“Thank you for your invitation, Quin,” Lady Greatheart commented. “I trust my granddaughter didn’t have to insist too much.”
“Only mild blackmail was necessary,” Quin replied, earning a swat from the older lady.
“Blackmail is always helpful to have in one’s arsenal, don’t you agree?” Catherine replied, adding to the joking conversation.
“Always,” Quin said.
They walked in companionable silence for a few steps, then as the park came into view, Lady Greatheart spoke happily. “It would seem we’re not the only ones with this idea. Look! There’s the Baroness White! I haven’t seen her in an age,” she murmured softly to herself. “If you’ll excuse me.” Without a backward glance, Lady Greatheart abandoned them and headed toward the older baroness.
Quin paused, unsure if Catherine would wish to follow her grandmother’s lead or continue on their path to the park.
“She’ll catch up later, I’m sure. She won’t be out of sight, so we can continue, if you wish?” Catherine offered.
“Certainly,” Quin replied, keeping on their way.
As they approached a small archway leading to the park’s entrance, Quin noted a familiar form just ahead. He waited a moment to make sure he was certain, then strode forward to see his good friend Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale.
“Ho! Old chap, what are you doing in London? I thought you were still in Cambridge!” Quin reached out to grasp his friend’s hand as they met under the arch.
Penderdale clasped his friend’s hand firmly, delighted. “Some family business required my attention, and it was such a lovely day I couldn’t stay inside a moment longer. You know how it is.”
“Indeed, I do,” Quin replied. “Oh, forgive me. Allow me to introduce Lady Catherine Greatheart.” He gestured to Catherine.
Penderdale cast him a look with a curious quirk to his brow that lasted only a moment before he bowed to Catherine. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance again, Lady Catherine. It’s been too long,” he replied politely.
“Truly, it has been too long, Lord Penderdale,” Catherine replied, offering her hand.
The earl accepted it, his attention never shifting from her eyes.
“And how are you?”
“Exceptional,” he remarked. “But please, call me Morgan. I’m afraid I’m quite accustomed to it rather than my title.”
Quin raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Of all the men affected in the tragedy, Morgan had suffered the largest blow. It had been his twin brother who had passed. The two had been nearly identical in manner and in appearance. They had pulled no shortage of pranks—from leading strings till their last years as students at Cambridge. Quin suspected that they’d often swapped places during key exams as well.
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Quin said, examining his friend. “How is Lady Joan?”
An indulgent smirk lit up Morgan’s expression. “As much trouble as ever. She’ll have her season this summer, and Lord help me, I’m not ready for this.”
Catherine gave a soft giggle, drawing Quin’s attention. “It’s even harder on the lady, I assure you.”
“While I’m certain that’s true, I must say it isn’t easy on the guardian either.” He shrugged. “I’ve never had a care for frills or fabrics, but I certainly have less tolerance for them now. However, I now am an authority on the colors of the season and what modiste is in most demand. My sister has educated me, largely against my will.”
Catherine tried to imagine it all, finding the idea quite diverting to consider. “It’s quite an event.”
“That’s a kind way to put it.”
“I’m sure she values your assistance. You’re a generous brother.”
Morgan shuffled his feet, clearly unaccustomed to such a compliment. “Your praise is appreciated, but I would be neglectful if I did not take it upon myself to make her season a success. Our mother and father would wish it, and it’s an honor to their memory to do it well.” He nodded, his expression resolute.
“Certainly, it is,” Catherine replied.
“Well, there you are.” Lady Greatheart’s voice intervened in the conversation, and Quin was thankful for a distraction.
It was always a difficult topic, discussing one’s family after any sort of tragedy. Life was never the same, and such a discussion always brought back the feeling of when things were normal and the fact that they no longer were. Sighing, he gave a curt nod to Morgan, conveying that he understood, and then turned his attention to Lady Greatheart. “We didn’t wander far, my lady. And we found a friend. Allow me to introduce you to Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale.”
“Ah, yes. I knew your…well, your father, too, but your grandfather was my contemporary. Handsome fella. You favor him.”