“One thing I should say, however, is that the young lady who spoke to Lord Dartford in such a way ought to be avoided, if you are looking for a young lady to marry. I do not think that she would suit you at all well.”
His interest now a little piqued, Henry turned to face his friend.
“You say she spoke to Lord Dartford about his arrogance?”
“She did.” Lord Falconer chuckled, shaking his head. “I could not quite believe what she said and the strength with which she said it, but it came from her lips without hesitation!”
Henry grimaced.
“I certainly shouldnotdesire a young lady who speaks without thinking, nor one who speaks to the gentlemen of thetonwith anything akin to an improper boldness.”
Lord Falconer grinned.
“Lord Dartford did deserve her cut, however. His arrogance is unmatched through all of London!”
“All the same,” Henry countered, “I should have preferred her to remain silent and to have ignored him, for surely that would have been more fitting.”
“Mayhap, but it certainly would not have been as entertaining!”
Laughing, Henry shook his head and then finished his brandy, getting to his feet thereafter.
“I think I shall need to return home. It is getting late, and I do not want to be tardy tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
Henry nodded.
“I am to call on Lady Eltringham and her daughter, Lady Judith. She and I are related, you know. Second cousins, I believe.”
“Oh.” Lord Falconer’s eyes flared. “Lady Judith?”
“Yes.” Dragging the word out, Henry narrowed his eyes at his friend. “Why? You have something to say about her?”
“No, not in the least, especially if she is your cousin.” From the grin that Lord Falconer was desperately trying to hide, Henry did not believe a single word of his declaration, his stomach twisting with sudden, sharp nerves. “I do hope that you enjoy your visit tomorrow.”
“I thank you – though, as I have said, she is my second cousin, which is really nothing at all.” Realizing that it was no good to push his friend to tell him whatever was on his mind, Henry kept his gaze fixed on him, but Lord Falconer only continued to grin. “I think it will go well. Lady Judith seemed to be a very quiet, respectable sort.”
“You do not know her?”
“No, as I have said, we are only second cousins, and I was not introduced to her until recently.”
A gleam came into Lord Falconer’s eye.
“Indeed? Then let us hope that your expectations are fulfilled.”
“Let us hope so.” Making to leave, Henry was stopped by Lord Falconer’s voice calling him back. Swinging back around, he let out an exasperated sigh. “Yes?”
“I have one thing to ask,” Lord Falconer said, still smiling. “When you have finished your visit to Lady Judith, come to my house and tell me all about it.”
Henry opened his mouth to ask what it was that Lord Falconer knew, which he did not, but seeing his friend lift his glass to his mouth, his eyebrows arching, realized that there was nothing he could do to convince him to speak honestly. With a scowl and a nod, he turned on his heel and walked out of White’s.
“Didyou hear about that young lady who spoke so rudely to Lord Dartford?”
Henry sighed inwardly but forced a smile to his lips.
“Yes, Lady Eltringham, I did. I did think that–”
“We were speaking about it together, were we not?”
