CHAPTER THIRTEEN

C HAPTER T HIRTEEN

O riana tried to steel herself against Stanwood’s touch. The tingling problem was getting worse, not better. What on earth would it take to rid herself of her reaction? Suddenly his hands clasped her waist, and she sucked in a breath. That she had not expected. He was much stronger than Oriana had imagined. Briefly she was tempted to touch his arms simply to feel the muscles. Instead, she settled herself on the seat and folded her hands in her lap. It was clear they could not be trusted to obey absent some sort of restraint.

Stanwood climbed in on the other side and took up the ribbons. “I am as interested as you in what Miss Scully thinks of Will.”

Oriana had trouble keeping her gaze from roaming his strong profile. There was nothing soft or puffy about the lean slant of his cheekbones or his firm jaw. Even his lips appeared powerful. Did that make any sense at all? His mouth was wide and his lips nicely shaped. They did not appear as if they would be wet when he kissed a woman. Not like her cousin when he had attempted to kiss her. She had been tempted to hand Ognon a serviette. She had wiped her face with her handkerchief. Stanwood was most likely correct that Ognon would stop bothering her if she agreed to allow Stanwood to court her. Yet he was obviously thinking of marriage as his goal, not a farce that would end when the desired results had been achieved. Oriana was not at all certain she wished to wed. On the other hand, she was definitely interested in touching him. After all, firm muscles deserved to be touched. How would it feel if he kissed her?

She glanced up. Good Lord! They were almost in the village and she had failed to make any conversation at all. “You have a beautiful carriage, and the horses have an excellent pace.”

The corner of his mouth that she could see rose. “I had some help with the curricle.” He slid a glance at her. “Theo and Mary decided to try their hands on vehicle design.”

The carriage was a dark green, with gold used for the trim and crest. The convertible hood was the same color green, and the bench was a dark tan leather. “What did you allow them to do?”

“Everything but add gold to the hood.” His lips turned down, but his eyes sparkled. “Have a look at the back when you alight. There is a folding seat large enough for Apollo or two people. There is also a hood built in for that seat as well.”

They turned the corner to the smithy. “Did they select the pair as well?”

“No, I did that with the help of a friend of the family. Lady Evesham is an expert on horseflesh.”

“Lady—?” She wanted to shake her head to clear it. “I have never heard of a female advising a gentleman on horses.”

His left brow rose. He had a habit of doing that when he appeared to think something was absurd or incorrect. “One of the many things I’ve learned in my life is to go to the most knowledgeable person about the subject regardless of their sex.”

She had never heard him raise his voice or use a cutting tone. Even yesterday, when she could see that he was angry about Susan’s injuries and the damage done. Or when Ognon cornered them at the inn. The men in Oriana’s family would rail and threaten and order someone else to repair it. How did Stanwood remain so calm?

“Here we are.” He set the brake on the vehicle, jumped down from the carriage, came around to her side of the curricle, and just as she had turned to be helped down, he put his hands around her waist again. This time she did place her hands on his arms. The muscles flexed and tightened as he lifted her, then slowly lowered her feet to the ground.

Oriana’s mouth dried. Spikes of intense pleasure shot through her, and she could not breathe. She could not even talk. What did all this mean?”

Stanwood took her hand and tucked it into his arm, then strolled to the door of the shop. “Halloo. Is anyone there?”

The sound of a hammer rang out, and they entered the building. Miss Scully was speaking with Lady Maitland, one of the ladies who lived locally but rarely visited Liliford. The blacksmith indicated a partially completed garden ornament. It appeared as if they were finishing their conversation as the lady inclined her head and started toward them.

“My lord.” She smiled coyly and curtseyed. Oriana had the impression she was inspecting Stanwood. “Have you seen the excellent work Miss Scully has been producing?”

“I have indeed.” He nodded his head in a gracious manner. “In fact I am considering adding some of her decorations to the rose garden at Stanwood Place.”

Her ladyship leaned in closer to him. Good Lord, the woman’s breast almost touched his arm. “I can highly recommend her.”

“As can I,” Oriana added, raising an eyebrow of her own. “Are you staying in the village to do some more shopping?”

“Miss Ognon, I did not see you.” Lady Maitland’s lip lifted in a sneer. “No. I only wanted to visit Miss Scully.”

“Have a good trip home.” And do not let anything keep you . Oriana gave the woman a polite and completely insincere smile. Who was she to denigrate Liliford?

Once her ladyship strolled away, Charlie turned to Oriana. “Who is she? I don’t remember her at all.”

“Cynthia Maitland. She married Lord Maitland several years ago, when you were away. I am extremely surprised to see her here. She has everything shipped in from Town or from other places.”

“I’m sure the local shopkeepers aren’t happy about that.” Stanwood did not sound pleased about it either.

“It certainly has not endeared her to them.” Oriana saw Miss Scully from the corner of her eye. “Miss Scully, Lord Stanwood saw my obelisk and is interested in purchasing one.”

“Yours would be the fourth order in two days.” She glanced at Will Hammersmith, who was dressed in an open-necked loose shirt, parts of which were plastered to his impressive frame. Sally seemed to have difficulty looking away from him. She focused her attention back on Oriana. “We might have to divide our work after all.”

An image of Stanwood in a similar pose entered Oriana’s mind. What would Stanwood look like with his wet shirt stuck to him? She gave herself a shake. You must stop thinking about him . “I take it things are going well between you and Mr. Hammersmith.”

“Yes.” Miss Scully’s face was wreathed in smiles. “He is everything I could have asked for and more. He’s been very good about the fact that I don’t really cook. Will offered to try, but he’s no better than I am. Dad and I have been getting meals from Widow Cannon a few times a week, but she don’t want to do more than that. Mrs. Hammersmith is looking for someone who can take over that chore.” She glanced at Stanwood. “Thank you for thinking of him.”

“It was my pleasure.” He bowed to her as if she were a lady. In fact he appeared to give her more of a courtesy than he had Lady Maitland. “I will do anything I can to help the village as well as Stanwood.”

The courtesy and his words. A sentiment that Oriana knew he meant made her proud to be with him. The thought unsettled her. She had to focus on the reason they were here. “Do you want to show his lordship some samples of your garden decorations?”

“Oh, yes. Right this way.” Sally headed toward a room in the back. They passed a room that was being added to the building. “Will is building what he calls a showroom for everything.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Stanwood said. “I’m sure it will increase your reputation.” He placed his hand over Oriana’s fingers. “Don’t you agree, Miss Ognon?”

“Yes. I do. I believe it will also increase your sales.”

“That’s what Will said.” Miss Scully grinned widely. She passed through an open door. “Here we are. Just look around and let me know if you see something you like.”

At the end of a few minutes Stanwood had ordered two high-standing obelisks like the one Oriana had and three globes that could be placed in the center of a small garden bed. “Shall I pay you half now and half on delivery?”

Miss Scully’s eyes widened. “Is that something I should do?”

“I think it would be wise of you. After viewing your work anyone who is unwilling to pay half for the materials is unlikely to pay you at all.”

“I never thought of it like that before,” she murmured. “It’s not like horse tack and other things, is it?”

“No,” Stanwood said firmly. “They are needed quickly, and the payment is usually made when the item is being picked up. You also don’t have a lot of material invested as you do with the decorative items.”

“That’s a good idea.” Miss Scully frowned thoughtfully. “I’ll tell Will what you said.” She nodded a few times and glanced up. “Well, then, when do you want your things?”

“In about three weeks. That’s when our family ball and the fête day is.”

“I’ll make sure they’re done, my lord.”

“I look forward to seeing them.” Stanwood took out several coins and handed them to Miss Scully.

“Thank you.” Miss Scully closed her fingers over the money.

Oriana and Stanwood strolled to the carriage. “I think that went well. Do you agree?”

“Yes indeed.” She placed her hand on his arm, and he covered it with his fingers. Good Lord! These feelings were becoming worse. “She seems to be as enamored with him as he is of her.”

“I hope we are around to see him propose to her tomorrow.” He smiled as he looked at her. His eyes held her and she almost sighed at the warmth in his summer-blue gaze.

“I hate to admit it, but I do too.” She had no doubt it would be romantic.

“Come now.” He laughed. “Surely you can appreciate what Will is trying to do.”

“No.” Actually she did not understand why he would propose in public at all. “What?”

“Their arrangement is unusual.” Stanwood’s eyes seemed to darken as they danced with mirth. “He will want everyone to see that he loves her for herself.”

Well, that made sense. “I can understand it now. He has given up things that other men would not.”

“That is certainly how some men will view it.” Somehow she was walking closer to Stanwood. How had that happened? “On the other hand he has gained quite a bit. He is part of a business that he could not have been otherwise.” All because of Stanwood. And he was not trying to impress anyone at all. He was simply being himself. Would it be wrong to allow him to court her if she was not sure of her feelings? And how would she even bring up the subject again? Oriana glanced at the carriage. No matter how hard she tried there was no way she could prepare herself for the lightning his touch created. She was way past tingles. It appeared that her body had not consulted with her mind on the issue of wanting to be touched by him and touch him in return. It probably would not agree with her on marriage either. Then again, her mind was very much in a muddle at the moment. She needed to speak to someone, but who? Her aunt had never been married and Oriana had no other close female relatives. Perhaps the vicar’s wife could help her. It was clear the Tauntons had an excellent marriage.

“Shall we see if the Tauntons are at home?”

Was Stanwood reading her mind?

Charlie looked down at Oriana, waiting for her response.

“Yes. It has been a while since I have asked what the church requires.”

He had to remember that although his family had cared for the village in the past, she had taken up some of the reins in his absence.

“Let’s walk.” He hoped that at least some of the inhabitants would see his actions with Oriana as those of a gentleman interested in a lady.

“That is a good idea. I do not think Miss Scully will mind you keeping your horses at the smithy.”

“I don’t know how long we’ll be and I can’t keep them standing. I’ll ask one of the tavern’s grooms to see to them.”

“Of course.” Oriana knew that. She would never leave her horses standing. Why was her brain not working well today? “I do not know what I was thinking.”

“About something more urgent than horses?” Charlie grinned at Oriana. She always seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. Or at least the weight of the village and her estate.

One of the inn’s boys ran out as they passed. “I saw your pair at the smithy. Do ye want me to get them?”

“I want exactly that.” Charlie flipped the lad a coin. “Take good care of them.”

“I will. I promise, me lord.” The boy hadn’t finished the sentence before he dashed off.

Charlie scanned the church roof as they approached. That was the usual repair that was required. It seemed to be in relatively good condition. When he looked at Oriana, she was gazing up at the roof as well. As much as he was used to taking charge, he’d have to let her take the lead when it came to Liliford and be careful not to step on her toes. Was this how his brothers-in-law felt when his sisters entered their lives? Every one of them liked doing things their own way as well.

They ambled up the path to the vicarage, and he knocked on the door. A few moments later a tall, spare woman with gray hair answered it. “Miss Ognon and Lord Stanwood to see Mr. and Mrs. Taunton if they are available.”

“The vicar’s at the church, but Mrs. Taunton is at home.” The woman stood aside to allow Charlie and Oriana to enter a small hall. “If you’ll just wait here, I’ll get her.”

Mrs. Taunton appeared almost immediately. “Miss Ognon, Lord Stanwood.” Mrs. Taunton curtseyed slightly. “How good of you to stop by. Is there anything I can do for you?”

Oriana glanced at him, then at the vicar’s wife. “I just wanted to see if you needed anything.”

“I as well.” He bowed. “We had stopped by the smithy to see how things were going and decided to come here too.”

A curious look quickly swept Mrs. Taunton’s genial mien before she smiled. “Like most churches, we can always use some sort of help.” Her eyes flicked to Oriana and back to him. “My lord, if you would like to speak with my husband about any repairs, he is in the church.”

Charlie would have liked to consult with Oriana, but the words were clearly more of a command than a suggestion. “Yes, of course.”

The vicar’s wife linked arms with Oriana. “Come let us discuss some of the things the church needs. I am sure the gentlemen will join us for tea a bit later.” Again Mrs. Taunton glanced at Charlie. “I will send for the two of you.”

That was neatly done. He inclined his head and left the house. As he strode to the side door of the church, he tried to remember what he knew about Mrs. Taunton. Then he had it. She was a viscount’s daughter. That was where she got her air of command. Taunton was the youngest son of a baron. A perfectly eligible match, but her parents had not been happy about it. Charlie wondered how they had acquired this living. He knocked on the door and entered. It was something he’d have to look into.

“Stanwood,” Taunton called out. “I’m glad you’ve come. What can I do for you?” He grinned. “Or should I ask what you can do for me?”

“I’d say it’s a little of both.” Charlie shook the man’s hand. “Naturally, I’m interested in any repairs you might need at either the church or the vicarage, but I have something of a personal nature I’d like to discuss with you as well.”

“I keep a current list of repairs that must be made. I can send them to you.”

“Is there anything major?” He wanted to know the worst of it immediately.

“No. The roof was replaced five years ago.” Taunton smiled. “Lord Worthington approved the work.”

“It must have been when I was on my Grand Tour. Can you tell me how often Rose Hill pays for improvements or repairs?”

“Until Miss Ognon arrived they did very little.” The vicar glanced at Charlie. “She has been much more involved than her predecessors from what I can gather from the church records.”

“I had a feeling that might be the case.” He rubbed his chin. “She is the personal matter I wish to discuss. I am attempting to court her. But it has not been as easy or straightforward as I would like it to be.”

“Miss Ognon arrived shortly after the roof was completed.” Taunton’s eyes sparkled as he nodded his head. “The maternal side of her family owned Rose Hill for generations. Lady Prudence was already living there. Shortly after Miss Ognon moved in a series of gentlemen from Town began arriving.”

“I know about them.” Damn Ognon . “Am I correct in surmising that they did their part in putting her off the idea of marriage?”

“I believe it was more to do with her cousin, the viscount. He has proposed marriage more than once.” Taunton shrugged. “She has rejected him so often it wouldn’t surprise me to find that it is her spontaneous response to the question of marriage.”

“In a way that makes sense. She had also come up with a pat list of reasons she should not wed. All having to do with her perceived faults.”

He glanced toward the side door that had opened and closed. “Good luck to you. I wish there was more I could do to assist you.” The vicar indicated the door. “We have been summoned to tea.”

“I was told that would happen.” Charlie wished someone could help.