Business? Yes, she really did need to discover exactly what business her dear son was in... She gave him a troubled look. "I do hope you are only referring to me, Harry, and not to any trouble between yourself and your sisters."
She paused at his explanation of Lord Hurst but shrugged, as enough time in the courts of Russia and Italy had somewhat worn away the novelty granted by titles. "Perhaps, but titles and connections hardly guarantee anyone an impressive home or fortune. Nor does it guarantee manners, charm or any other diverting characteristic. Truly, you should meet some of the Russian princes and then speak of country bumpkins with grand titles. Some of the greatest noble families in Italy hold no titles. The Manzonis among them." The Orlavs had had titles aplenty, but Cesare's fortune had far outweight the allure of continuing to hold any of those unweildy Russian words next to her name.
She tilted her head and regarded Harry curiously, momentarily forgetting about Nell. "It is a pity you never met Cesare. I expect you would have liked him very much." Anna sighed. He might have adopted him even. Although trying to picture Harry as a patrician in Italy was perhaps a bit too close to comedy. No, Mary would do far better. Anna watched her son very closely as she spoke of titles. Could it be? The sweet little thing had taken after her after all. She smiled.
"Regardless, darling, you ought to perhaps refrain from speaking quite so harshly of Lord Montford-Miles. He was a dear friend and hardly a bumpkin."