Page 39 of The Secret Sister

‘When I agreed that we should abandon all plans for marriage and remain friends.’

‘You kissed him?’

Harriet looked sideways at her again with an arch of her eyebrow. ‘I most certainly did. You don’t think I’d allow him such liberties, do you?’

Eliza laughed again and couldn’t stop. ‘Oh, Haryo, you are truly the most complete hand.’

‘Why thank you,’ she said, and they laughed together as they traversed the room.

Harriet caught Granville’s gaze on her from across the room many times as the evening wore on. She could see he was curious, calculating even. She circulated politely, smiling at him when she caught him looking. She had thrown him off balance and that was not an easy thing to achieve. She felt rather pleased with herself.

Her thoughts returned to Eliza’s unusual position in the Grey family, and she guided them both back to where her brother stood with his wife.

‘Lady Hannah is looking well and in good spirits,’ Harriet said to Lady Mary. ‘It must please you to see her in good health after her tragedy.’

‘It does,’ Lady Mary said with a fond look over at Hannah. ‘She has had an awful time, but we hope that enjoying a little society through the season will bring her out of herself.’

‘I am sure it will. London in the spring is truly lovely. I expect you are terribly excited to be here for the season too, Miss Eliza? Is your grandmama in town? It would be lovely to see the dowager if she is available,’ she said.

Lord Grey shook his head. ‘I’m afraid not. She prefers to stay at Howick in Northumberland,’ he said. ‘Since we lost Papa.’

‘I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I am happy to see all of you out of your blacks, particularly as it means we have the pleasure of your company.’ She smiled in her most charming, engaging way. ‘Will you return to Howick at the end of the season?’

Lady Mary sighed. ‘We will need to consider this as we are having work done at Howick to extend the house. There are rather a lot of us now,’ she said with a laugh. ‘Mama may prefer to go to George at Fallodon.’

Harriet watched as Eliza’s eyes widened a fraction at this news. She suspected her friend was not pleased to hear it.

Harriet shuddered in an exaggerated fashion. ‘Having work done sounds awfully tiresome. If any of you find yourselves in need of a retreat, we will be at Chatsworth for the summer. You would be welcome to join us; there are always heaps of people there but plenty of room.’

Harriet watched a soft flush spread over Eliza’s pale cheeks and made a decision.

‘You are terribly kind, Lady Harriet,’ Lady Mary said. ‘That is most considerate of you.’

‘Well, we are never thin of company,’ Haryo said on a laugh. ‘There is always a crowd at Chatsworth, Chiswick too.’ She paused and widened her eyes as though a wonderful idea had just occurred to her.

She tilted her head slightly and let a warm smile spread across her face. She shot Eliza a conspiratorial look.

‘Actually, we are planning a visit to Chiswick shortly to recruit our energies before the season starts in earnest. Quite informal, just for a few days.’ She turned to Eliza. ‘Miss Eliza, do you think you would like to join us? I would love to have your company. Lady Hannah too, if you feel she might she wish it?’ She leaned closer. ‘Hart will be there…’ She let that dangle, and Eliza blushed furiously.

Lady Mary turned to the Earl. ‘I would have no objection, would you?’ she said in a tone that implied there could be no objection at all. Eliza looked to be holding her breath.

Grey hesitated a moment, but Mary took hold of his arm and smiled up at him. ‘I think that would be lovely for the girls. Hannah in particular, she has had such a dreadful time of it.’

Charles managed a smile. ‘No objections at all. It is most kind of you to extend the invitation.’

‘Then that’s settled. We are a pretty ramshackle bunch, but you will be most welcome. Hart is home and I’m sure he’d love to see you, as will Gee. You will meet Caroline, Charlotte and Augustus. My mother had a habit of bringing stray children to live with us, and there will be lots of guests.’

‘Stray children?’ Eliza said faintly.

‘Indeed,’ Harriet laughed. ‘I will explain everyone. Have no fear.’

Harriet beamed at them all. ‘That’s settled then. We will head for the house in Chiswick in a few days’ time. I will send over the details, and you can travel with us.’

Eliza’s smile was priceless. Harriet took her hand and squeezed it. ‘Would you excuse me? I must just speak to Lady Haverthwaite.’

She swept away, feeling rather pleased.

Chapter 18