Heaven Bound (A Blakemore Family Book: Madame Lou Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

father that I sent some inquiries around Liverpool, London, and Bristol to see where the best places are for shipping offices to be set up.” Jack was keeping the waiters busy refilling both his plate and his wineglasses. He appeared almost normal tonight, as if Clara were waiting for him back in his cabin.
    “Excellent idea.” Simon said, glad to be able to have a conversation about something he was interested in for a change. “Last year when I went and bought the house Adeline and I will be living in, I found a few decent locations to set up business in London. I’ll be happy to show you what I found. It will give me some ease, knowing my dear Addie isn’t alone here when I do return to New York.”
    “Still all business talk, Simon?” Henrietta said with disapproval. “No wonder you’ve never remarried.”
    “I’ve never found another woman to compare to my Margaret.” Simon said with a disapproving sniff. “I suppose you are barely a day out of mourning and already casting your nets, Lady Huntingdon?”
    “Why so formal, Simon? You can call me Henrietta, just like old times. And don’t worry; I’m not casting my net in your direction. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m not investigating all of my options.” Lady Huntingdon waited to continue until the waiters served the next course of cold asparagus vinaigrette and pate de foie gras. “A woman in this day and age must always be on the lookout for advantages.”
    “Don’t give my Adeline any ridiculous ideas, Henrietta. As it stands, it took more than two years just to get her to England. I don’t want her taking another two years to pick a suitable husband.”
    “So you are going to let her choose on her own?” Lady Huntingdon asked, tasting the delicacies.
    “What kind of backward dolt do you think I am? Of course she can choose any man she wants as long as he’s got a proper title. It was Adeline’s mother’s only wish in life.” Papa got that faraway look in his eyes whenever the subject was broached. “Addie wants it, too, don’t you my dear girl?”
    “Of course, Papa; what red-blooded American girl wouldn’t want to be a duchess?” Adeline struggled not to roll her eyes as she quoted what Simon had said hundreds of times whenever the subject was brought up. She’d worked hard over the years to keep the sarcasm from her voice as well.
    “Indeed!” Simon laughed and toasted his daughter. “Don’t you think our Addie will make a fine duchess, Jack?”
    “I know Clara thought that any man who captured Adeline’s heart would indeed be deserving of her hand in marriage.” Jack smiled a bit sadly recalling his wife’s words. “But you’ve never been in a hurry to find that man, have you Addie? Too busy running around…”
    “Never mind that, Jack.” Adeline said frowning at her friend, hoping he understood that she didn’t want discuss her reform activities in front of her father nor a total stranger. Addie had taken great pains to ensure that Papa never found out about her extracurricular activities. He would not approve, especially since some of the rallies she’d helped arrange had been at his expense. “Oh look, peaches in chartreuse jelly; your favorite, Papa.” she said, neatly changing the topic.
    Jack dropped the subject as well, but it was apparent that his mind had wandered again to his recently widowed state and he excused himself a few minutes later, leaving well before Simon retreated to indulge in cards and brandy in the gentlemen’s Smoking Room. Adeline and Lady Huntingdon stayed a bit longer and enjoyed a glass of sherry before parting and turning in for the evening.
    “How was dinner?” Emily asked following Adeline into her bedroom.
    “Very fine.” Addie sat at the vanity and allowed her lady’s maid to get her ready for bed. “I want to get an early start tomorrow though. Father will most likely have breakfast in the dining room, then find the barber for a shave. I expect he’ll spend the day