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The duke gave her a sideways look. ‘No idea,’ he said with a shrug.
His blunt response made Eliza smile to herself. He really cared as little for society as people said.
Conversation began again, Hart joined Haryo and the duke, whilst Haryo’s cousin, Caro, attempted to pet Sidney and almost lost a finger. Caro was spirited from the room before she could begin shrieking.
Eliza spotted Lord Granville join the party. In response, Haryo’s cheeks grew a little pink, just enough to make her look even more gorgeous. He bowed over her hand and joined in the conversation with the duke. Eliza was happy to sit and watch, but Hart spotted her sitting alone and came to join her.
‘What ho, old thing? You look a trifle lonely.’
‘Not at all. Just enjoying watching.’
‘All set for the big day?’
‘Oh, Hart, I am, but frankly, I’ll be glad when it’s done. I cannot tell you how terrified I am that I will wobble over when I make my curtsey to the Queen.’
He laughed and she laughed with him. ‘You will do splendidly. Fear not.’
The duke came over with Haryo and Lord Granville, so the two stood and bowed.
‘You know Miss Eliza, don’t you, Papa?’
The duke regarded her as he nodded and then looked closer. ‘Miss Eliza, you say?’
Hart grinned. ‘Indeed, Miss Eliza Courtney.’
The duke looked at her for what felt like a long time. Long enough for Lady Elizabeth to come and join them and flutter by his side.
‘Miss Eliza,’ he said again. ‘Charmed. You have lovely hair, and your mother’s eyes.’
Lady Elizabeth leaped into the conversation before she could thank him for his kind compliment.
‘My dear duke, why don’t you tell Miss Eliza about your new puppies?’ she said.
The duke, she had been told, was noted for his adoration of his dogs, and pounced on any offer to talk about them. However, he said nothing, but continued to stare at her. In the end, it was Lord Granville who rescued the situation.
He gave her a warm smile. ‘Miss Eliza, how is your brother?’ he said, moving forward to take her arm. ‘I’ve been meaning to speak to him about his book collection. I believe he is expanding the library at Howick? I have some first-class recommendations for him.’
‘Really? Oh, I should be so glad to hear them,’ she said, clinging to him. ‘I love the library and am delighted he is planning to expand the collection.’
Lord Granville nodded to the duke and Lady Liz, finally to Hart, and then led her to the other side of the room, talking about books in a charmingly inoffensive way. He really was rather kind.
After a moment, Haryo joined them. ‘Please ignore my father,’ she murmured. ‘He has all the manners of a… a stoat.’
Eliza spluttered as she laughed. ‘A stoat?’
Haryo’s eyes sparkled. ‘A grumpy stoat at that.’
Chapter 26
HARYO
London
The day of Eliza’s presentation was warm and sunny. The spring sunshine was lovely, and London was awash with blossom, but the Queen’s apartments were hot and stuffy. Harriet waited impatiently for Eliza to process into the Queen’s drawing room for her presentation. Lord Granville was with them in his capacity as an ambassador, and he looked so handsome in formal wear it was hard to look at him. There were many men in attendance, all dressed in the pink of perfection, but no-one had that indefinable elegance that marked Granville from all the others. It was, admittedly, amplified by his height, broad shouldered, slender hipped physique, but the way he carried himself was something to behold in formal situations.
She dragged her gaze from him and made herself look around. London society was out in significant numbers waiting for the young ladies prepared to make their curtsey and then launch themselves upon the Ton. Now that the Prince Regent had taken the reins from his father, the entertainment available to the young ladies passing through the drawing rooms was vast.
Aunt Bessborough arrived beside her, resplendent in deep green. It became her well. ‘I presume that she’s rigged in the first stare?’
