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Harriet raised an eyebrow. ‘Forgive me, but what better way to do that for a young lady than to throw herself into the season and be launched into society?’
‘Who knows?’ Eliza said with a soft laugh. ‘My life in Northumberland is pleasant. I have Hannah, and my other siblings have hordes of children.’
‘How lovely. My sister Gee has a multitude of children, so I understand the appeal of nieces and nephews.’
Eliza laughed but looked away. ‘If Hannah remarries, it will be quite… lonely.’
‘I suspect it will,’ Harriet said. ‘Are there not many eligible suitors in Northumberland?’
Eliza rolled her eyes. ‘None that I’m aware of.’
They both laughed.
‘There is more opportunity to meet people in London than in Northumberland, even without a season,’ she said with a smile. ‘I am not aiming for the moon.’
Harriet’s heart pinched at her words. Why shouldn’t she aim for the moon? Most girls of her age and social standing did.
‘So, you are not looking for a wild romance?’
Eliza laughed. ‘Good heavens, no. I intend to take a more practical approach. I have not met many people yet, but I intend on compiling a list.’
‘Oh, my,’ Harriet said. ‘How wonderful. I should like to see the list.’
Eliza looked a trifle disconcerted at the thought. ‘There is no-one quite on the list yet,’ she confessed, but something in her eyes told Harriet that there might be someone on it before long.
‘Are you hoping to marry?’ Eliza asked.
‘Dear lord, no. Every season, I have young bloods traipsing after me, and the family constantly throwing prospective husbands at my head.’ It was no word of a lie, and Harriet loved the gurgle of laughter Eliza gave.
‘Oh, my word. How inconvenient for you.’
‘It is! Perhaps I should divert them to you,’ she suggested. ‘You could put them on your list.’ Eliza laughed even harder. She found herself, oddly, wanting to tell her about Granville.
‘My aunt thinks that Lord Granville Leveson-Gower and I should marry.’
‘Do you not wish to marry him?’
‘Probably not, though he is terribly handsome.’ She shook herself. ‘Look at me, boring you with my matrimonial woes. Believe me, they are legion.’
Eliza was immediately serious and took hold of her hand. ‘My dear Lady Harriet. I will always be happy to listen to your woes. Matrimonial or otherwise, and be assured that I would never betray a confidence.’
Startled at the outburst, Harriet looked into the earnest little face and knew she spoke the truth. Eliza Courtney was that most unusual creature in London society. Someone who was genuinely kind, genuinely concerned, and quite outrageously honest. It occurred to her that her new young friend may need a little protection from the vultures of the Ton.
On impulse, Harriet leaned in and kissed her cheek. ‘Thank you. I should like that enormously.’
Eliza flushed and smiled.
‘When it’s just us, perhaps you could call me Haryo? My dearest friends do.’
Eliza’s blush of delight engulfed her entirely. ‘I would be honoured. Please… call me Eliza.’
Chapter 17
HARYO
London
Lord Granville was also still pondering the outrageous kiss he received from Lady Harriet several days later. The outcome of the meeting should have been entirely satisfactory. They’d both agreed that they wouldn’t suit, both agreed Bess was being utterly outrageous in her suggestions, and both agreed that they could now go back to being friends. Granville was pleased with that notion. He’d always liked Haryo and enjoyed her company.
