Together. Her heart thumped harder than it should at the suggestion. “Certainly.”
Another afternoon with Silas? Absolutely. The possibility of another kiss? Most definitely. The Season was already better than she’d expected despite coming upon Waltham or learning about the wager, all because of Silas.
“Another meeting with the viscount?” Prue’s mother didn’t seem convinced the idea was wise.
Prue, her mother, Millie, her mother, and two aunts had gathered with their needlework in the drawing room after luncheon. Sunshine spilled through the windows, giving the comfortable room a warm, golden glow.
Prue wasn’t sure seeing him again was wise either, given the anticipation that had gripped her since yesterday. “We’re calling on Lady Silverton to request lilies for Mrs. Sutton’s party.”
“Oh, yes, the two of you have met her.” Millie’s mother nodded with approval. “She has the most amazing conservatory and is dear friends with Mrs. Sutton. I’m certain she’ll be pleased to lend assistance.”
Prue’s mother visibly relaxed. “How kind of her. Do give her our regards.”
“Of course.”
“Is Millie accompanying you?” her mother asked.
Prue nearly groaned on her cousin’s behalf. Millie was several years older and often requested to serve as chaperone to her younger cousins. Prue knew that bothered her when she wasn’t ready to be placed on the spinster shelf.
“I am visiting a friend this afternoon,” Millie answered with a subtle wink at Prue.
That wink made Prue wonder if Millie had invented the excuse. Was Prue’s excitement at meeting Silas so evident?
“I’m pleased you’re helping Lord Winstead,” Great Aunt Edith said from her chair near the window, her focus on sorting embroidery thread. “Dorothy has been looking forward to the party for months, and I’d hate for anything to ruin it.” She looked up from her work. “Who knows what would happen if his mother was left to plan it? The lady is pleasant enough but can’t remember what she had for dinner yesterday.”
Prue’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Now Aunt Edith, we shouldn’t speak ill of anyone,” Millie’s mother quickly said with a frown. “She might be a bit of a flibbertigibbet, but she is very kind and always has something nice to say.”
Prue departed with her maid in tow before Aunt Edith said anything further. She hadn’t met Silas’s mother, but Mrs. Sutton had mentioned her daughter’s carefree air.
A kind heart was as important as keen intelligence, in Prue’s opinion.
Silas greeted her at the door and offered his carriage to go to Lady Silverton’s. Prue and her maid settled on the opposite bench from him and a short time later, they drew to a halt before the lady’s Mayfair home with its tall columns, red brick exterior, and black shutters.
The butler took their cards, and they were shown into the elegant drawing room while Prue’s maid remained by the door. They hadn’t waited long before Lady Silverton greeted them.
“Good afternoon.” The lady paused in the doorway with a bright smile. Her blue and white striped gown flattered her figure and gave her a youthful appearance. Her brown hair was touched with gray at the temples and loosely coifed. “What an unexpected delight. How lovely that the two of you have called.”
“Thank you for seeing us,” Silas said. “We have come seeking assistance.”
He explained their need and the lady pressed her hands together as if thrilled they’d asked for help.
“I would be honored to provide some lilies,” she said. “They’re my favorites, too. I received the invitation and look forward to attending. How is your grandmother?”
“Quite well. Unfortunately, my mother has been under the weather, so Lady Prudence has been kind enough to assist me in finalizing the details.”
“I haven’t seen your mother or aunts for an age,” Lady Silverton told Prue. “Do tell them to call when possible.”
“Thank you. I will.”
They visited for several minutes before the lady rang for the butler to show them to the conservatory. “Wander at your leisure. Just tell Holton what you need.”
The butler showed them into the conservatory, advised them to ring when they were ready for his assistance, and departed.
Prue stepped into the warm, fragrant room, already in awe of the numerous plants and flowers thriving inside the bright space. Rather than rows of plants on shelves, as she’d expected, the conservatory looked more like a garden and a jungle had merged into a plethora of plants.
Glass panels allowed in sunlight and kept the room warm and humid. A water fountain in one corner provided a delightful trickling sound.