“It certainly is a blustery day, but I was out visiting Lady Barth in any case, so it is no great inconvenience to stop by here.”
“May I offer you some tea, or have you already had some with Lady Barth?”
Elizabeth gave a dismissive wave and said, “She only drinks coffee. Have you ever heard of such an outrage? Filthy habit. So, yes I shall have tea with you.”
She sat down and adjusted her white crocheted, fingerless gloves.
Wilcox turned to Munson. “We will have our tea now if you please.”
“Right away, Milord.”
Wilcox went and sat in the chair opposite her Ladyship. “Elizabeth, I have just returned from the country. My nephew gave a ball and I was required to attend. Quite lovely, but, of course, it could not compare to the events we attend in London. Rather provincial, you know.”
“Yes, I heard. Several of my lady friends attended and they spoke to me about you.”
Ah, his mother’s work, no doubt, Wilcox thought. So, her advocacy on his behalf had worked. He was most pleased.
He said, “Of course, the ball was not a complete waste of time. There were many fine ladies and gentlemen in attendance—and many from London. However, you were not in attendance, so, for me, the event could never be complete.”
“Oh, Your Lordship…”
“Please, call me Wilcox, Elizabeth.”
“You flatter me, Wilcox. Really. It is quite unnecessary.”
“But when one admires…” he let the thought drift off as they gazed into the fire.
The tea was then brought in and served in relative silence.
But when Munson was gone, Wilcox asked, “Do you travel often?”
“Not as much these days since… well, since my dear husband passed away.”
“I quite understand. But would it be improper of me to ask if you ever go to France?” He had heard rumors, and wanted to press his case.
“As a matter of fact, I am taking a house in Antibes this coming summer. It is by the sea and offers the most delightful cooling breezes.”
“It sounds splendid.” However, she was not forthcoming with an invitation, so he pressed forward. “I often travel in that region, myself, in the summer but I have as yet to stay in one place for too long. I quite like Cannes, but the beaches can be so crowded—and mostly with Germans. Not at all pleasant.”
“Then you must stop by and visit me if you are in the area.”
Excellent. She had taken the bait. “Oh, Elizabeth, I would not wish to impose myself…”
“It would be no imposition. The house is quite large and as I have fewer friends each year as I get older, most of the bedrooms are unoccupied.”
Wilcox let her invitation linger for a moment, not wanting to seem too eager. “I shall certainly consider it. But most pleasant would be the opportunity to spend more time with you.”
“Wilcox, you are too kind. I have no idea why you would wish to spend a week or two with me. I am not always the best company. I rarely bathe in the sea, often get summer colds, and retire early in the evening.”
“But we could play cards, take carriage rides to visit the small villages in the hills to lunch, and I might even bring a jigsaw puzzle along to entertain us in the evenings.”
“That might be amusing. And I know Lord Linton would be grateful for the added company, as well. He often complains that it is too quiet of an evening.”
Lord Linton… who was that?Wilcox thought.Not another admirer? This could be very dicey. Lord Linton… Lord Linton…He was trying to recall if he knew the man.
“And Lady Linton? Will she also be visiting?” he asked to assess the lay of the land.
“Oh, Lady Linton passed away two summers ago. And since then, his Lordship and I have grieved and consoled each other.”
