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‘Of course I will, and look.’ He turned to the door. ‘Look who I brought.’

Harriet looked and did a sterling job of maintaining her delighted smile as their guest walked through the door. Hart had brought Lord Granville. Wonderful.

She absolutely ignored the flutter of excitement his presence brought and decided immediately that if he was to invade her peace, he might as well make himself useful in securing a season for Eliza.

She held out her hand to him as he walked across the hallway. He took it and bowed handsomely over it.

‘How lovely to see you again,’ he murmured, his gaze tangling with hers.

‘And you.’ His blue eyes sparkled so much she had to look away. Haryo quietly took a breath to steady herself and looked at the two men standing before her.

Hart had definitely inherited their mother’s fair hair and stunning looks. He stood level with Lord Granville, his darkly curling chestnut hair stood in stark contrast to Hart’s golden loveliness. In fact, they made quite the pair.

‘Lord Granville. I’m so glad you could join us,’ she said.

Granville brushed her exaggerated politeness off with an infuriatingly knowing grin.

‘Wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Chiswick for the world,’ he pronounced. ‘Who knows, you may decide to embark on further research, and as I would only be too happy to oblige in supporting your endeavours, it seemed sensible to join you.’

She stared blankly for a moment and then was furious when she felt herself flush. He was talking about the kiss. Dratted, dratted man.

She was saved by Hart who looked horrified. ‘Research?’ He looked from Lord Granville to her and shook his head. ‘There will be no researching here, old thing, just lots of partying and drinking if I know my family.’

Lord Granville laughed aloud at that, and Harriet had to join them. Dearest Hart.

Her brother and Granville passed outer garments to the hovering footmen, brushed themselves free of the dust from the road, and headed for the drawing room. Hart strode out, Granville followed at a more sedate pace that matched hers.

Harriet smiled up at him with all the insouciance she could muster and leaned in to whisper.

‘Dearest Lord Granville. Always ready to oblige. Should I become filled with the… urge for exploration, you will be the first to know.’

To her absolute and eternal delight, Granville chuckled, but his cheeks reddened. Just a little. His eyes took on somewhat of a glassy look, and she suspected he was remembering the kiss just as much as she was. She hoped it made him hot and shivery too.

Gathering herself, she winked at him and took his arm, leading him to the drawing room where he busied himself with the niceties and declared his delight at the arrival of the tea-tray.

Hart wandered over to her a little while later. ‘What was all that about with Granville?’ he said quietly.

‘I shall tell you, but while you are here, do you remember little Eliza Courtney? Daughter of Earl Grey? We used to visit often; Mama was quite taken with her.’

Hart nodded. ‘I do. Didn’t we meet her recently? After we had ices at Gunther’s?’

Harriet felt heartened that he recalled the meeting. ‘Indeed, we did. I’m sure you recall just how much Mama loved little Eliza and her sister, Lady Hannah.’

Hart nodded, looking a little puzzled.

‘Well, we have Lady Hannah and Miss Eliza staying with us. Isn’t that lovely?’

Hart looked sideways at her. ‘You’re not matchmaking, are you?’

Harriet’s eyes widened. ‘Hart. Darling. Would I do such a thing?’

Hart widened his eyes, too. ‘Yes, sister dear. You would, and without hesitation.’

She chuckled. ‘Well, can you blame me? I have dear friends seeking husbands, and… here you are with all your good looks, charm, and inheritance.’

Hart shook his head. ‘Incorrigible. I am not seeking a wife. If I married, it would not be for at least another ten years, possibly fifteen.’

‘Good God, you’ll be in your dotage.’