Katie winced. Her cousin often blurted what was on her mind without thinking first.
“You have nothing to worry about. My question will be in good taste. I merely wish to ask him to pay me a visit tomorrow.”
The dowager pulled on the dark blue cord by the door. The butler appeared a moment later.
“Franklin, have Millie come down,” the dowager said.
“Very good, Your Grace.”
A few moments later Franklin returned to the parlor.
“You have a caller, Miss Latham. Lord Sebastian Soren is here to see you.”
“Please, show him in Franklin,” Katie said, glancing between the dowager and Paula.
Lord Soren stepped into the room, although he barely cleared the doorway in the parlor. Katie bit her lip to keep herself from giggling, although it would not have been funny had he hit his head. It was just that he was so tall. She’d always thought herself taller than most ladies, but when close to him, she noticed she barely reached his shoulders. Although that wasn’t a bad thing, she thought, remembering their waltz and how she enjoyed gazing up into his deep brown eyes.
Lord Soren greeted the dowager and then Katie and Paula with a smile and a slight bow. They exchanged a few pleasantries and then he pulled a small bouquet of violets from behind his back and handed them to Katie. “I saw these flowers this morning and thought you might enjoy them.”
“Oh! Thank you, my lord.” Katie held them to her nose and drew a deep breath. “They have such a delicate scent.” She drew another breath. “Violets are a favorite of mine.”
“I’m glad to hear I made the right selection, Miss Latham.”
“I can take them, milady,” Millie said, entering the room. “I have the perfect vase for them. Would you like them in your room?”
“Yes, please, but I’d like them in here for a little while so everyone can enjoy them,” Katie suggested.
Millie returned with the vase and set the flowers on the Chippendale table next to the window.
The parlor was decorated in the duchess’ favorite colors, yellow and white, which always made the room appear larger than it was, at least to Katie’s thinking. A tall Chippendale secretary was to the immediate left upon entering. To the right, a white damask sofa hugged the wall, across from which was a large picture window framed by soft yellow drapes. A cherry wood tea cart sat to the right of the sofa. Next to it sat a wingback chair—which was notably the dowager duchess’ favorite. It was covered in matching yellow and white striped fabric and sat next to the small Chippendale table. Even though it was decorated with colors that enhanced its size, the room seemed to have shrunk in size from Sebastian’s commanding presence.
“I wondered if you might enjoy a ride through Hyde Park, Miss Latham,” Lord Soren said. “The day is crisp but not cold. I have warming bricks in the coach and lap blankets, for your comfort.”
“Yes, that would be lovely.” Katie turned to the dowager, who smiled.
“I will wait in the carriage, milady,” Millie said, stepping out of the room.
The dowager stood and tapped her cane. Katie smiled as she recalled the foil that was hidden inside.
The older woman gave a wry laugh. “I wonder, Lord Soren, if you might have time to pay me a brief call tomorrow. I have an important favor to ask of you.”
Sebastian gave a brief nod. “Certainly, Your Grace. It will be my pleasure.
“Shall we say ten of the clock?” the dowager asked.
“I will be here, Your Grace.”
“Very good,” the elderly woman said with a mysterious smile. “Enjoy your outing, my dear,” she said to Katie, then turned to Paula. “Come, my dear, I promised to show you my hat collection, and so I shall.” The dowager walked out of the room, tapping her cane as she went.
Paula excused herself and gave Katie a quick wink as she followed the dowager down the hall.
Minutes later, Lord Soren helped Katie into his carriage and climbed in after her. Millie set a warm blanket across Katie’s lap and sat back as the conveyance smoothly merged into the thoroughfare.
“I thought we might stop at Gunter’s for chocolate after we ride through Hyde Park,” Lord Soren suggested.
“I would like that very much. She noticed even though they both occupied the same bench, it was wide enough that they didn’t touch. “Your coach seems larger than most. Or am I imagining it?”
He laughed. “I’m a big man, so I ordered mine a few inches wider. It makes it more comfortable—for me and my guests.”
