Ignoring it, Harrison only allowed himself an indulgent smile as the carriage came to a stop. He was home. At long last, after all the trouble, he was home. If he never saw London again, it would be too soon.

He opened the carriage door, stepping out and placing his hat on his head, though it was only a few steps into the house. His wife would undoubtedly appreciate the formality.

“Welcome home, my lord,” Mervyn greeted, bowing his almost-polished head, his chest puffing out like a far more pompous butler.

Harrison nodded. “Mervyn.” He turned and held out a hand for Adelaide, whose leather glove had returned to her hand and now gripped him for balance. Her ensemble was formal and simple, yet it probably cost more than the salary of half of the staff combined. Yet it suited her brilliantly, the deep blue pulling exquisite shades to her eyes and giving her already rosy complexion a more luminous light.

Quite an impression his bride would make upon the staff.

“Lady Basset,” Harrison intoned, steering her towards the staff and the house, “might I introduce the butler at Trevadden, Mr. Mervyn? And our housekeeper, Mrs. Elsom.”

Both greeted Adelaide accordingly, Mrs. Elsom beaming as though she were her own daughter. “My lady, it is a delight to welcome you to Trevadden. I trust your lady’s maid follows with my lord’s valet?”

Adelaide inclined her head almost regally. “Yes, Faust follows. If she is troublesome with the staff, do let me know. We must be accommodating to our new home and staff.”

Mrs. Elsom waved a quick hand. “No matter, madam, no matter. There is plenty of time for us all to adjust to one another’s ways. Would her ladyship care for some tea after her journey?”

“Yes,” Adelaide gushed, losing her airs in a way that made Harrison smile. “Please, Mrs. Elsom.”

The housekeeper nodded, bobbing a curtsey as Harrison and Adelaide moved past her into the house.

“Ah,” Adelaide said as they entered, peering up into the entryway, “the windows do make this rather lovely, indeed.”

“I’ve always thought so.” Harrison lowered her hand and gestured toward the drawing room on the right. “Mrs. Elsom may bring your tea in there. Once Faust and Watts arrive, she may assist you with changing out ofyour things and refreshing yourself. Feel free to explore the house at your leisure; there is no part of it limited to you. Perhaps we might dine together this evening? Should you wish it, naturally.” He inclined his head, then turned to the room to his left, moving directly to the sideboard, desperate for a drink.

He was not one to overindulge, but a bit of port after a journey such as the one he’d just had might make his head ache less and his eyes cease their twitching. If not, he might be required to douse his head in something a bit stronger.