And yet… there was something about his friend’s involvement in that situation that wasn’t sitting quite right with him either. It was almost as though Thomas had beenwaitingfor an opportunity to play the hero.
There had been no need for him to do that, Henry thought, unable to suppress a pinch of bitterness. Even Lady Valeria’s aunt and cousin hadn’t thought it necessary.
Maybe he would call on her sometime in the next day or so and apologize again for what had happened. That ought to put his mind at rest about it.
He did his best to turn his attention back to his book. It was Saturday, and Henry liked to spend Saturday afternoons reading. There really was no better time for it.
But again, his mind wouldn’t settle.
He sighed and put the book aside. This was useless. He got to his feet and moved toward the door.
It was opened, however, before he could reach it.
“My lord.” James, his valet, had arrived with a tea cart. “You haven’t eaten a thing all day.”
“Oh, James,” Henry said. “Thank you. That’s very much appreciated. You can just put it over there.”
“We’ve finished cleaning up from the dinner party last night,” James said. He hesitated, then added, “Will the gentleman be returning soon?”
“Which?” Henry asked absently.
“Lord Milton, My Lord.”
“Oh, no,” Henry said firmly. “It was a mistake ever to invite him, I can see that now. And it’s a mistake that I can assure you I won’t make twice. I have no desire to seehimanymore, you can be certain of that.”
James nodded. “If I may be a bit forward, My Lord, I am glad to hear it. He never treated the servants very well.”
Henry raised his eyebrows. “I never knew that,” he admitted. “Was he cruel?”
James hesitated. “I’m not sure whether it’s appropriate for me to speak on this matter, My Lord.”
“Go ahead,” Henry urged him. “I’d like you to tell me.”
“Well, yes,” James said. “There was never any making him happy. Of course, I’ve learned a lot of what I know about him from friends who serve in his household.”
“Oh, I hadn’t realized you were acquainted with his staff.”
“Yes, My Lord. They don’t like him much, either.”
Henry smiled. “Well, you needn’t worry,” he said. “I wouldn’t expect to see him around here again. And now, speaking of last night’s party, what did you think of Lady Valeria?”
“She was the one who came with Lady Earlington, was she not?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Henry said. “The subject of all the unfortunate business, as well. But she handled herself rather admirably, did she not?”
“She seemed quite determined not to allow it to upset her,” James agreed. “I found her quite pleasant. Why do you ask, My Lord?”
“Well…” Henry hesitated, but there could be no harm in confessing his intentions to James, surely. “I intend to ask her to court me. I will be declaring myself to Lady Earlington later this very week.”
James looked taken aback. “Really?”
“Does that surprise you?” Henry asked. “I think she would make for a fine Marchioness of Harlston. Don’t you think so?”
“Well, yes, certainly,” James said. “I must have misunderstood the situation.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Henry said. “What situation?”
“It’s just that… is she not involved already with Lord Woodsford?”
