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wait to get to Piccadilly and be on their doorstep when they opened for business. He planned to spend most of the morning carefully selecting his first purchases. It was a close call as to which he was more excited about, the clothes or the books.
    ‘After an early visit to Hatchards bookshop, I am meeting Ian Barrett for lunch. He is going to show me some of his favourite places in town.’
    David and Lady Alice shared a conspiratorial grin.
    David smiled. ‘Good luck to you, Avery; just don’t get too deep into your cups at those favourite places. Remember Lord Langham is hosting a dinner here tonight for some guests. He hasn’t held a dinner party since his wife died, so tonight is important for all of us. It’s his way of giving you his blessing as his heir.’
    ‘So who exactly is coming tonight?’ Avery asked.
    Lord Langham had been scant on the details when he’d mentioned it to Avery the previous evening. The earl was absent from breakfast due to an early-morning appointment with a parliamentary committee.
    ‘Close friends and family. My parents. My brother Alex and his wife Millie. A few other selected guests. Oh, and my sister Lucy. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you are too,’ David replied.
    Lady Lucy Radley.
    How odd it was that Avery had thought of her at least several times a day since the funeral. Those thoughts had usually involved her being in various stages of undress. He curled his toes up inside his shiny new boots. It wouldn’t pay to show any response to the mention of her name, especially not in front of her brother or the ever-perceptive dowager.
    He picked up his coffee cup and took a sip.
    She was not for the likes of him, he silently reminded himself.
    When Avery stepped out the front door of Langham House a little while later, it was with an uncharacteristic spring in his step. He was dressed as a true English gentleman. A doff of the hat from the Langham household driver added to his newfound confidence.
    It was a perfect late summer morning, and he knew he should be out walking, but the temptation to take one of the Langham carriages was too strong. He slowed his steps and strode purposefully toward the elegant black carriage which bore the Langham coat of arms in gold on the side of the door. He gave the Langham House footman a considered nod as he climbed inside.
    If only the lads in his old army unit could see him now. He chuckled softly to himself as he settled back against the red leather seat for the short ride. Knowing them, they would probably bare their arses in the street if he passed them in his gilded cage.
    The thought of his old friends gave him pause. After the battle and his long recuperation in the countryside, he had no idea where any of them were now.
    Chelsea Royal Hospital would hold more answers regarding those injured or pensioned off after the war if he so desired. But the thought of setting foot inside its austere walls was a prospect he didn’t relish.
    And what if he was able to locate the former members of his company? As far as he was concerned, he had forfeited the right to stand alongside his former brothers in arms and share their battle honour. There would be no rejoicing in the memories of heroic deeds.
    He clenched his right hand and willed himself to think of something else. Anything but
that
day on the battlefield.
    The carriage turned into South Audley Street, heading for North Row. Calling upon a lifetime’s experience of locking painful memories into small mental boxes, he brought his mood back.
    He had the eagerly awaited lunch with Ian Barrett to look forward to, coupled with the prospect of new books. Tonight Lord Langham was hosting a dinner party in his honour. He had every reason to be happy.
    ‘Count your blessings, Lieutenant Fox. For once try to enjoy yourself,’ he muttered.
    ‘It’s been an age since we had a private family dinner,’ Lucy remarked.
    Her father helped her down from the family town carriage.
    ‘We dined with