She swept through the front door just as Callum came down the stairs, suavely elegant in evening dress, his golden skin and dark hair the perfect foil for white linen and deep blue cloth. ‘My dear, I was about to send out a search party.’‘Oh, Callum, I am late, I am so sorry—and after I was so cross when you were late the other day, too! Did you have a good day at the docks?’‘Thank you, yes.’ He eyed her portfolio and the brown paper parcel. ‘You have been shopping at this time in the evening?’‘Oh, no. I mean … yes, I went shopping and then I called on Averil and Lady Iwerne was there so I have invited her and Lord Iwerne for dinner tonight as well. They’ve just got back to town from their honeymoon, too, just like Averil and Luc. I do like her, very much. Only, we fell to talking and I quite forgot the time. But I remembered to send a message to the staff about the two extra guests, and the wedding presents have been unpacked,’ she finished, breathless.‘I shall be delighted to see both the presents and our guests.’ And he did look pleased, Sophia thought with relief.
