Turley grinned. “I would be honored. I understand it will be in two weeks.” He munched on a biscuit. “I must say, of all of us, you seem to have had the easiest time finding and securing your lady.”

“I can’t say I thought it was easy.” It wasn’t as if she fell right into his arms.

“I didn’t mean you had no challenges. But it wasn’t nearly as difficult as with Littleton, Exeter, and me.”

“I will take your word for it.” John wondered if they’d had difficulties spending time alone with their ladies before the wedding. “We have decided to take a wedding trip to Paris. Can you give me some ideas of where to stay and what to do?”

“I’d be happy to.” Turley smiled. “I’ll send some recommendations over. If you would like, I can write to the hotel where Georgie and I stayed. They were very accommodating.”

“Thank you. I’d appreciate the help. I’ve asked Eleanor to help me renovate the town house. I have a feeling I’ll be very busy with that.”

Turley nodded. “I set Georgie loose on my houses. They are much more comfortable now.”

John remembered that his friend’s mother had died when he was still young. “It’s always good to redecorate and renovate every so often.”

“It’s very nice to be able to have water piped directly to the bathtub.”

“Eleanor mentioned that as well.” Although he imagined such work would be done while they were in the country. The fireplace mantel clock chimed. “I hate to run you off, but I am dining at Worthington House.”

“Ah, yes.” Turley stood. “The early dinners. I suspect we will begin that custom when our children are a bit older.”

John rose as well. “Perhaps we will start a fashion.”

“Only among those who are more forward-thinking.” Turley held out his hand to John. “Congratulations again.”

“Thank you.” He shook his friend’s hand. “I have a feeling this is going to be a long two weeks. I’ll walk you to the hall.”

“Don’t bother.” Turley pointed to the garden. “I’ll go through the mews. It’s faster.”

John watched his friend stroll to the gate, then looked up at the neighbor’s town house. Both gardens had tall trees planted along the wall. For the first time he realized that there was no view from that house to his garden gate. Would Eleanor mind coming though the mews? It would ensure them privacy, especially with his mother away for a few days. He’d ask her after dinner.

He arrived at Worthington House to find the whole family had gathered once again.

Worthington pressed a glass of sherry into John’s hand. “We all dine together when there are no evening entertainments we wish to attend.”