“And that reminds me,” Lord Yaxley said. “Are you going to stay with Lady Chevington again for the Derby? I am sure she has asked you.”
“I believe I did receive an invitation from her,” the Earl replied.
“Do you intend to accept?”
There was a moment’s pause. Then, as the Earl drew his horses to a standstill outside the front door, he answered,
“Why not? It is far the most comfortable house near Epsom and at least her parties are sometimes amusing.”
“Then we can go together,” Lord Yaxley said. “Will you drive me down, Osric, unless you have other plans?”
“I shall be delighted to give you a lift.”
The two men parted, Lord Yaxley being driven by the Earl’s groom back to his lodgings, which were only two streets away.
The Earl walked across the hall and into the library.
He was there
