unwilling to take the chance. So I shall get Pansy to arrange a house party. We will work on a guest list. Go over the girls who will do. Then you will come up early to Radbourne Park, so you can work on Gideon himself. Smooth out some of his rough edges, if you can. You know what I mean. I am sure that he will receive suggestions better from you. He seems to resent the hints I give him.”
“Surely not,” Francesca murmured.
Lady Pencully gave her a narrow look. “Don’t think I don’t know when you are being facetious, girl. I am well aware that any man would much rather get instruction from a winning girl like you than from an old lady who doesn’t couch the truth in sweet-sounding phrases.” She gave a short nod, ending the matter. “When will you be at Radbourne Park?”
As always, Lady Odelia’s commands rankled, but Francesca had to admit that the older woman’s idea made sense. And a visit to Radbourne Park for a few weeks would also take care of her problem with maintaining her household for a while.
“I am not sure. A few days, surely, to pack and set things in order,” Francesca told her.
“Well, don’t dawdle, girl. We need to set this thing in motion.”
“Of course, but—” Francesca broke off as she saw Lord Radbourne approaching. “Ah, Lord Radbourne. Good to see you again.”
It was a lie, of course. She did not look forward to talking with him. He looked decidedly put out, and Francesca suspected that he was about to ring a peal over her head for whatever had transpired with Irene Wyngate.
He nodded shortly to Francesca and then to his great-aunt. “Lady Haughston. Lady Pencully.”
“Gideon,” Lady Odelia responded. “Saw you talking to Lady Irene a few minutes ago.” She looked at him hopefully.
His lips tightened. “Lady Irene Wyngate is arrogant, stubborn and a snob. I am certain that she would not do for my wife.”
Even Lady Odelia seemed unable to find a response to that.
Francesca jumped into the silence that followed his statement. “I see. Well, all the more reason to move forward with other plans. Your great-aunt and I were just discussing having a party at Radbourne Park. I hope you will find that agreeable. It seems a good way for you to meet several young women and get to know them, and for them to get to know you. A week or two allows one many more opportunities than attending rounds of balls and such here in the city.”
He nodded. “No doubt. I will leave it in your capable hands. And my aunt’s, of course.”
“Very well.” Francesca relaxed. At least he was not going to make a scene or, apparently, even blame her for whatever Irene had said to him.
“I will take my leave of you, then. I have business to attend to. If you will excuse me?”
“Of course.” Francesca was quite content to see him go, though she could not help but wonder what sort of business he could have that required attending to at this time of night.
Lady Odelia paled a little and glanced around to see if anyone had overheard the earl’s mention of business. He bowed toward them and turned to walk away.
He had taken only a few steps, however, when he abruptly stopped, pivoted on his heel and returned to them. “Lady Haughston,” he said grimly. “When you make up the guest list…” He hesitated, then added shortly, “Invite Lady Irene.”
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