Dangerous Liaison (Lords of Whitehall Book 2)

stunning light blue traveling dress with dark blue braiding on the jacket. Not one to be concerned with fashion, she found she rather enjoyed the sumptuousness of the outfit. Gillian wanted to look her best on this the second day of her marriage, unconventional though it was.
Bidding Maisy safe travels, Gillian rushed from the room, excited at the prospect of spending the day with James, just the two of them. Maisy was to depart as soon as she returned below stairs. The maid would be riding with James’ valet so the two servants could see to the organization of their wardrobes at Whitings.
She found only Timmie in the breakfast room. The butler saw to the filling of her plate. She’d only started eating when James entered the room. She relished his look of surprise at her presence. He probably assumed she ‘d be another hour dressing.
He sat in the chair next to her own and nodded to Timmie who proceeded to dish up a second plate. Maybe this marriage business was not such a bad circumstance after all.
Unlike last night, this morning they were dining in a smaller dining room which was as lovely as their apartments. The focal point in the room was the round dining table with six chairs. After years of dining in the formal opulence of Whitney House with its table seating twenty, she rather liked the coziness of the small room.
Her head filled with the sight and sound of children sitting around the table all talking at the same time. Those children all had Moreham’s dark hair and gray eyes.
“You look lovely, wife,” Moreham whispered in her ear. “Eat up, we are running late.”
They ate with only an occasional comment about the weather. Once she had finished eating, a footman spirited her plate away then refilled her teacup.
Moreham did the same and motioned for Timmie and the footman to leave them. He reached over and took her hand.
He frowned at her. “Your dress?”
“No, it appears your mother not only decorated my bedchamber, but outfitted me with lovely new gowns and all the accessories. My armoire is filled to the point of exploding. Don’t you like the dress? Is something wrong?”
Moreham continued to frown. “No, the dress is lovely, and the color brings out the honey hue of your eyes. My mother has been busy. I am not sure how I feel about her interference.”
“Oh, James, don’t be cross with her. She loves you. Allow her this pleasure. I would give any sum of money, any recompense if I could have a single day with my mother. I must confess to being excited about having your mother for my own. I hope you’ll enjoy your time with her because I intend to do so.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You are a wise lady. I have never heard anyone voice so poignantly the dearness of a parent. I must remember your words when Mama tries my patience.”
“I never asked but does she have rooms here? I know at the moment she’s staying with Lady Philly.”
“Yes, she had an apartment of three rooms, but felt we should be alone for the first days of our marriage. Philly keeps a house across the street for times when the rest of the Preston family are not in residence. Never fear, she will call this morning. I am a little surprised she has not already appeared at the front door.”
“It is early for making calls,” Gillian replied.
“Mama will not care about the hour. She will want to see you ensconced here as countess. You must not allow her to browbeat you or embarrass you. She has definite opinions which she does not hesitate to share.”
A single loud report of a doorknocker echoed through the house. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I swear she has spies in my household who report my activities. Not that I mind, you are most correct, it is rather nice having someone who cares.” He favored her with a smile and rose to his feet. “Prepare yourself, my dearest, Whitney may favor shooting me with a fowling piece, but my mama accomplishes the same with a single glance.”
The words were barely out of his mouth when the morning quiet was shattered. The high-pitched voices of Lady Philly and her new mama-in-law, Lady Sylvia carried down the corridor to alert them of the arrival of the ladies. Timmie announced them only a few seconds before the ladies entered the dining room.
Gillian fully intended to afford them both a curtsey but was waylaid when her new mama grabbed her. She received hugs and kisses from the ladies. Timmie attempted to maneuver the ladies into chairs at the table, but neither would have any part of sitting.
“Gillian, you look lovely this morning. That dress looks wonderful on you. I think that shade brings out the color of your eyes more. Philly, don’t you think so?”
“Yes, I agree, Sylvia. Moreham, have we missed breakfast? Only had chocolate this morning.”
“Timmie, would you assist Lady Philly and the countess with their selections from the buffet? I must offer our apologies, but Gillian and I were about to depart for Whitings.”
“You’re leaving this early? Oh well, ‘tis better for Philly and I do make the trip later. Fewer questions from the staff if we do.” Lady Sylvia nudged Lady Philly to the other side of the table and sat down. “Do you have to leave so quickly? Please stay for a final cup of tea.
Gillian chuckled at the put upon look on James’ face. After a footman provided fresh pots of tea and coffee, Timmie ushered the servant from the room then closed the door.
Lady Sylvia eyed the closed doors for a few moments before casting a knowing glance in Philly’s direction. “Tell them.”
Philly took a sip of her tea before setting the cup down. “Moreham, Gillian, we have news. Wellington sent a dispatch. Weatherington and Serena did make his encampment. So did Arnold. There was some