Page 96 of The Viscount Who Vexed Me

“For what?” Lila smiled.

“You’re being kind, but you don’t have to pretend. I am aware how my family and our house appear to the world. It’s deplorable.”

“You’renot deplorable. Come, I know an art gallery not too far from here. We can talk there.”

The gallery was quite small, and on a day like this one, crowded. Still, Lila and Hattie managed to squeeze in. “How did you enjoy the ball?” Lila asked as they gazed at a pastoral scene.

Hattie rolled her eyes. “Does it matter? Go on, Lila, I know what you want. Ask me. Ask me what he thought of the ladies.”

“All right. What did he think of the ladies?”

“I can’t say.”

“Because you’re his friend.”

“Yes,”Hattie said emphatically, and looked at Lila crossly. “Iamhis friend.”

Lila smiled. “It’s funny how I keep hearing that word.”

Hattie frowned. “What word?”

“Friend, darling! But that’s wonderful—it means he will be a friend to Miss Raney, too. My husband, Valentin, and I were friends before we were lovers. It makes for the best marriage, I think. We discuss everything.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” Hattie said as they moved to the next painting. “Cheers?”

“Thank you,” Lila said breezily. “Do you think the viscount is set on Miss Raney as a potential match?”

Hattie folded her arms tightly across her body. It was amazing how much it hurt to even hear the words spoken aloud. “I do.”

“Wonderful. I think it’s time he made a more intimate acquaintance with her family, don’t you? Something to warm everyone up. A private supper. What do you think?”

Hattie felt her body stiffening. “How should I know? I’m not the matchmaker.”

“No, you’re not.” Lila smiled enigmatically. They moved to the next painting. This one of a girl in a frilly frock surrounded by sheep.

“Have you heard of Jumbo?” Lila asked.

“Who?”

“Jumbo the elephant. He resides at the London Zoo. He’s to be in a parade on Wednesday. People who attend will get the opportunity to touch him and children may ride him. Doesn’t that sound like a grand outing for a pair of potential spouses?”

“Please stop asking me what I think. I hardly care.”

“I’ve already arranged it.” She glanced at Hattie. “I invited your family, too.”

Hattie gasped. “You didwhat? Why?”

Lila shrugged. “Your younger brothers seemed very interested in Jumbo. Actually, your parents were excited, too, particularly when I told them the tickets I had were free.”

“What are you doing?” Hattie demanded. “Why would you ever invite them anywhere?”

“Don’t be angry, Hattie. I was fortunate enough to receive several tickets. I’m happy to be of service! Don’t look like that—you might very much enjoy it. Oh, and I arranged for you and your older brother to be in the patron’s box.”

“The what?”

“It’s like a grandstand for those who can afford it and don’t want to be in the thick of a crowd. Think of it like a box at the theater.”

Hattie gaped at Lila. “You areusingme,” she said. “I refused your offer of payment, so you’ve come up with another way to use me.”