Love Finds Lord Davingdale Read Online Free Page A

she so looked forward to it. ‘Twas her first
invitation.”
    “Lady Cummings, do not fret so. I will send
my own carriage and driver for her tomorrow night.”
    “Oh, Mr. Merrit, that is too considerate. But
no, we mustn’t prevail upon your kindness any longer. You have done
so much for us already.”
    “I insist, Lady Cummings. I have no need of
it. It would be my pleasure.”
    “You are generosity itself.” Lady Cummings
brought the handkerchief to her eye once more.
    The apothecary starting down the stairs
caught his attention.
    “I will take my leave of you now. Have you a
notion where my man is?”
    “Oh, yes, he is in the barn with Jackson
looking at the carriage. Please, Mr. Merrit, forgive my manners,
may I offer you something? A cup of tea, brandy perhaps? You are
soaked through as well.”
    Thomas nodded. “Thank you, but I must
decline. I need to return Mr. Winters to the village and have
several things to attend before I head to London on business.”
Harry would be in a snit if he did not bring him to London today,
storm or no.
    “Very well, I thank you again for your
service to my dear Ophelia.” She turned to Mr. Winters, and Thomas
let himself out.
    Finding Graves and the old man, Jackson,
looking over the carriage, Thomas was gratified he had the
forethought to offer his own for tomorrow night. He didn’t think,
either the old groom, or the horse would have made it the fifteen
miles to Town in the weather.
    They brought Winters back to the village, and
then Thomas made his way to the cobbler and pressed the man to
deliver the slippers. For a brief second, he wondered which ball
Ophelia was to attend. There were several, he had invitations for
three, but he would only be at the most important. Lady Pen would
never forgive him if didn’t show.
    True to form, Harry was in a state when
Thomas arrived back at Merrit Manor.
    “Where have you been?” his uncle demanded. “I
have been waiting nearly two hours.”
    “I came upon a carriage accident, Uncle. As a
matter of fact, it involved the woman I went to meet.” Thomas flung
his greatcoat over the back of the chair by the fireplace and
headed toward the liquor cabinet. He poured himself a sizeable
glass of brandy and took a large pull. The fiery amber burned away
the chill from his insides. He set down his glass and shook off his
sopping jacket.
    “Is she unharmed?” Harry asked.
    “Took a nasty tumble, poor girl. I came upon
them just as it happened. I drove her back to Cummings and then
fetched the apothecary. I could not very well leave Winters with no
ride, so I had to bring him back. I came home straight away.” He
sat in the chair in front of the fire and pulled off his wet
boots.
    Harry took the chair opposite him. “So, did
you find out who she is?”
    Thomas smiled. “Her name is Ophelia. I’m
afraid she fainted before I could speak to her. The only thing I do
know for sure is she is invited to a ball tomorrow night.” Thomas
unloosed the buttons from his waistcoat and slipped it off. “I did,
however, have the pleasure of conversing with her cousin, the Lady
Josephine.” He smiled at his uncle. “Now there’s a bird for you,
Harry. Not a day under five-and-sixty, and pleasingly proportioned
in all the right places.”
    Harry feigned a punch. “When speaking with
the cousin, did you think to ask pertinent questions about
your Ophelia?”
    Thomas shook his head no.
    “Gads, boy, what is wrong with you?”
    Thomas peeled off his shirt and stood. “The
conversation did not warrant such as Lady Josephine was in a state.
What would you have me do, blatantly ask if she was unmarried?”
    “Why not? It would have gotten you the answer
you sought.”
    “Harry, please. Have you been so long out of
genteel parlours you do not remember how to make the proper
pretty?” He retrieved his glass of brandy. “I’m going to find some
warm clothing and then I will see you to London.”
    “Never mind London. At least not today.