Free Belle's Beau by Gayle Buck Page B

had more excuse than many others for memory lapses during the recovery from his head wound.
     

Chapter 7
     
    Lord Ashdon waited three days before he presented himself at the Weatherstone residence in Albemarle Street. He sent in his card, requesting to see Mrs. Weatherstone and her niece, Miss Weatherstone.
    The butler returned to usher him into the drawing room, where he was cordially greeted by Mrs. Weatherstone. Lord Ashdon glanced quickly around, noting with disappointment that the lady of the house was alone. He bowed over Mrs. Weatherstone's hand, saying, "When I learned that you were in town, and recalling with pleasant memories our former acquaintance in Bath, I decided to call on you."
    "I am very glad that you did, Lord Ashdon. Pray be seated, my lord," said Mrs. Weatherstone, graciously gesturing to a wingback. She seated herself on the settee opposite, as Lord Ashdon murmured his thanks and sat down.
    "I was just about to take tea. Will you join me?" asked Mrs. Weatherstone.
    "I would be delighted, ma'am," responded Lord Ashdon. He had deliberately chosen teatime for his visit, in hopes of catching the ladies at home. He wondered where Miss Weatherstone was, if she had been momentarily detained abovestairs, but civility barred him from inquiring at once.
    Mrs. Weatherstone seemed to read his mind. "Unfortunately, my niece is not at home. She has gone to visit some young friends this afternoon," she said, beginning to pour the tea.
    "I am disappointed to have missed her," said Lord Ashdon, feeling somewhat deflated. He had anticipated seeing Miss Weatherstone again, especially to test whether he would feel that same rush of adrenaline that had bespoken hope in his breast.
    At Mrs. Weatherstone's inquiry, he indicated that he took his tea while and sweet. As he accepted the cup from her, he said with a smile, "I learned to like it this way while in Spain. When we had nothing else, strong, sweet tea meant the difference sometimes between life and death."
    "It must have been a very difficult time," said Mrs. Weatherstone sympathetically. "I cannot fathom how you, or indeed, any of our young men, were able to survive. I must say that you appear to be in much better health than when we met in Bath."
    "Yes," agreed Lord Ashdon. He touched the scar above his eye with a light hand. “This was very nearly the end of me. It made me an invalid, to my grave embarrassment. My stay in Bath proved to be entirely beneficial, however. I have suffered no ill effects since."
    "That is very good to hear, my lord," said Mrs. Weatherstone with a smile, sipping her tea.
    "Did Miss Weatherstone relate to you how we met the other morning in the park?" asked Lord Ashdon, as though it were a mere conversational gambit, but in fact he was keenly interested in the answer.
    "Yes, she did." Mrs. Weatherstone shook her head, a small frown crossing her face. "I scolded her handsomely for going out without a groom, I assure you. I am only grateful that it was you, my lord, who accosted her and not some scoundrel."
    Lord Ashdon made a short bow from his chair. "Thank you, ma'am. I am honored by the trust you have implied that you have in my character. I hope that I may be favored with your permission to call again in future."
    "Of course, Lord Ashdon. You may call on us at any time. We will be delighted to receive you," said Mrs. Weatherstone, giving a gracious nod.
    "I hope that you did not scold Miss Weatherstone too stringently, Mrs. Weatherstone, for I thoroughly enjoyed being in her company. She is a delightful young lady," said Lord Ashdon.
    'Thank you, my lord. Belle is such a vivacious, lovely girt, and she is extremely good-natured," said Mrs. Weatherstone.
    "Quite. Your niece possesses a natural liveliness that is charming," said Lord Ashdon. He was once more struck by Miss Weatherstone's given name. Surely his memory could not be so faulty, not when he had recalled everything else about her. He was completely taken aback that he had