“Yes.”
“Very well. You may write to invite her once we’re settled at the manor.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said happily.
Not only did she need Lady Burnham’s help, but she also knew she’d crave her calming, kind presence as she attempted to navigate her ever-changing life. She wondered whether her mother would be welcome at Norwich. Elizabeth was still uncertain about so many things in her new life. Would that ever change?
Talbot’s lips curved into a small, soft smile.
“I’m glad to be able to do this for you,” he said, surprising her by leaning over and taking hold of her hand again.
Elizabeth’s heart swelled with confusing affection.
Talbot stared into her eyes for a while. She swallowed. He let go of her hand and leaned back into his previous position.
“What do men talk about when they retire after dinner?” Elizabeth asked, eager to break the new, unfamiliar tension that now filled the carriage.
“Pardon?” he frowned.
“I’ve always wondered. When men retire after dinner, or at a ball, what do they talk about that they cannot say in front of women?” she asked, then leaned in and whispered, “Is it bawdy?”
Talbot threw his head back and laughed like she’d never seen him do before.
“Good Heavens, no!” he still laughed, and Lizzie found herself grinning from ear to ear at his joy. “Why on Earth would you think that?”
“I don’t know! What I heard when I was eavesdropping was horrible; it’s not too outrageous to imagine it getting even worse.”
Talbot suddenly sobered, probably remembering his words that night and their aftermath.
“We discuss business, politics, maybe someone tells a bawdy joke occasionally, I admit,” he tried steering them both back to the happy mood they had been in a moment ago. “The main thing, I think, is using the chamberpot while others are in the room with you.”
“No!” Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand. “You’re surely jesting!”
Talbot just shook his head. She wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not.
“Fine, the chamberpot use I can perhaps understand. But why not discuss business and politics when women are present?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Talk of money and business can be both impolite and tedious. As for politics, ladies have a weaker constitution. Hearing about atrocities, unrest, and bloodshed would upset them unnecessarily.”
Elizabeth frowned.
“Perhaps it depends on the lady. I’ve read about Peterloo when it happened, you know. And I did get upset, but not in the way you imagine. I got angry.”
“Where on Earth haveyouread about it?” her husband appeared outraged.
“I read the papers,” she said haughtily, trying to mask the apprehension she suddenly felt under his gaze, “and my carriage driver once brought a pamphlet home.”
Talbot’s eyes darkened.
“A lady has no business reading such libel!”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“It was merely an eyewitness account of that horrific day.”
Talbot tried reasoning with her in a different tone.
“I’m sure you were very upset with those traitors, but that still doesn’t-”
