felt badly for him. ‘Think, Ned. She would have to know of this.’
‘I realise that,’ Ned responded. ‘I just hate what this does to her.’
Rhys actually felt sympathetic to Ned. ‘If it is any consolation, she knew who I was as soon as I told her my name.’
Ned nodded. ‘That does not surprise me. I am certain, though, that she did not know the state of our finances.’
‘Yes, I do think that shocked her,’ Rhys admitted. ‘I admired her. She handled the whole situation with exceptional grace.’
Ned glanced up at him. ‘She is an exceptional woman.’
Rhys clapped Ned on the soldier, surprising himself that their conversation was devoid of hostility. ‘Come with me to Coutts Bank. I’ll transfer the money to you right now.’
‘Excellent!’ Ned’s mood improved. ‘But I must be done by four o’clock.’
‘We’ll be done,’ Rhys assured him.
Celia excused herself after two of her mother-in-law’s friends came to call. Adele had already begged to be excused so that she might ready herself for her ride in Hyde Park.
It was endearing to see Adele so excited and happy. This past year of mourning had been so difficult. First the shock of their financial situation, then what amounted to an eviction from the only home Adele had ever known.
And now Luther thought he could court Adele?
Not if Celia could help it.
Although Celia was unsure about Neddington, as well.
But she was getting ahead of herself. Adele was engaged only for a ride in Hyde Park, not marriage.
Celia retreated to her bedchamber.
Her lady’s maid emerged from her dressing room. ‘Good afternoon, ma’am.’ She lifted a gown she carried in her arms. ‘I came in for this. Needs some mending.’
‘Thank you, Younie.’ Celia smiled. ‘I am surprised to see you here, though. I thought Adele would be running you in circles to get ready for Hyde Park.’
‘Oh, I am to go to her in one half hour,’ Younie said. ‘After she has rested so the dark circles under her eyes disappear.’
‘What dark circles?’ Adele looked as fresh-faced as ever.
Younie chuckled. ‘The ones in her imagination, I expect. It is best to go along with these notions, though. You cannot convince a girl that age of anything.’
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