Page 14 of Restored
“Two morning calls,” Marianne said. “A duty one to Aunt Tilly”—she pulled a face, making Henry smile. His older sister, Mathilda, was something of a trial to say the least—“and one to see Becky Sanderton—do you recall Becky? We came out the same season and got on famously. She’s marrying Auberon Smyth in the autumn. He hasn’t got two feathers to fly with, but she tells me it’s love.” She rolled her eyes. “Then I’m going into town to get some lace and ribbons to trim some of my old gowns with—the dressmaker is letting them out.” She sighed. “Clothes are such a tedious business when one is in an interesting condition.”
Jeremy looked mortified, a faint flush across his cheeks. Henry had to check a smile. Poor Jeremy always got so embarrassed when Marianne made even subtle references to pregnancy or married life in front of Henry.
“Well,” Henry said, “how about I relieve some of the tedium by taking you to Gunters for an ice after?”
Marianne brightened. “That would be lovely! Though I’d rather go to Mercier’s on the Strand. They make the most wonderful pastries and confections there.” She smiled happily. “And it’s close to the haberdashery I’m going to.”
“Excellent,” Henry said. “I’ll come and meet you there then. What time?”
She thought about that. “Two o’clock? I shouldn’t keep you waiting much beyond that and if I’m delayed at the haberdashers, the carriage will be outside for you to wait in.”
“I’m not so old that I can’t stand outside a shop for a few minutes!” Henry protested, only half-pretending to be offended.
She laughed. “I’m only judging you by my own standards, Papa. These days I get very cross when I have to stand around.”
“Hmmm,” Henry said. “Well, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt this time—and look forward to our visit to Mercier’s.” In truth, he was very much looking forward to getting her to himself for a little while.
Just then, the door opened and Freddy entered the breakfast room. He gave a sort of grunt which Henry supposed was intended as a greeting and went straight to the sideboard.
“Good morning, Frederick,” Henry said pointedly when Freddy joined them at the table. “Did you sleep well?”
Freddy nodded, but his expression was pained and he looked distinctly green about the gills. Plainly, he was suffering from the effects of the previous evening. He looked down at the plate he had just filled and paled.
“Perhaps,” Henry said, “You should have stayed in bed a while. You do not seem quite ready for breakfast.”
“I’m meeting Percy at ten,” Freddy mumbled. “We’re going to Tattersalls.”
“Who is Percy?” Henry asked.
Marianne made a face. “Percy Bartlett. He and Freddy have become bosom friends.”
“Sir Algernon Bartlett’s son?” Henry asked, frowning. Algie Bartlett had been two years above Henry at school and a perfectly nasty piece of work.
“That’s him,” Freddy said. “He’s a jolly good fellow, actually. Been showing me around town.”
“Been showing you around all the gambling hells, you mean,” Marianne muttered disgustedly.
“Will you stop being so bloody interfering?” Freddy snapped. “It’s no business of yours what I do.”
“Freddy!” Henry said sharply.
Freddy’s gaze swivelled to him. “Well, she started it!”
“And you’re the one who’s being insulting,” Henry said. “Apologise for your rude behaviour.”
Freddy had been worrying him for a while. He’d shown no interest in university and in the last year or so had been getting through his quarterly allowance within a fortnight of receiving it. Henry suspected he was gambling—so many young men did, falling into towering debt and ruining themselves. Two months ago, Henry had given Freddy a stern lecture about the need to live within his means, but the young man had only sat in sullen silence, saying nothing.
Just as he was doing now.
Henry opened his mouth to speak again, but Marianne beat him to it.
“Do you know, Freddy,” she said. “Ever since you became friends with Percy Bartlett, all you do is talk about how gentlemenoughtto behave, thinking yourself so wise. Well, ifthishow a gentlemanbehaves, I should rather invite a pig to my table!”
Freddy glared at her. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion on my conduct.”
Marianne’s eyes flashed with temper. “And I don’t recall asking for your permission to give my opinion in my own house.”
Freddy stood up so abruptly his chair rocked. “Christ almighty, Mari! For once in your life, can you just stay out of my business?”