A Husband's Wicked Ways by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online Page B

“I may have had some such idea. And it makes it all the more necessary to do something different this time, Ellie, otherwise everyone will say I’ve lost my touch.”
    “More power to you, love,” Aurelia said warmly. “When’s the date to be exactly?”
    “I wanted to discuss that with you, too.” Cornelia reached for the coffeepot and refilled their cups. “It would be lovely if Liv could make it. The baby’s due in about three weeks, the beginning of April. I’d thought to give the ball in April, but she won’t be able to travel so soon. Should I leave it until mid-May?”
    “You know Livia, she’ll come if it’s humanly possible. But it depends on her confinement. If all goes smoothly, then six weeks should be long enough, but…” Aurelia shrugged expressively.
    Cornelia nodded. They’d both endured the rigors of childbirth, and while they and the infants had survived, they also knew that they had been lucky. “Liv’s strong,” she offered. “And determined.”
    “True enough. But Alex isn’t going to let her take any risks, and you know how persuasive he can be.”
    Cornelia nodded again. Alexander Prokov had a way of ensuring things went according to his wishes. Livia, independent-minded though she was, was no proof against her husband’s determination if he was really set upon something. And he would make absolutely certain his adored wife took no risks. It was a safe bet that he would set the bar for those risks high.
    “Well, perhaps I’ll make it the end of May,” Cornelia said after a moment’s thought. “Towards the end of the season. And we can open the conservatory and the garden. Black and white lanterns, or, no…” She held up a hand. “Not black and white at all, silver and black. How would that be, Ellie?”
    “Pure magic,” Aurelia said, setting aside her coffee cup. “I foresee a critical success, my dear. And now I must be on my way. Thank you for the coffee.” She kissed her friend, who had risen from the chaise as Aurelia stood up. “I’ll send Daisy for Franny this afternoon. Will I see you at Cecily Langton’s luncheon?”
    “Yes, I said I’d be there.” Cornelia accompanied Aurelia to the front door. “What are we raising money for this time?”
    “A new infirmary at Chelsea Hospital, I believe. But she also mentioned that she’s sponsoring a newcomer to London…to the country, actually. A Spanish lady, recently married to the Earl of Lessingham. Have you come across her?”
    “Oh, I think Harry may have mentioned her…or rather the marriage,” Cornelia said vaguely. “I gather Lessingham’s a lot older than she is, but totally devoted to her.”
    “Well, he’s been a widower for ten years, let’s hope she’s as devoted to him,” Aurelia said with a wicked chuckle.
    Cornelia grinned. “If Cecily’s taken her up, she’ll have plenty of opportunity to spread her wings.”
    “Indeed. Cecily’s always reliable when it comes to good causes, whether it’s a foundling hospital, an infirmary for disabled soldiers, or a newcomer to society.”
    “Unlike Letitia Oglethorpe,” Cornelia observed.
    They both laughed, wrinkling their noses at the thought of their bête noire. Aurelia waved a hand in farewell and stepped out into a morning that had brightened in the time she’d spent with Cornelia. She strolled back towards Cavendish Square, reflecting that if Livia and Alex returned to London at the end of May, she’d have to give some thought to her own lodging. She couldn’t expect to stay as a semipermanent guest under their roof, and neither could she stay with Cornelia and Harry. For close to a year she and Franny had moved between the two households, and when Livia and Alex had gone into the country to await Livia’s confinement, they had left her in charge at Cavendish Square. The arrangement suited everyone, but she didn’t think she could revert to being a peripatetic guest.
    Which rather left her with the choice of either returning to