Page 85 of A Lovely White Christmastide
With a hand over her mouth, Beth waved toward Daniel. It took a great deal of effort to keep from blurting out the whole story, but Daniel eventually managed to control himself.
“My friend from Eton has an entertaining correspondent, is all.”
Carswell raised his eyebrows but said nothing.
“Yes, and we all wish him the best luck with it.” Julianna’s lips twitched as she tried and failed to control her grin.
“I am missing something in this, I am sure. But it seems you all are in each other's confidence so I will not press any further. I come bearing good news.”
When Carswell paused for effect, they all sat forward. The half smile on his face showed he enjoyed making them wonder at his secret just as much as he’d wondered at theirs.
“Well, out with it,” Daniel finally said when his patience wore thin.
“General and Mrs. Waverly have decided to join us for the season.”
“Truly?” Beth exclaimed.
Carswell took up the chair next to her. “It seems that since your father has decided to stay in Hayworth for Mrs. Haynes’s confinement, they, in General Waverly’s words, ‘Feel it their duty to come and dote on the newest little Bingham.’ I knew you’d not deny them their right to pamper the boy, so I dashed off a letter of approval right away.”
Julianna clapped her hands. “This season shall be the best ever.”
The action reminded Daniel so much of Mrs. Waverly that he could not help the grin that plastered itself on his face. There would never be a dull moment with both matchmaking ladies in the house. Add to that their thoroughly willing compliant husbands and no gentleman or lady would be safe from their scheming this Parliament season.
“I see that gleam in your eye, Kaye. What are you up to?” Carswell crossed his arms.
Daniel glanced at Julianna. She smirked back, conspiracy dancing in her lovely blue eyes.
“Who shall we start with first, my dear?”
