“Perhaps I’ll see you around. I’m here until the end of June.” A smile cracked Cedric’s sunbaked face. “I’m here to marry a lady I met in India.”

“Congratulations. Will she be returning with you?”

“She will. It’s a rather long story, but her family returned to England and, naturally, she had to go with them. Now that she’s reached her majority, she has decided to become my wife and come back with me.”

John sensed the lady’s family was not in favor of the match but kept his thoughts to himself. “She sounds like an interesting lady. I hope to meet her before you depart.”

“I’ll see if I can arrange something.” Cedric stopped walking. “I’d better head home. I must meet with my father about the settlement agreements.”

“I look forward to seeing you again.”

Cedric turned back toward Park Lane and John continued on to Jermyn Street. The only building with which he was familiar was 22 Jermyn Street. He arrived there only to be told his lordship was out and would not be back until it was time to change for the evening. Well, damn. He’d probably have to try one morning. Early. He grinned to himself. That wouldn’t make Lancelot at all happy.

* * *

John arrived at Worthington House shortly before five o’clock. The door opened as he strolled up the short walk. “Good afternoon, my lord.” The butler bowed. “Lady Eleanor will be down directly.” He motioned with his hand to one of the rooms off the hall facing the square. “Would you like to wait in the parlor?”

“Thank you, no. I will remain here.” Where he could watch her descend. Even though it had only been yesterday, he felt as if he hadn’t seen her for days. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long. His gaze was drawn upward by a slight noise from the staircase. Eleanor stood briefly on the landing before gracefully descending the stairs. She wore a buttery-yellow carriage gown with green, pink, and blue embroidery around the hem and the edges of her spencer. All of which he would like to see puddled on the floor at her naked feet. Her hat, decorated with a wide ribbon, hid the hair he wanted to take down and run his fingers through.

Stepping forward, he held out his hand. “My lady. It is a pleasure to see you.”

She lightly gripped his fingers and smiled as if she was truly happy to see him. Was he finally making some progress with her? “I am glad to see you as well, my lord.”

He placed her small, gloved hand on his arm and inclined his head as the butler bowed. “I hope five o’clock is a good time for the Promenade.”