“I couldn’t agree more, Corporal Harding. I usually stay in our country seat. I only ever spent longer periods of time in London when my daughter had her Season, and now for my Elizabeth. There is nothing better than the English countryside.”
Elizabeth felt an odd need to defend the city, although she knew it to be even dirtier and more noisome than they would ever experience. But at the end of the day, it washers;the only home she’d ever known. She’d walked its streets confidently long before her brother had determined she needed a minder.
It was pure chance that this conversation was being had just as they drove down Church Street. Elizabeth gazed at the familiar houses with an odd longing she knew was irrational. Her life now was better. But that one had been hers.
Her hands felt damp and cold in her gloves when they finally exited the carriage. She ordered herself to stop thinking about that day, choosing instead to focus on the fact that Aunt Isolde was her father’s sister. It felt unreal. He’d never told her he had a sister while he was alive. And her aunt looked nothing like him.
What would she say if she knew how her beloved brother had treated me in this very Park?Elizabeth’s treacherous thoughts once again returned to the topic they had been expressly forbidden to entertain.
It seemed that the entireTonhad decided to take a stroll in the Park at the same hour. The numerous bonnets with their colourful ribbons resembled little ships sailing on the sea of muslin and grass.
Oliver offered his arm to Elizabeth, and they walked ahead, with Isolde trailing behind them at a distance that somehow ensured both privacy and propriety.
“Are you feeling unwell, Lady Elizabeth?” he asked, true concern evident in his eyes.
“I’ve had some trouble sleeping last night, so I am still somewhat tired, you must forgive me if I’m poor company.”
“I don’t think you’re capable of ever being poor company,” Oliver said with a smile, and it didn’t feel like oily flattery.
It felt to Elizabeth like he truly meant it, and it perked her up a bit.
“Do tell me about the ball at Almack’s I missed while I was away,” he urged.
“Your absence was keenly felt. Oh, Baron Waldegrave was there,” she said conspiratorially.
“Have they managed to locate his brother?” Oliver asked as he nodded to someone in the distance.
“Not yet, I’m afraid. He seemed very upset by it.”
“I don’t know what they hope to accomplish once they do find them,” Harding frowned. “They will long have been married,and her father will have no authority over her. I suppose Powell could call Slaymaker out, but that would be cruel to his daughter.”
“You don’t think he would?” Elizabeth was horrified at the thought of the frightening man duelling anyone.
She was sure Slaymaker would stand no chance against him. And if Miss Caroline loved him…
“I’m sorry, Lady Elizabeth, I shouldn’t have said anything. I got carried away. I’m certain nothing of the sort shall happen.”
Elizabeth felt like a child being pacified, and she disliked it.
“I must admit I am failing to see what Mr Powell is so upset about. Yes, his daughter is young, but she was already out in society. And Lord Slaymaker is an earl’s son, so there is no cause for complaint about the match on that side,” she explained zealously and then reminded herself not to wave her hands like that again.
Harding sighed. “I’ve been thinking about that myself. I assume you heard about Powell’s late wife?”
“I’ve heard the rumours.”
“All of them tragic, correct?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“I know it’s irrational, but the only conclusion that makes sense is that he wants to protect his daughter from her mother’s fate.”
Elizabeth remembered the soft adoration in Powell’s gaze when he talked to his daughter, coupled with the fact that he’d introduced her to society early in order to keep her by his side when he travelled…
“I think you’re right,” she breathed, astonished at Oliver’s insight. “How did you ever guess that?”
Harding seemed abashed.
“You learn to read men pretty well in the military. Your life depends on it.”
