Adelaide was conversing with Mrs. Elsom about last-minute arrangements of the place, and their conversation seemed rather intense. One could only hope it was going well, but Adelaide’s back was to them, and Mrs. Elsom was as unflappable as ever. She listened, nodded, smiled, and relayed something that had Adelaide putting a hand on her arm.

Harrison could not imagine there was anything to be found lacking in the Trevadden ballroom or anywhere else. He had never seen the place so alight, so elegant, or so inviting, and he could only attribute that to Adelaide’s taste and skills and vision. He’d hosted several events at Trevadden without it ever looking so lovely.

Nothing had seemed lacking before, but seeing it now…

And there weren’t even any guests yet, unless one counted the scowling Emblyn and Gage, snickering like a younger brother.

Gage had come early and without ceremony, as he was inclined to do, and his introduction to Adelaide had been brief but polite. What exactly he thought about her had yet to be made clear, as Emblyn had joined them shortly thereafter. But Gage was a man of opinions, so Harrison had no doubt he would discover his impressions the moment they were safe and free to do so.

Adelaide suddenly turned from Mrs. Elsom, a formal and polite smile on her face, and gestured for Harrison to come to her.

He did not immediately do so.

“Is she summoning me?” Gage asked aloud.

Emblyn snorted beside him. “Ee could only wish so.”

“That would be for me,” Harrison said on a heavy sigh. “Lord only knows what I’ve done now.”

“Are you not going to do as you are bid?” Gage pressed, laughter in his voice.

“Eventually.” Harrison sipped the rest of the drink in his hands, staring at his wife as she stared at him, watching as her expression tried to hide irritation behind her polite, pleasant facade. “I do enjoy testing her, though.”

Gage heaved a dramatic exhale and turned to Emblyn. “When your brother dies at the hand of his new wife, Emblyn, I do hope you will allow me to care for you in his place.”

Rolling his eyes, Harrison strode away from them before he could catch his sister’s response. If they were going to tease and mock him, he might as well go see what Adelaide wanted. He knew she would mock him if given the chance, but it was also her first event as mistress of Trevadden.

It was possible, however improbable, that she might have some fears or anxieties about that, which he might be able to help soothe.