Death Comes to London by Catherine Lloyd Read Free Book Online

festival.
    “Perhaps she decided that a retreat now would gain her a better position in the next battle. I believe that was the Duke of Wellington’s strategy, too.”
    “That might be true, my dear.” With the major’s assistance, the dowager pushed down on her cane and rose unsteadily to her feet. “I’m feeling rather tired. Perhaps you might take me back to the ballroom to find my daughter-in-law.”
    “Certainly, my lady.” Major Kurland tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “I’ll return in a moment, Miss Harrington.”
    Lucy sank back down and watched the dowager until she was safely through the door before letting out a sigh of relief. When Robert returned, he brought another man with him, one Lucy recognized.
    “Miss Harrington, how delightful.”
    “Mr. Stanford. I didn’t realize you knew Major Kurland.”
    He smiled. “We were allies at school against the majority of the boys who thought we weren’t quite up to snuff and should’ve been sent to the local village school instead of Harrow. And how do you know the major, Miss Harrington?”
    “We live in the same village. My father is the rector of the parish of Kurland St. Mary.”
    Mr. Stanford nodded at Major Kurland. “I must come and visit you at Kurland Hall, Robert, now that I know the inhabitants are so charming.”
    Lucy vigorously plied her fan. She suspected she was blushing. She liked Mr. Stanford. He had been charming during their dance and more than happy to make the acquaintance of Sophia and her mother, and had promised to call on them.
     
    “What brings you to London, Robert? I thought you had an aversion to the place.”
    Robert sat down across from Lucy, and Mr. Stanford joined them. “I had business with my regiment. I’m selling my commission.”
    “Was that your decision?”
    Robert glanced at his old friend and then down at his left leg. “Yes, I wasn’t forced out. But I can’t imagine ever being fit enough to engage the enemy again. I have an estate to run and a house to renovate, which will keep me very well occupied.”
    Andrew Stanford chuckled. “I can’t quite imagine you striding around your acres, discussing the livestock and what sermons the rector should preach in your church.” He paused. “Begging your pardon, Miss Harrington, I’m sure your father doesn’t need any advice on that subject at all.”
    To Robert’s surprise, Miss Harrington merely smiled and murmured something diplomatic rather than taking Andrew to task for his remark, as she would certainly have done if he’d made it. He looked from her to Andrew and noticed they were still smiling at each other. What was it about London that had this effect on people? Did everyone become a simpering fool when they came to Town? He’d never thought to see Miss Harrington behaving like all the other young ladies of his acquaintance.
    He cleared his throat. “You are, of course, welcome to visit me, Andrew. I’ve been busy repairing the roof of the manor house so that my future guests won’t have to worry about leaking ceilings and mildew.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. I assume you’ll be returning home quite soon, then?”
    “I have some other commissions to fulfill in Town, so I might be here for a week or so.”
    Miss Harrington leaned forward. “Major Kurland has been ennobled by the Prince Regent! He will be a baronet. He has to stay in London to attend the prince in person.”
    “Good gracious, Robert. Is this true?”
    “Yes, but for God’s sake, don’t tell anyone yet.” He glared at Miss Harrington, who had the grace to look guilty. “I’d rather keep it quiet.”
    “But it is such a well-deserved honor! I can’t believe Prinny had the intelligence to offer it to you.” Andrew reached over to shake his hand. “Well done, sir.”
    “Thank you.”
    “I assume it will be announced in the papers?”
    “I suppose so.”
    Andrew winked and rose to his feet. “Then I’ll keep it to myself until then.”
    “I’d