“No.” She laughed. “All right, Mr. Westbro—rather, Carter. You have made your point.”
“May I interest you in dessert?” The waiter had returned and began to remove their dishes.
“I would certainly like some
of that blancmange on the menu.” Carter looked over at Lottie. “What will you have?”
“I probably shouldn’t have dessert after that wonderful meal, but I cannot pass up the Victoria sponge.”
“Tea, also, if you will,” Carter added.
“When shall we take our first couple of young ladies to the Pump Room?” Carter was anxious to pin Lottie down before she came up with another excuse not to see him again.
“I will look at my schedule and consult with the girls. Is it all right if I send a note around? If the day and time doesn’t fit into your schedule, please do not put off your work to help me. We can always do it another time.”
He continued to stare at her mesmerizing mouth as she spoke. He wanted very badly to lean across the table and cover her lips with his. No other woman had ever affected him this way. He wanted her so badly he couldn’t eat, sleep, or work without thoughts of her invading his mind.
“My schedule is flexible. I am sure whatever time you select I will be available. After all, we are preparing young ladies for successful matches. That is truly a worthy cause. Is it not?”
He didn’t care for the slight flush that covered Lottie’s face, but just then the waiter arrived with their tea and dessert, ending the conversation. She smiled up at the waiter and thanked him.
Carter was jealous of the waiter.
He’d fallen hard.
7
Carter waved at Grayson, Lord Berkshire, as he entered Boodle’s, an exclusive gentlemen’s club on Pall Mall in London. They had arranged to meet to discuss a new business venture they were considering.
“Well, aren’t you looking very much the happy groom!” Carter took the seat across from Grayson in the dining area of the club. The room was full of other diners, men who had business to attend to, and a few of the idle nobility who had not yet come to realize that the world was changing and unless they changed with it, they would find themselves in dire straits.
At least a few of them understood the situation and had married young ladies from America with large dowries.
“Yes. Much to my surprise, I find marriage agrees with me. Once we are passed the blasted court hearing—which is tomorrow—my wife and I will be able to return to Bath where we both prefer to be.”
“I find I must agree with you. I was never fond of London, and only come during the Season to make a necessary appearance in Parliament.”
The waiter approached their table, pen and pad in hand. “What will please you this morning, gentlemen?”
“I will have a full breakfast. With plenty of tea.” Carter nodded at Grayson. “Same for you, I assume?”
“Yes. I am quite hungry this morning. Except make mine coffee instead of tea.”
Once the waiter was on his way with their order, Grayson said, “Anything of interest pop up while I was on my wedding trip?”
“No. I have the papers with me that my man of business drew up for our consideration on this new shipping contract.” Carter leaned over and picked up his satchel and withdrew several papers. “It’s all there.” He handed the papers to Grayson.
Grayson looked over the documents, asking a question or two as the waiter placed two plates of beans, eggs, sausage, bacon, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, and toast in front of them. The aroma from the food smelled wonderful and Carter was anxious to partake.
The papers were put aside as the men dug into their food, the conversation consisting of compliments on their meal. Once they were finished, and the empty plates removed, Carter pulled his teacup closer, rested his forearms on the table, and looked over at Grayson. “Tell me what you know about Miss Danvers.”
Carter noted that Grayson did not seem surprised. “Addie’s friend?”
“Yes.”
Grayson leaned back in his chair. “So, my wife was correct. There is interest there on your part.”
Carter sighed. “Yes. I am not afraid to state there is a great deal of interest. The woman fascinates me, and after all these years of dodging the marriage-minded mamas, I think wedding bells are on the horizon for me. At least I hope so.”