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the countess offered.
    “M’ lady, if you don’t mind I’ll have tea as I foresee a long afternoon and a very enjoyable evening,” he politely answered back.
    “John, there will be three for tea and see if Cook will part with some of her famous lobster finger sandwiches. Before you say she doesn’t have any, I’ve it on excellent authority she does,” the countess ordered.
    “Of course, m’ lady,” he said, bowed, then slipped from the room.
    Over tea Samuel was able to direct the conversation to upcoming social events, pointedly not mentioning musicales. This was part of his plan to continue to not only endear himself to Brittany but learn more about her and her of him. Then, in the hopes when and if he obtained enough courage to offer for her not only would her parents approve but she’d accept.
    “My dear Lord Samuel, have you spent so much time at your estates you’ve forgotten which are the best balls to make your presence known? Or perchance, is there another reason, on a more personal note,” Barbara queried.
    “Mother, I do believe you‘ve made His Lordship uncomfortable. Of course, he wishes to learn what balls we, specifically I, will be attending. Granted, he’ll be here working on the Hersey book several hours a day but I think he’s seeking out more public and social venues to be seen with me. Which in the process would show the ton he’s reformed from his rakehell ways and desires to become a respectable gentleman,” Brittany explained.
    “Might I suggest we invite him on a carriage drive, maybe to Richmond tomorrow? After which we could take luncheon at The Red Stag Tavern,” her mother suggested.
    “Um, excuse me ladies, but you are aware I’m sitting right here and can hear everything you’re saying.” After not getting a comment or even acknowledging his presence he continued. “Yes, m’ lady, I do wish to escort Lady Brittany about town and I think the idea would be wonderful.”
    “M’ lord, congratulations as you’ve fallen into one of a myriad of traps ladies use to not only learn the truth but also obtain what they desire,” Eli announced as he strolled into the parlor.
    “That, my dear husband, will cost you a five strand pearl choker,” his wife calmly informed her husband.
    “You see, Lord Samuel. In a situation such as this, men can’t win. Now, shall we retreat to the safety of my office?”
    “Certainly, m’ lord.” Standing he turned to Brittany. “Mayhap later, as I’ve my curricle with me would you care for a drive around the park?”
    He watched, enchanted at the lovely shade of pink coloring her cheeks.
    “Yes, m’ lord, that would be lovely. Shall we say half an hour as that will give me time to change into a properly warm gown?” Brittany said.
    With a nod he followed Eli out of the parlor, down the corridor and to the earl’s office.
    “Bemming, might I have a brandy as that little interlude involving the ladies unsettled me a bit.”
    “I was going to offer you one as you did seem rattled at how easily they were able to get what they wanted. Might I also suggest a small trinket for Lady Brittany, otherwise she won’t think you have affection for her.”
    Samuel took a healthy sip of his brandy on hearing another verbalize what he’d been thinking. He now wondered how much the earl had overheard, quite a bit he suspected. Before he could say anything Eli interjected.
    “If you’re wondering how I learned about your feelings for my daughter, Lady Wallace informed me of your request for the introduction. You see, besides being Brittany’s godmother she’s also my sister. We’ve no secrets from one another.”
    “Yes, now back to the matter at hand, or should I say at neck. Perhaps a simple strand of pearls would suffice as we only are starting to know each other and we might not even get along,” Samuel stated.
    “Yes, I do believe Lady Brittany would appreciate that. As for your trip around Hyde Park, considering your past