“No. You may go.”
The maid bobbed a curtsey and exited the room.
Mia went to the tray and prepared a cup for everyone before sitting in the chair next to Easton. Fletcher had taken the seat next to his wife on the sofa.
“I have a surprise for you,” Easton said to Mia.
“A surprise? What is it?”
“Now if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?” he said with a chuckle. Then he saw the look of disappointment on his beloved’s face. That wouldn’t do. “How can I say no to you? We’re going to look for a London home tomorrow. I’ve got a list of three available properties we can tour.”
Mia jumped up. “Truly? Our own home?”
“Of course. I’ve been thinking about moving from my bachelor quarters at the Albany for some time now. Our marriage is the perfect excuse to find other accommodations.”
“I’m so excited, but I’m afraid I don’t really know much about choosing a home.” She looked at Audrey. “Sister, would you consent to join us for at least one or two of the tours?”
“Of course. I’d like nothing better.”
“Why don’t we all go?” Fletcher said.
“Great idea,” Easton said. “I value your opinion, Fletcher, and especially Lady Fletcher’s eye for design.”
After tea, he followed Fletcher to his study to work out the details of the marriage settlement. “I’ve done well with my investments, and I want Mia to have a generous allowance.”
“Excellent.”
“I also don’t need her dowry.”
“I see. Why don’t I put the dowry in a trust for her? That way, she can choose to use it for any charitable purposes she wants to support or for any future children you may have.”
Easton nodded. “That’s a good idea. In the unfortunate case something happens to me, I want her to also have a generous widow’s portion.”
The two men talked for another hour, ironing out the details of the settlement.
“Thank you, Fletcher. I shall alert the family solicitor to expect the settlement papers within the next day or two.”
Fletcher stood and held out his hand. “Welcome to the family, Easton. I’m honored to call you brother.”
Easton took his hand in a firm grip. “I shall see you tomorrow. Shall we say around eleven?”
“Yes. That will be perfect. It will give my wife time to have a leisurely breakfast.”
Easton frowned. “Forgive me for asking, but is Lady Fletcher well? She looked pale at tea today.”
Fletcher’s smile split his face. “My wife is fine. She’s with child.”
“What wonderful news. My heartiest congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Easton said, walking out of the study and collecting his hat and cane from Beckwith.
“Good day, Lord Easton.”
“Good day, Beckwith,” he said, leaving Fletcher House.
The next morning, Miawoke up earlier than usual. Today, she would help choose the home where she and Easton would begin their married life together. She stretched her arms over her head and smiled. Who could have ever guessed that she’d be looking forward to being a wife? She felt she’d grown so much since coming to London. Her silly whimsical ideas of what the marriage mart would be like now seemed like a foolish girl’s fantasy. The reality of a Season was not what she’d expected.