Death Comes to London Read Free Page A

Devil take it, I hate London.”
    “I’ll need to press your new dress uniform and make sure that your weapons are polished and . . .” Foley paused. “What about your lack of a valet? Perhaps I should accompany you to London myself. We can’t have you meeting the Prince Regent without looking your best.”
    “Foley . . .”
    His butler was already heading for the door muttering to himself, so Robert let him go. He returned his attention to the letter. How on earth had the Prince Regent got to hear about him? He flipped the letter over and noticed that directly underneath his name was printed in smaller letters L. Harrington, secretary .
    His frown deepened. Had Miss Harrington taken it upon herself to write to the Prince Regent and draw his attention to Robert’s so-called heroics? Why would she do such a thing? If he had to go to London, he would make sure to find his meddling neighbor and ask her what the devil she’d been thinking.
     
    London was far more tiring and intimidating than Lucy had expected. As the Hathaways had engaged an extremely competent staff, she also had very little to do, which was disconcerting in itself. Apparently, living like a young lady at home was remarkably boring. They’d shopped for new clothes, found an excellent dressmaker to bring them up to scratch and a milliner whose new style bonnets were reasonably priced. She yawned discreetly behind her hand as Sophia started talking about which of the events they should attend.
    “Lucy! Pay attention!”
    She jumped and returned her gaze to her friend, who was waving an invitation card practically under her nose.
    “I’m happy to do whatever you want, Sophia.”
    “Thanks to you, Lucy, we’ll meet all the right people at the Clavelly ball tonight.” Sophia clutched the invitation to her bosom. “Do you think the countess will be able to get us admitted to Almack’s? ”
    Lucy raised an eyebrow. “Is it really that important? I’ve heard the refreshments are indifferent and the company insufferable.”
    “Who told you that?”
    “Major Kurland.”
    Sophia dismissed him with an airy wave of her hand. “Major Kurland is never pleased with anything. They don’t call it the Marriage Mart for nothing, Lucy. All the most eligible gentlemen attend their balls.”
    “So it’s rather like the county fair at Saffron Walden?”
    Sophia mock-frowned at her. “If we are granted vouchers for Almack’s, I would be in heaven. ”
    “Then I’ll write to my aunt immediately and ask her if it is possible.” She walked over to the small desk at the end of the drawing room. “Have you met any man you particularly like yet?”
    Sophia sighed. “Not really. They are all very nice, but none of them can hold a candle to my Charlie. I know I said I wished to remarry and have children, but I don’t intend to just pick anyone. Charlie would only want the best for me.”
    “Well, he was an exceptional man.” Lucy drew out a fresh sheet of paper. “I doubt it will be easy to replace him.” She looked up as the butler appeared, and took the two letters he offered her from the tray. “Thank you.”
    As Sophia and Mrs. Hathaway discussed what they would wear to the Clavelly ball, Lucy wrote to her aunt and then turned her attention to the letters she’d received. After a week away, news from home was definitely welcome. She was surprised how much she missed the irascible Major Kurland and Kurland St. Mary.
    “Oh dear.”
    “What is it, Lucy?” Sophia came over to her.
    “Nicholas Jenkins is coming to London expressly to see Anna.”
    “Well, that isn’t a surprise, is it? Everyone knows he’s in love with her. He was threatening to follow her here months ago.”
    “But I didn’t think he’d actually do it.” Lucy passed the letter to Sophia. “I can’t wait to tell Anna this news.”
     
    “Foley, stop fussing.” Robert stood patiently as his butler brushed down the dark blue coat of his uniform for the third time. “I’ll be