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‘In that case,’ Charles said, with a wink in Eliza’s direction, ‘we will need to think about decorating the house and planning some festivities. Mama will be with us until Twelfth Night, so there is much to do.’

Eliza was delighted. Since Papa’s passing, Christmas had been a quiet affair with the family at Howick. It would be lovely to have the family in London, fill the house with decorations and parties, and join in all the festive entertainment that London had to offer.

She couldn’t wait for Robert’s return and for their first Christmas together.

Hannah’s wedding to Edward Ellice was upon them in no time. Eliza had wondered if they might marry quietly in Northumberland, but they were to be married in London. Her first marriage had been a grand affair in St George’s in Hanover Square, but they had chosen a small church close to Portman Square. It was the perfect setting, and as they went in to take their places, Eliza gazed about her at the gorgeous church. Given it was so close to Christmas, everywhere was bedecked with holly and mistletoe, their red and white berries so bright and cheerful. Window ledges were strewn with garlands of laurel and rosemary wreathed around candles, making the whole place feel welcoming. It was perfect for Hannah. They watched as Edward and Robert took their places to wait for the bride, and as the music began, and Hannah appeared, Edward froze for a moment. Then, eyes wide, he turned and saw his bride and a look of stunned awe and admiration mingled with such love settled there.

Eliza turned to see her sister. Hannah looked utterly stunning in an empire line dress of cream flecked with lilac. Grandmama’s pearls were about her neck, and her dark hair was dressed in ringlets interspersed with more pearls. The ensemble was completed by a fabulous, floor-length cloak and hood in deep purple velvet.

Eliza watched through a haze of tears as Charles led her to the altar, and the completely awed look on Edward’s face never faltered as he watched her walk towards him.

Robert stood beside Edward, tall and elegant, and her heart fluttered as she imagined walking down the aisle with him waiting for her at the altar. She took a breath and focused on the ceremony. As they said their vows, both in hushed tones that bespoke a sense of wonder, Eliza’s heart was full to bursting.

Chapter 53

HARYO

London

There was something terribly romantic about London at Christmas, Harriet thought to herself as she watched yet more snow falling. It was soft and slow, not like the horrid wet sleet of the week before. No, this snow coated the bare tree branches, sat on window ledges, and tangled in men’s eyelashes. At least they tangled in Lord Granville’s eyelashes as he stood by her carriage, allowing the snow to collect on him. In the square behind them, a group of people muffled in scarves and hats sang ‘The First Noel’ as the snow gently fell about them.

She looked back at Granville. He really was beautiful and her heart swelled at the sight.

‘How lovely to see you, Lord Granville. It has been quite some time,’ she said only a little breathlessly. The window had been pushed down, letting in the cold, but allowing her to see him clearly and he looked as uncertain as she felt.

‘Indeed,’ he said, tipping his hat, sending a little shower of snowflakes to the floor.

The snow settled on his shoulders, and his long eyelashes were now spiked and wet.

‘I have been meaning to call,’ he said. ‘I would like to call. Would you allow it?’

‘Of course. Why would I not?’

He looked at her for a long time. ‘Because our last conversation was… difficult. And I behaved rather badly.’

She cleared her throat and wanted to reach out and touch him, but she didn’t. ‘I suspect I behaved equally badly.’

He reached out as though he would touch her but pulled his hand back. God, she had missed him.

‘I have to go to the Lords now,’ he said. ‘But I will be back, and I will call.’

She nodded.

‘Can we talk if I do?’

She let her eyes close. ‘Granville…’

He backed away and held up a hand. ‘No, don’t answer, just… just let me call on you.’

She wanted to get out of the carriage, take him in her arms, kiss him. Instead, she just nodded.

‘I’ve missed you,’ he said. As the snow fell and the strains of ‘The First Noel’ drifted about them, Harriet knew without a doubt that she loved him. That she needed to listen to him when he called. A life without Granville in it was unimaginable. She had one summer without him and that had been enough. Perhaps it was time for her to grow up. Time to take a chance.

The singers struck up ‘While Shepherds Watched’ as her carriage pulled away. Granville stood for a long time in the snow, watching as the carriage took her away from him.

Harriet made sure that she had at least some company in the house for the rest of the day. She simply did not feel up to sitting alone waiting for Granville to call. She would go mad.

She sat in the parlour of Devonshire House, which was now festooned with greenery and bows, with Lady Liz, Eliza, Lady Mary, and Robert Ellice. It felt quite festive. Hopeful, almost.