“Where is your sister now? She didn’t want to join us?” Kathryn asked.
“She’s strolling in the park with Lord Berkeley,” Audrey said.
“Oh, has he expressed an interest in her?”
“No, I don’t believe so, but he’s a good friend to the family. Miss Parker loves to listen to his childhood stories. I trust him, so I said she could go,” Audrey said.
“I like him too,” Kathryn said. “I was sorry to hear of his father’s passing.”
“He told me that’s why he came to London. Berkeley Manor holds too many memories for him at the moment,” Audrey said.
“I would assume we’ll see him at the Gardner ball,” Lady Devon said. “They’re introducing Lady Arabella to Society. Lord Chandler will be much sought after at the event as well. As the heir to a wealthy earldom, he’ll make the matchmaking mamas very happy if he declares he’ll take a bride this Season.”
Audrey looked at Fletcher. “Has Lord Chandler hinted he wants to marry?” she asked.
“That I do not know, my darling.”
“Oh, of course.”
“Well, if you ladies will excuse me, I have some reports to go over. Enjoy your visit together. Good day, Lady Devon, Lady Clifford,” Fletcher said, taking his leave and exiting the room.
The women continued to talk for the next hour and a half.
“This has been so lovely, but I must be getting back to the twins,” Kathryn said.
“Of course. I understand. I’ll see you both soon,” Audrey said, bussing their cheeks.
It wasn’t long after Julia and Kathryn departed that Mia returned from her stroll with Lord Berkeley. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were bright when he escorted her into the drawing room.
“How was your walk?” Audrey asked.
“It was delightful. The swans were there today.”
“That’s lovely, dearest. I’m glad you had a good time. Thank you, Lord Berkeley, for taking my sister to the park. It’s one of her favorite places in London.”
He bowed. “It was my pleasure, Lady Fletcher. Might I ask if your offer still stands to advise me on some renovations?”
“Oh, of course. I’d be happy to help. I enjoy designing very much.”
“Did you do the renovations in this room?”
“I did.”
“I’d like something similar. Right now, the rooms are quite dark.”
“Send a note around when you’re free.”
“I’ll come along as well, if that’s agreeable to you, my lord,” Mia said.
Lord Berkeley nodded. “Of course, the more the merrier. Now, if you ladies would excuse me, I have some business to take care of.”
“Good day, my lord. Thank you again for taking me to the park,” Mia said.
“It was my pleasure.”
Audrey listened to her chatter away and wondered if her sister was forming a tendre for the handsome young earl. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that, not because of any fault with Lord Berkeley but more because she didn’t think Mia was ready to become anyone’s wife.
Chapter9