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And for at least two hours thereafter, Honoria hoped She had plans Plans which – she looked about; they were in the garden, after all – required a shovel

"It will be such a tragedy if we have to move indoors," Mrs Royle continued "One could hardly call it a picnic in such a case"

Honoria nodded absently, still analyzing the clouds There was one that was a bittoward or away?

"Well, I suppose there is nothing I can do but wait and see," Mrs Royle said "And no true harentleman is just as likely to fall in love indoors as out, and if Mr Bridgerton does have his eye on Cecily, at least she will be able to impress him at the pianoforte"

"Sarah is quite accomplished as well," Honoria remarked

Mrs Royle actually stopped and turned "She is?"

Honoria wasn’t surprised that Mrs Royle sounded surprised She knew for a fact that she had attended last year’s musicale

"We probably won’t be inside, anyway," Mrs Royle went on before Honoria could comment further "The sky doesn’t look so terribly o Mr Bridgerton ht take an interest in Cecily – oh, I do hope that et out the blue dress; she’ll be cross if she has to change – but of course Lord Chatteris would be even "

Alarmed, Honoria spun back around to face her "But he’s not co"

"No, of course not, but he is our neighbor And as Cecily said the other day, this means that he will dance with her in London, and one must seize one’s opportunities where one can"

"Yes, of course, but – "

"He does not bestow his favor onladies," Mrs Royle said proudly "You, I suppose, due to your prior connection, and maybe one or two others It will make it easier for her to capture his attention This way, Lady Honoria," she said, ements on a nearby table "And besides," she added, "our property is like a little bite out of his Surely, he’ll want it"

Honoria cleared her throat, not at all certain how to respond

"Not that we could give it all to him," Mrs Royle continued "None of it is entailed, but I couldn’t possibly slight Georgie that way"

"Georgie?"