Berkeley shook his head. “Not to me. Miss Parker seems more interested in having fun than looking for a husband. Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all. I know my sister can be frivolous at times, but I would very much like her to know the wonderful joys of being married to the man of her dreams.”
“I believe that is the sentiment of every mama and chaperone in theton, although I understand that many young ladies do not have a choice in who their husband will be. I was glad my father didn’t pressure my sister to marry and let her choose her husband.”
“I want my sister to enjoy herself this Season, as long as she realizes the whole point of a Season is to find a husband.”
“Do you have anyone in mind for her?” he asked.
Before Audrey could answer, Mia came walking back into the drawing room.
“Here you are, sister,” she said, handing over her bonnet, gloves, and reticule.
“Thank you, dearest.”
“Would Lord Fletcher like to join us?” Berkeley asked.
Audrey shook her head. “He’s out for the afternoon. I’ll leave word with Beckwith about where we’ve gone.”
“It’s a lovely day today. Would you mind walking? I do enjoy the fresh air,” Berkeley said.
“That would be most delightful. Come, dearest,” she said to Mia.
Audrey let Beckwith know of their plans, and they all strolled down the street to Berkeley House. It wasn’t far, and the butler opened the door as they walked up the front stairs.
“My lord, welcome back,” he said.
“This is Lady Fletcher and Miss Parker. They’ve come to help me with some renovation decisions.”
“Good day, ladies. Welcome to Berkeley House,” the butler said, opening the door wide so they could enter.
Audrey looked at Lord Berkeley. “It would be most helpful if I could talk with your housekeeper. I find housekeepers know so much about a home. They’re the lifeblood of any residence.”
“Hmm…I don’t currently have one. With only me in attendance, I have not yet found the need to hire one.”
“I can give you the name of the agency we used to find Mrs. Trotter if you like. She’s been a godsend.”
“Excellent. I would appreciate that.”
“In the meantime, perhaps I might have a pencil and paper so I may jot down some recommendations.”
“Absolutely. Come this way,” Berkeley said, leading them into a rather dark drawing room. The walls were a dark maroon with black velvet drapes framing the windows.
“Oh my, I can see why you’d want to redecorate this room. It’s quite depressing, is it not?” Audrey asked.
“Yes. My sentiments exactly. Even with the drapes pulled back, it’s still dreary in here,” Berkeley said as he went to the far end to retrieve some paper from the small desk.
“I agree. It’s quite depressing in here. Not nearly enough light to embroider by, even if one sat by the window,” Mia added.
“And that’s why I need help with these decisions. I would never have thought about that,” Berkeley said. “We can’t have the ladies going blind, now can we?”
For the next two hours, Audrey took detailed notes on her suggestions for future renovations to the drawing room, dining room, and bedchambers. Once they finished, Berkeley led them back to the drawing room.
“I cannot thank you enough for all your help, Lady Fletcher. May I take you lovely ladies for some ices as a small payment for helping me?”
Audrey shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your lovely invitation. I’m feeling quite tired and would prefer to go home.”
Mia was immediately by her side. “Are you feeling poorly?”