The earl walked in looking as dapper as ever, and Mia smiled when she saw him. He looked especially handsome in his dark-green jacket, buff breeches, and highly polished boots. She jumped up and curtseyed. “Lord Berkeley, what an unexpected pleasure. I’m so pleased to see you today.”
Audrey stood and curtseyed. “Good day, Lord Berkeley.”
Berkeley bowed to them both. “Good day to my two favorite ladies.”
“Such a flatterer,” Audrey said. “Would you care for tea?”
“No, thank you. I was wondering if you two would care to stroll with me in the park today. It’s a beautiful, warm day, and it would be a shame to waste such a day by staying inside.”
Audrey shook her head. “I’m sorry, I cannot accept your kind invitation. I’m expecting Lady Clifford and Lady Devon for nuncheon. Perhaps another time?”
“I’ll go,” Mia blurted out. She looked at Audrey. “I mean, may I?”
Audrey looked between Mia and the earl. Berkeley had always been a gentleman whenever he was around them, so she nodded her consent. “Of course. You may go, dearest.”
“Excellent,” Berkeley said, flashing her a radiant smile. “Thank you, Lady Fletcher.”
“Please excuse me while I fetch my bonnet and gloves,” Mia said.
“Ask Beatrice to go with you,” Audrey said.
“Of course,” Mia said, rushing out of the room to find her maid.
“You’re looking well, Lord Berkeley,” Audrey said.
“Thank you. London has a way of keeping a man busy.”
“That’s true, although I do miss the quiet at Dandridge Manor.”
“The country is quiet, but my childhood home holds too many memories for me at the moment. I keep expecting to see my father walk into the drawing room. Being away from there for a bit is helping me cope with him being gone.”
“Lord Berkeley, I do apologize. I did not mean to be insensitive,” Audrey said. “Of course you miss him.”
“You haven’t been insensitive at all, Lady Fletcher. I will eventually go back, and hopefully one day, I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet once again. Maybe even raise a family there.”
“I understand. Grief takes time to process, and it’s different for everyone. We will be heading there for the summer, so if you decide to come back, you have friends nearby. You’re always welcome at Dandridge Manor.”
“Thank you. You’re too kind,” Berkeley said.
It didn’t take long for Mia to return with their newly hired lady’s maid, Beatrice, in tow. “I’m ready. Shall we go?”
Berkeley bowed to Audrey. “Good day, Lady Fletcher. We won’t be long.”
“Enjoy yourselves.”
Berkeley held out his arm for Mia. “You’re looking particularly lovely today, Miss Parker.”
“Thank you. What have you been doing lately? I haven’t seen you since the musicale.”
“Still trying to get my bearings around London.”
“Will you be going to the Gardner ball? We received our invitation today.”
“Yes. I shall attend. Will you save a dance for me?”
“Of course, on one condition.”
“A condition? Come now, Miss Parker, what could I possibly give you?”