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‘Oh.’

‘Rather in the manner that you just did.’

Harriet looked at her hands. ‘I’ve missed him,’ she whispered.

‘If it helps, I think he misses you, too. He’s lost some of his sparkle, and when I saw him, he looked tired.’

Harriet took a deep breath and let it go. ‘I shall make a point of seeing him when we return to London. There are things we need to talk about. If he wants to speak to me, that is. I was a touch dramatic at our last meeting.’

Eliza chuckled. ‘I think he will speak to you.’

‘I… I think I might have been using his feelings for Aunt Bess to hold him at arm’s length. I don’t think he is the kind of man who would offer for me if he loved someone else.’ She said it all in a rush.

‘I think you are right. He’s a good man and he adores you.’

Harriet sighed and pressed her fingers to her forehead. ‘I… I don’t think I’m very good at letting people love me.’

Eliza put an arm around her and hugged her. ‘Well, we all love you very much.’

Harriet laughed but it came out more like a sob. ‘I’ll speak to him,’ she said.

Chapter 52

ELIZA

London

Eliza hurried from the carriage into the Portman Square house. It was freezing cold, but she was pleased to be back in London. The jaunt to Chatsworth to celebrate the marriage of Haryo’s father to Lady Liz had been delightful. She could still scarcely believe that she was moving in such high circles. Indeed, the whole summer had been wonderful. With work underway to expand Howick Hall, she had spent some time at Chatsworth House with Haryo and the family. There had been a visit to Robert’s family, too, and then Robert and Edward had spent time at Howick. All in all, it had been beyond anything that she could have imagined.

Being back in London for the little season to celebrate her birthday and Edward and Hannah’s wedding meant that things were pretty much perfect. She just hoped Haryo would be able to patch things up with Lord Granville.

She hurried into the grand hallway of the house and handed her outer garments to the waiting footman, accepting a warm shawl from Millie in return.

‘Good to see you, miss,’ Millie said with a huge smile.

‘Millie, it’s freezing out there!’

Millie laughed and wrapped her in the shawl, stealing a small hug whilst no-one was watching.

She headed for the parlour, followed by Charles and Mary, Hannah having gone to take tea with Edward and his family, and Robert to meet with his commanding officer.

Charles stood by the roaring fire and rubbed his hands together. ‘It’s good to be home,’ he said.

Mary laughed. ‘Enjoy the peace for now, my love. Hannah’s wedding is almost upon us, then it will be Eliza’s birthday, then Christmas.’

Charles rolled his eyes. ‘Is everything ready for the wedding?’

‘Of course,’ Mary said. ‘Mama will be with us the day before the wedding, and the plans for church and the wedding breakfast are all set and ready.’

‘I admire your fortitude, my dear,’ Charles said, still rubbing his hands, ‘and your considerable talent for organising things.’

Mary laughed and patted him on the arm. ‘All I need is for you to be there to give Hannah away and toast the happy couple.’

Mary linked her arm with Charles’s and looked at Eliza. ‘Once Hannah’s wedding is over, that leaves the path clear for any other announcements.’ She raised her eyebrows in Eliza’s direction.

Eliza laughed at her and shook her head. ‘Are we staying here for Christmas?’ she asked.

‘Most definitely,’ Mary said. ‘Howick is still under holland covers. I couldn’t contemplate removing to Northumberland, not in this weather.’