Page 142 of From Rakes to Riches

“I think the earl liked your new chemise. You were gone all night,” Sofia said in a sing-song voice. “Dio mio.You’re glowing.”

“No, I’m not,” Lola insisted, though her laughter ruined her attempt at indignation. “We did have a very nice time though.”

“Nice?” Sofia scoffed. “That’s not the face of someone who had aniceevening. Look in the mirror,bellissima. You are in love. Very much in love.”

“I am in love with Theodore,” Lola said, the words settling in her heart.

“And I’m happy for you,” Sofia said. “Will he help you solve the terrible problem with the duke?”

“We didn’t talk about that,” Lola said solemnly and hurriedly changed the subject. “We’re going to a dinner party this evening.”

“That’s wonderful. You’ll meet his friends and they’ll want to get to know you,” Sofia continued, excited by the idea.

“Yes, that’s what has me most worried.”

“But you will have your earl beside you. You needn’t bother your head about it. He will take care of you,” Sofia assured her. “Besides I’m worrying enough for both of us. I did something yesterday while you were gone.”

Lola looked at her friend’s conflicted expression and hoped what she suspected was true. “Did you write your letter?”

“Yes,” Sofia said in a careful whisper. “I did, and I sent it by post.”

“Did you ask him to send his response to my address?” Lola asked, feeling encouraged Sofia had finally made a decision.

“I did.” Sofia took a deep breath. “Though I suppose now all I can do is wait and time will reveal what will happen next.”

“I have a good feeling about this, Sofia,” Lola said. “You were the one who told me the only way to move forward was to make peace with the past.”

“Did I say that? Sometimes I surprise myself,” Sofia said as she stepped toward the bedroom. “Come. Let’s choose what you’ll wear for the dinner party later. How lucky we are that it’s raining and we won’t have to go to Vauxhall tonight.”

Theodore rang for Wyndham,curious if his man-of-all-things had learned anything in regard to Viscount Sidmouth. Tonight, Theodore would share dinner with the gentleman and he’d rather be prepared with dependable information before meeting Margaret’s betrothed in person.

“Good morning, my lord.” Wyndham entered the study and stood before the desk.

“Thank you for your flawless arrangements concerning my plans last night,” Theodore said. “Everything went smoothly.”

“Very good.” Wyndham nodded. “As you requested, I inquired about Viscount Sidmouth and have information to share in his regard.”

“Excellent. What have you learned?”

“According to reliable staff, Lord Sidmouth is a mild-mannered sort who keeps respectable hours, visits his parents regularly, and maintains a tidy budget. He belongs to White’s though he rarely spends time there. I was told the viscount is very fond of Lady Margaret and speaks of her highly, anxiously anticipating their upcoming nuptials,” Wyndham finished.

“He sounds the ideal gentleman. I sincerely hope that proves true,” Theodore said, knowing Margaret would want a husband who was easily managed after her unpleasant experience with Baron Mowbray. “Thank you, Wyndham, your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated. That will be all for now.”

Wyndham left but returned not five minutes later with the Earl of Huntington on his heels.

“Essex.” Huntington entered the study and greeted Theodore with a hearty handshake. “I’m glad I caught you in house.”

“Good to see you too, Huntington. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Theodore indicated the two armchairs beside the hearth and both men sat down.

“Do you recall me speaking of my interest in a particular young lady?” Huntington asked, a gleam lighting his eyes.

“How can I forget? You were calf-eyed at the club the other evening,” Theodore replied wryly. “A bit like you are now.”

“Right,” Huntington said with a chuckle. “And you may also remember I mentioned that if the lovely lady granted me the honor of accepting my invitation, we might all have an outing together.”

“Is there a reason for this elaborate retelling? There’s no need to create suspense. I remember our conversation well,”Theodore commented. “I even shared your suggestion with the special lady I plan to bring along.”

“Capital! Everything is falling into place nicely,” Huntington said, his exuberant reply loud in the otherwise quiet room. “Except the plans have changed slightly, so I’m here with the details.”

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