“In addition to your home nearby, one day you will call Upbridge Hall home, Upton,” Claringdon pointed out.

“Yes.” Garrett studied his leather gloves where they gripped the reins. It was inevitable. He would be the Earl of Upbridge one day, but damn how he wished his cousin Ralph had lived. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be the earl. He didn’t want to be the earl at his cousin’s expense, not to mention the fact that his uncle had detested him his entire life as a result.

“Lucy’s brother died of fever when he was nine,” Monroe added for Swifdon’s sake.

“Yes, Cassie told me,” Swifdon replied. “Damn shame. But I know you’ll do the Upbridge name proud, Upton.”

Garrett’s grip tightened. “My thanks, Swifdon. I hope I’ll be able to help you in Parliament one day. But as my uncle is in good health as far as I know, it won’t be in time to assist with the veterans’ bill.”

“Ah, yes. Derek mentioned that to me earlier this morning. I quite like the idea of expanding it.”

Monroe led the way toward Upton’s property. The other men followed in line.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Garrett replied.

“Does your interest in the bill have anything to do with Isabella Langford?” Claringdon asked.

Damn that Claringdon, nothing escaped his notice.

“Her husband died. I was there…” Garrett murmured.

“I remember,” Swifdon said quietly.

Garrett quickly shook his head. “Yes, well, that reminds me. Cassandra told me last night that Isabella Langford is coming to the house party.”

“Is she?” Claringdon’s voice held a note of surprise.

“Apparently she informed Cassandra that she and I are acquainted,” Garrett continued.

“Getting some unwanted attention from the widow?” Monroe said with another leering grin that Garrett didn’t appreciate.

“Yes, actually,” Garrett replied. “Her attention is unwanted.”

“If I remember her correctly, Mrs. Langford is a great beauty. Just say the word,” Monroe replied, still leering. I’m only too happy to distract her for you if you like.”

Garrett straightened his shoulders. Monroe’s rakishness was usually either an annoyance or an amusement, but today it might actually prove useful. “Thank you, Monroe. I’d like that.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Garrett took a deep breath before placing his hand on the handle, opening the door, and strolling into the drawing room that evening before dinner. He’d done an admirable job of remaining with the gentlemen all day in an effort to avoid encountering Isabella Langford. When they’d returned to the manor for tea in the afternoon, Garrett had declined. But dinner was unavoidable. He must face Isabella eventually. He wasn’t usually uncomfortable around women, quite the opposite, actually. But being around Isabella brought back the memories of Harold—his mistake, his death. Guilt gnawed at Garrett especially viciously when Isabella was near.

He strode into the opulent rose silk–wallpapered room to see Cassandra, Lucy, and Miss Lowndes all busily talking to Mrs. Langford. The knot in his gut tightened.

The moment she saw him, Mrs. Langford’s pale green eyes lit with a smile. “Mr. Upton, how good to see you.” Her joy made the guilt all the worse.