“I still have no idea what you are trying to say.”

“I am trying to say I did not force Camille to marry Harold. Had I known her affections were engaged elsewhere, I might, possibly, have tried to dissuade her.”

He stared in stunned silence.

“Do not misunderstand my words, Grayson. I thought Harold was the right man for Camille at the time. Marrying for love has never seemed to me to be quite as sensible as marriage for more practical considerations. I lost any belief I might have had in true love and souls fated to be together, and all that sort of nonsense, longer ago than I can remember. However . . .” She heaved an exasperated sigh. “While you could not have provided for her the way he could, she would not have starved either. Your uncle, as I recall, had plans for your future. But it was not until long after she was wed that I had any idea about her feelings for you, as well as what passed between the two of you before her wedding.”

“Camille told you about that?”

She shook her head. “Camille never said a word. Beryl told me.”

“I’m not sure what to say,” he said slowly.

“Some things never change, apparently.” She cast him a pointed look. “One hopes you have changed in other ways. A better sense of timing, if nothing else. Still, as you have done well for yourself, one might expect that you would not be quite as willing to give up now, as you once were.”

“Are you giving me your approval?” He forced a casual note to his voice. “To pursue your daughter?”

“Don’t be absurd. You don’t need my approval or my permission. Nor does she. I do try not to interfere.”

“Of course not.”

“However, I am more than willing to offer advice.”

“And I am most willing to listen.” He paused. “Do you have some? Advice, that is?”

“Nothing you don’t already know. I would tell you not to be an idiot, to pursue what you want. But I cannot tell you how to win Camille’s hand, or heart, if you prefer, because I don’t really know how to do that. It is obviously something you must determine for yourself.” She thought for a moment. “There is one other thing. Not advice, exactly, but something you should know.”

“Yes?”

“If you are so lucky as to earn Camille’s forgiveness or Beryl’s or mine, for that matter, you should know one mistake might possibly be allowed. Another would be intolerable. Do keep that in mind, Grayson. And try not to muck up again.”

“Yes, Lady Briston.”

“Now, now, dear.” She sipped her brandy. “At the moment, you may call me ‘Mother.’ ”

Grayson smiled.

“It appears everyone is ready to retire.” Camille joined them. “I know I am. It has been an exceptionally long day.”