

‘Don’t worry. I won’t cause a scene, and neither will he.’

‘I wasn’t worried about that. I was worried about you,’ she said.

‘Thank you, darling.’ Harriet sighed and looked over at the man who had occupied her entire thoughts since the previous evening.

She stood up with Eliza as he approached, and he bowed nicely over their hands.

‘Did you have an enjoyable walk, Lady Harriet?’ he said with a glint in those blue, killing eyes.

‘I did. Thank you for enquiring, Lord Granville. It was pleasantly free of gentlemen.’

Eliza squeezed her hand, retreated, claiming the need to speak to the maid, and left her alone with him.

‘I think you were avoiding me,’ he said softly.

‘You think correctly.’ Harriet looked up at him. ‘We have an agreement to remain friends. I did not want to put you to the blush.’