An Inadvisable Wager (The Curse of the Weatherby Ball Book 2) by Eliza Lloyd (the best novels to read txt) 📕

“If that is all, I’m taking my wife to the park. It’s a perfect day for a carriage ride, don’t you think?” Timothy said.

Carlow jumped up and shook Timothy’s hand. “Congratulations, Lord Wargrove. Nora and I are happy for you.”

Timothy bowed quickly and hurried away. At the library door, he stopped and said, “And I should tell you before you find out from friendly gossip, Lady Wargrove is with child. Three months only. The father is Viscount Heath, if you were wondering. It’s not common knowledge. Not even his wife knows.”

“What?” Nora jumped to her feet, but Carlow caught her before she could fly across the room.

“We will be in France until after the child is born.”

The door slammed shut. Nora still stood with her mouth open.

“I’m sure everything will be fine,” Carlow said. “Would you like a drink, Nora?”

“I bloody well do!”

Nora was frozen in the middle of the room. Carlow walked toward the sideboard and poured a healthy draught for both of them. “Come here, Nora. Sit with me.”

Like a sleepwalker, she found her way to his side and accepted her glass of hard liquor. “Your brother should be commended. He saw a woman wronged and jumped in to make things right. That this decision is likely to make the rest of his life much easier is just an aside.”

“He didn’t even ask about Henbury Hall,” she said, then swallowed a mouthful of burning liquid.

“Good. Because I wasn’t giving it to him.” Carlow swirled his drink, crossed his leg and then let out a loud laugh. “I didn’t think there was a possibility that Nora the Avenger would ever be crossed by Timothy the Noble.” He laughed again.

* * * * *

Nora and Carlow attended several balls that week along with the Dowager Countess Carlow, Timothy and Millicent. Nora was reminded that one had to be brave in order to mend the worst disasters. And facing the ton would be done as a family.

She was also reminded that Timothy would leave in a week. If he were really gone for six months, it would be the longest she had ever spent away from him. But for Millicent’s reputation, it would be for the best. In one week, they’d all grown used to and welcomed this new addition to their family.

“Ah, here it is,” Carlow said. “You are going to love this tea. All of you.” A servant followed him into the room carrying a silver tray and a full complement of teapot, cups and delicacies, including pickles, which were set on a table between them.

The young servant girl stayed and poured for everyone.

“Carlow, you really must end this quest to find the perfect tea for me. It’s just not that enjoyable. Yes, a hot cup is fine on a chilly day and it does quench one’s thirst, but that is about all it does.”

“In France, we adore tea,” Millie said. “It is the whole experience. The exquisite cups, the delicate china and the perfect sweets and savories to pair with a hot cup. We tend to make it an experience instead of just a drink. But I must say, English tea is much too strong. Drinkable, but strong.”

“Then you might like this new concoction as well, Lady Wargrave. It’s called chai. Evidently the East India Trading Company has found a new source for teas outside of China, from a region called Assam. I will say no more. Only taste it and tell me about the newfound joys of afternoon tea.”

Nora accepted her cup. “Milk, please.”

“No, try it as it is first,” Carlow said. His shoulder practically bumped against hers.

“You are too close. If I am to enjoy this cup, I can’t have you eyeing my every movement.”

“Mmm,” Timothy said. “It is good. Lots of spices I don’t recognize.” He plucked up a scone and dipped it into the liquid.

“Oh, yes,” Millie added. “Delicious.”

“Go ahead, Nora,” Timothy said.

“All right. I’ll try it, but all this pressure will not yield the results you imagine.”

She sipped and swooshed it in her mouth a bit before swallowing. “Different.” She sipped again, enjoying the depth of flavor so different from the traditional blend with its tart but aromatic bergamot flavor.

Would she have to concede that Carlow had found a tea she could drink with regularity? “Hm, it is better than most teas I’ve had.”

“Is that an admission?” Carlow asked.

“It is an acknowledgement of your efforts.” She smiled at Carlow, enjoying his attempts to please her.

Mintz entered the room. “My lords. My ladies. There is a representative from the Child and Company to see Lord Wargrave and Lady Carlow.”

“Me?” Timothy said.

“Why us?” Nora asked.

“I don’t know. Perhaps I could invite her into the library, and you might ask her yourself?”

“Certainly. Bring her in,” Carlow ordered.

All of them stood. Mintz lead the well-dressed woman into the room. She was followed by two men carrying a midsize wooden trunk with leather straps, wooden slats and metal strips around it along with three hasps at the front, each with a padlock. They set it on the floor and departed as efficiently as they arrived.

Mintz announced, in his most formal voice, “May I present Lady Jersey, Sara Sophia Child-Villiers.”

Millicent and Nora curtsied deeply. Timothy and Carlow both bowed at the waist.

“What an honor to have you in our home, Lady Jersey,” Carlow said.

Nora’s experience with ton nobles was limited. However, she had read the London Times for as long as she could remember, and Lady Jersey was a preeminent member of society. Patroness of Almack’s club. Principal of Child and Company since her grandfather had left the bank in trust for her when he’d died years ago. As a senior partner, she often acted in her capacity