Arousing, truth be told; watching her was akin to studying a master of social manipulation wielding their magic.
But the shadows were lengthening, and a brisk breeze sprang up, making several ladies shiver. One of the gentlemen consulted his timepiece and declared it was nearly four o’clock, and in a rush, the group walking made their farewells and departed.
Lady Finlay briefly eyed Devlin, then turned to Therese. “Dulcimea and I had better be on our way as well, dear Lady Alverton. Thank you so much for your wise counsel—Dulcimea will be sure to bear your words in mind.”
Devlin waved Dennis, his young footman, back and opened and held the carriage door. He offered his hand and assisted Lady Finlay and her daughter to descend.
“Thank you, my lord.” Lady Finlay waited for Dulcimea to curtsy, then wound her arm in her daughter’s. Then her ladyship looked at Devlin and faintly smiled. “And for being so patient.” She cut a glance at Therese and inclined her head graciously. “We’ll leave you to your delightful wife’s company.”
With that, the pair turned and set off across the lawn.
Devlin watched until they were out of earshot, then climbed the steps and joined Therese in the carriage.
She studied him as he settled elegantly on the seat beside her and Dennis shut the carriage door.
Without looking around, Munns asked, “My lord?”
“Home, Munns.” Devlin looked at Therese and more quietly verified, “I take it that was your intention?”
She was still regarding him with something close to fascination. “It was.” She waited until the carriage rocked into motion, then drew breath and said, “If I might ask, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
He smiled; he’d been waiting for her to inquire. “First, it occurred to me that this relatively fine weather is unlikely to last much longer, and then early next month, we’ll up stakes and head to the Priory. I wondered if we shouldn’t seize the moment to indulge the children and take them to the zoo. They haven’t been since April, and you know how they love to see their favorite animals.”
She was already nodding. “That’s an excellent idea. Especially as, once we leave, we won’t be back until early March, if not later.”
“Indeed. And with the exhibition entering its final week, most visitors to the capital, and many Londoners, too, are flocking there, so with luck, the zoo won’t be overly crowded.”
“I agree.” She turned to look at him. “When were you thinking of going?”
He shrugged lightly and met her gaze. “Are you doing anything tomorrow morning?”
“Thursday morning…” She frowned as if mentally consulting a diary, then her face cleared. “I have nothing I absolutely need to attend.” After a second, she added, “We could go early—say at ten o’clock—and be back for a late luncheon. That way, we’ll be able to keep our afternoon appointments.”
He nodded. “Good. That’s settled, then. We’ll leave at ten o’clock.” He smoothly rolled on, “And the other subject on which I wished to consult you was whether you would like to attend the opera on Friday evening.”
She stared at him. “ThisFriday?”
He nodded. “The chance of a box on that night has come my way, and I wondered if you would be interested in viewing the current production.”
The expression of stunned wonder that filled her face was all and more than he’d hoped for.
Therese could barely believe her ears. Indeed, she felt compelled to clarify, “You are talking of the Vienna Opera’s performance ofWilliam Tellto be held at the Royal Italian Opera House in Covent Garden? The one that was all but immediately sold out from the moment it was announced—that’s the performance you’re referring to?”
“So I believe—Friday evening at the Royal Italian Opera House in Covent Garden.”
She expelled the breath she’d been holding. “Good Lord! How on earth did you manage to secure tickets, let alone a box? Most of London’s hostesses would kill for a box.”
Her exasperating husband grinned at her. “I take it that’s a yes?”
“That’s a Good Lord Almighty yes!” Still stunned, she stared at him. “I can’t believe you snagged a box. How did you manage it?”
He shrugged lightly and looked ahead. “A friend of a business acquaintance has reason to want to butter me up. You know how it goes.”
She did. She sat back against the seat and, as the carriage rolled smoothly through the park gates and turned onto Park Lane, marveled at such a remarkable stroke of good fortune. Unable to stop smiling, she envisioned the event, then cast a curious glance at Devlin. “Do you plan on attending?”
Attending the opera was by no means his favorite pastime, but occasionally, he accompanied her, more to show his face and connect with other gentlemen than from any wish to experience a performance.
He tilted his head and appeared to weigh the matter, then slowly nodded. “Given the chance came via a business associate, I suspect it will be politic to be there myself, to demonstrate that I appreciate the opportunity directed my way.”
