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only serving to add to his agitation.
    The decision had not come easily. Much soul searching had preceded its arrival, and he had not sought his bedchamber until the previous evening had been well advanced, and then only to pace the confines of his apartment until eventually he was forced to attempt sleep. When his secretary, John Eaton, appeared to begin his daily duties, he was surprised to find his employer already awaiting him in his office.
    “My lord, am I late?” he asked in some perplexity, taking out his pocket watch and checking the time.
    “’Tis I who am early,” stated the earl. “Don’t look so disconcerted, John—I won’t trespass in your domain over long. I wish only to inform you that there is a possibility that I may be removing to Lordings in the not too distant future and, if all goes well with my errand this morning, I may have a confidential task for you.”
    “I can assure you, sir, that you can rely on my discretion with whatever task you may wish to entrust to me. Am I to start the arrangements for the journey to Lordings immediately or await your notice?”
    “I will let you have the details later, when I return. Until then, don’t commit me to any engagements.”
    “Not even the House, sir?”
    “Definitely not the House. I will be in no mind to be making speeches no matter the topic.”
    “But, sir, there is the debate on ….”
    “Whatever the debate it can go to the devil,” His Lordship stated, good-humoredly. “At this precise moment in time, politics are the furthest thing from my mind. I have far more important matters to contemplate.”
    “As you wish, my lord, though I had prepared the speech you wished to offer at the next sitting.”
    “I thank you for your promptness, but if all goes well, I will not be in the city when the topic is raised.
    “Very well, sir,” said Eaton with a sigh of resignation. “Perhaps with some modification we can use it at a later date.”
    “Quite probably,” the earl commented. “I have every faith in your ability to amend it.” Taking his leave, he repaired to his apartment intent on preparing for his outing.
    He brushed aside his valet’s would-be ministrations, preferring instead to attend to his own needs, leaving this worthy individual to hover uncertainly in the hope that at least he may be of some service in helping with His Lordship’s Hessians.
    The earl pushed a diamond pin into the intricate folds of his neck-cloth and, standing back to examine the effect, proclaimed himself satisfied with the results. Accepting his hat and cane, he made his way down to the hallway and out into the waiting coach, directing his groom to drive to Lord Marchant’s home.
     
    *****
     
    “My dear Richard, what a pleasant surprise,” Lady Diana cried, coming to meet him with hand outstretched when he was issued into her presence.
    He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “’Pon faith, Diana, motherhood certainly suits you,” he said, smiling. “You positively glow, and at such an early hour.”
    Smiling up at him, she appeared well satisfied with his complements. “Yes, it is rather early, especially to be making courtesy calls. What is it that brings you here at such an unfashionable hour?”
    “I come on a selfish errand, my dear, though one I believe of benefit to your cousin. Do I have your permission to speak to her?”
    Her Ladyship appeared perplexed but replied, “Of course you may speak to her, I will send for her directly.”
    “Alone?” the earl queried.
    “Of a certainty, Richard, but what is the mystery? Come now, tell me. You have whetted my appetite!”
    “There is no mystery involved, but I believe I must speak to Miss Northam before I can reveal my purpose. It would not do that I should make you privy to my intentions before I have spoken to her.”
    She rang for a footman and asked him to direct Miss Northam to the morning room immediately, adding, “I believe you will find her in the nursery, the children