Chapter 14

Eden Hall

Near Carlisle

May 19, 1820

Dear Miss Locke,

Thank you very kindly for your letter that reached me almost as soon as I arrived here. If your correspondence is always as prompt and informative, I will feel as though I have not left London at all.

My journey was tedious, without even a hint of a highwayman or runaway carriage. The accommodations along the way were as comfortable as might be expected. Remind me, next time my steward is incapacitated, to bring my own bedding and victuals for the trip. Although I must commend Mrs. Clarke of the Blue Belle Inn in Retford for the delightful French chicken cutlets with stewed vegetables in gravy and a very jolly apple tart drenched in cream. I could have eaten that meal at every inn at which we stopped.

Your report of Letitia's behavior at Lady Dilwyn's soiree saddens me, although it does not surprise me in the least. She will take the opportunity, now that I am not at her side, to retreat to her previous wallflower ways. You must be firm with her, Miss Locke. If anyone knows what you are capable of, it is I. Do not sway from our plan. You must call upon Letitia and make certain you are accompanied by a young gentleman you can introduce to her. This will continue your excellent strategy.

Just be certain you do not frighten the gentlemen off before you can introduce them to my sister.

Did you enjoy yourself at Lady Dilwyn's, Miss Locke? I am sorry I was not there to entertain you, but we all have our crosses to bear. Mine currently is interviewing stewards and finding them not at all clever enough for the post. I blame you, Miss Locke, for not suggesting that I bring a temporary steward from London, where the choices would have been much livelier.

Consider yourself chastised, and I will return to London having devised a suitable forfeit for you.

Your obedient servant,

Marcus, Lord Haversham

London

The Manse

May 25, 1820

Dear Lord Haversham,

While I am happy to learn that you arrived in the north unscathed by either ruffians or recalcitrant coaches, I believe our correspondence must not stray from its primary purpose, which is to give you an account of Lady Letitia's behavior at ton gatherings. Please try to restrain yourself from other inquiries, especially those that touch on my personal life in any manner.

Unfortunately, since you asked about my enjoyment of Lady Dilwyn's soiree, I feel it would be rude to ignore your question. Therefore, I will answer you by saying that I had a thoroughly disagreeable time, your sister's company notwithstanding. If I am to blame for your lack of forethought in not bringing a suitable steward to Carlisle with you, then you are equally to blame for my utter boredom with all ton activities.

Had you simply had the good sense to send a replacement steward to the north, you would not have had to leave London, and I would not have ended up in want not only of a decent partner for dancing but also intelligent conversation, save my brother's. And he seems most preoccupied at the moment—although I cannot fathom with what—so I am left to my own devices, which is never a good thing.

I must inform you that Lady Letitia pled a headache to beg out of going to Mrs. Tripplehorn's musical evening last night. I believe she feared I would make her perform, which I would never have done—loathing such exhibitions myself, I would never inflict them on anyone else.

As a result, I have nothing to report save we did go shopping day before yesterday, and your sister found several very fetching bonnets she simply could not decide between. Therefore, I had to tell her she must take them all. I hoped the purchase would persuade her to go to Mrs. Tripplehorn's entertainment, but alas it did not. I will try again tonight to encourage her to attend Lady Alcester's ball. I've convinced Nathan to introduce Lord Pemberton to Lady Letitia tonight. I do hope they get on well.

Do not imagine I wish to worry you, or hurry your return, but Lady Letitia seems very taken with Bertie Symmons. Not that there's anything wrong with Bertie—well, not much—still, I believe your sister can make a more advantageous match. She needs your guiding hand to navigate her through the murky waters of the Season.

Do you know yet when you may be starting your journey to London? Both Lady Letitia and I despair of a decent partner until your return.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Katherine Locke

Eden Hall

Too Near Carlisle

May 30, 1820

Dear Miss Locke,

My many and grateful thanks for your faithful correspondence regarding my disobedient sister's lack of success at the various ton entertainments. I am certain you did your best—I suppose you could not have threatened her with some sort of dire punishment to ensure her cooperation, even though I would have immediately given you permission to do so had you asked for it—and although I will not cast blame on you, I must say I am disappointed you did not have more success with getting Letitia to dance or even attend the outings. Your powers of persuasion have always cowed me, but perhaps they work less well on the fairer sex.

You may find it comforting, therefore, that your duties in that respect will soon be lightened considerably. At last, I have secured a temporary steward who does not seem a total cake and engaged him until such time as Mr. Baines can resume his duties. I am happy to report that I shall be leaving Eden Hall in the morning and hope to reach London no later than Monday the fifth of June.

To that end, and in celebration of my return, I would ask that you and your brother join a party I am getting up—a visit to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for Letitia, Mr. Symmons (she seems very attached to the gentleman), Lady Celinda, Lord Finley, Aunt Alexandra, and you and Ainsley. I think my return warrants some fireworks, and what better place to enjoy them than Vauxhall?

I hope your acceptance will be awaiting me upon my return to my townhouse, and I look forward eagerly to annoying you in person once more.

As always, your obedient servant,

Marcus, Lord Haversham