Page 66

‘They seem to get along well,’ he said, quietly.

‘I suspect you are correct.’

Robert turned and looked at her. ‘Would you approve?’

‘It’s not really for me to approve or not, but I do like your brother. More to the point, Hannah seems to like him too.’

‘That’s good to know.’

They were silent for a moment, but it was not uncomfortable.

‘How long will you be in London for?’ Eliza asked, breaking the silence. ‘Will you be here for the season or will you be required to join your regiment?’

‘I hope to be here for much of the season, but undoubtedly there will be times when I must return to them. Much will depend on what happens on the continent.’

She took a breath. ‘I should be sorry to see you go.’

He blinked and swallowed. ‘You would?’

‘I would. I’m looking forward to the season, but it would be nice to see a friendly face.’

He looked away, then back at her, and Eliza wondered, yet again, if she had been too forward, but a small smile reassured her that she had not.

‘I too will be glad of a friendly face if I stay,’ he admitted.

They looked at each other, and his eyes sparkled. He didn’t smile, but there was a something in his eyes. Perhaps he smiled more than she realised. It just didn’t always reach his lips.

She felt a strong urge to make him smile more. ‘I was considering our earlier conversation about galleries. I think we should persuade Hannah and your brother to an expedition.’

He nodded. ‘I think that would be an excellent idea,’ he said with a glint in his eye. ‘Have you been to Vauxhall Gardens?’

‘I have not, but I have heard about it.’ Eliza had heard it was a wonderful place.

‘Then perhaps we should arrange a visit there too. I think Edward and Lady Hannah would enjoy that.’

They stared at each other for a moment until Haryo broke the spell.

‘Did someone say Vauxhall Gardens?’ she said, cutting across them.

Eliza nodded, her smile widening. ‘The Lieutenant Colonel was just suggesting a visit.’

‘That is a capital idea,’ Haryo declared as Hart and Poodle joined them.

‘Expedition where?’ Hart said as they all shuffled to make space for them. Hart squeezed in between her and Haryo who regaled them with tales of her previous visits to the pleasure gardens, making them all laugh.

‘Having a good time?’ Hart said, amid a cloud of brandy fumes.

‘I have had a lovely time. Thank you. And thank you for dancing with me.’

‘It was indeed my pleasure.’ He leaned even closer. ‘I think yours might have been the best of the parties.’

‘That is kind of you to say. I take it you sampled them all?’

‘Of course.’ Hart gave her a wide grin, then peered around her to grin at Robert. ‘Splendid party, wouldn’t you agree?’

Robert regarded him cooly for a moment before nodding. ‘Excellent.’

Lady Elizabeth joined them and inserted herself between her and Hart. She turned to her and took her hand, looking a little misty eyed.