Chapter Seven

J umping down from Nyx, Felton gave his tar-black thoroughbred a couple of pats. “Well done this morning.” Then he turned to the approaching stable hand. “Give him a good rub down and extra oats. He earned them.”

At the man’s nod, assuring him his orders would be followed, he strode from the stable and across the side yard. Bounding up the few steps to the library doors, he opened them and continued through the room, his intention to steal a few rout cakes from Cook before seeking out their guests.

“You seem particularly cheerful this morning.”

At his father’s voice, he turned. “I believe it was the ride. The air is crystal clear and there is not a cloud in the sky.” Adjusting his direction, he sat in the armchair on the other side of the small table, which boasted a plate of rout cakes. Snatching one up, he took a bite, the slight orange flavor mixing with the currant inside forcing him to pause before continuing. “I must have Cook teach my cook how to make these in just this way.”

His father put down his newspaper and shook his head. “She’ll never tell. She enjoys sending you off with a basket of them far too much. Last I heard, your mother wanted to use them as a way to make you visit.”

He hmphed at that as he chewed on his second bite, though he couldn’t deny his mother’s plans could possibly work. “It looks like the grounds are ready for the deluge of guests Mother is expecting. I noticed the gardener was just finishing a few places on the hedge in the gardens.”

His father sighed. “As to that, she has something planned out there for this morning with the ladies. I must thank Andrew again for coming early. Brilliant idea, that. It has definitely distracted your mother and allowed me some peace before the coming onslaught. I’m grateful also to you for suggesting that.”

As he had just taken another bite of his rout cake, he simply nodded, pleased with both his father’s acknowledgment of his superior idea and the deliciousness in his mouth.

“Rose’s friend seems a bit unusual, don’t you think?”

A need to defend Lady Dorothea caught him unawares as he swallowed before answering. “Do you mean in the fact that she can speak upon subjects other than the latest fashion and gossip?”

“Yes, I suppose that’s it. It’s rather refreshing.”

Pleased that his father wasn’t being critical, he quickly explained. “I believe it’s because she attends the Belinda School for Curious Ladies.”

His father’s eyes widened at that before his gaze moved to the cold fireplace before them. “That’s the school Rose wishes to attend, is it not?”

“Yes.” He didn’t want to sway his father either way. He didn’t like the fact that his sister’s only two options were getting married or going to that particular school.

“You should know Rose is set on going. Your mother is facing a serious challenge, and I told her as much.” His father steepled his hands. “The Duke of Northwick oversees it, and I have been impressed by his intellect, but I’m not convinced how that relates to women. Then again, the duchess, our former neighbor, has always been a proponent of education. What do you think of this school?”

Now that was a topic he wasn’t in a hurry to discuss, so he rose. “Having learned of Rose’s interest in it only last week, I’ve just started my inquiries, but I assure you, sir, that I will give you my full opinion by the end of this fete.”

“You are always thorough. I appreciate that. Do share your findings with me when you have concluded your analysis.”

“I would be honored to. Now I must fly to my sister’s rescue. If Mother has something planned in the garden this morning, it could well be anything.” He strode for the library doors, which were both open. As he crossed the threshold, his father chuckled and mumbled something under his breath. It sounded very much akin to the fact that his mother most definitely had something stewing.

He didn’t wish to enlighten his father on his jovial mood, as it had nothing to do with the morning air and everything to do with his quest. A quest he’d decided not to share with Sommerset, despite their close relationship, never mind his father. Fortunately, he was quite capable of unraveling the puzzle of the students of Belinda’s school on his own.

His morning ride had given him the time to contemplate his challenge, and it occurred to him that it may be that each lady was unique. Lady Elsbeth Rawley before marrying Mabry had been the epitome of all that was expected of a single woman of the ton except for her interest in geology, and though Lady Dorothea appeared similar, her penchant for roundabout soliloquies made her far different. The other ladies of the school of whom he had some knowledge had other quirks that made them unusual, and while that made his mission more difficult, it did give him two possible plans of attack. He could either make their individual qualities popular or find a way to help them conform. Though he still wasn’t sure which track would be easier, that he had narrowed his plan down to two paths had him feeling quite accomplished. After all, it been but an early morning spent in the open air with Nyx that had brought him thus far.

His pace slowed as he navigated through the house. The garden could be accessed by both the dining room and the ballroom. If he knew his mother, which he did, she would use the ballroom as her exit, no doubt discussing how the guests could best spend their time there. He turned and opened one of the doors to the empty ballroom. The room was cavernous, his boot heels echoing through it like a pack of anxious duck hunters shooting at a flock.

Stepping through the glass doors to the garden, he halted at the top of the steps. The voice of his mother had him turning to his right before descending onto the embedded walkway. Sunnydale’s gardens were his mother’s pride and joy, boasting no fewer than a dozen fountains, a large variety of flowers, and at least twenty gathering places. She’d even had different stone laid for the paths, be it underfoot or as borders. Some of the hedges were quite tall, while others barely reached his knees. He gladly admitted that he saw no logic or reason for the large variety, but as it kept her busy, it was a boon to his father. It would seem that the secret to a harmonious marriage was diverse and separate interests.

As he passed by a particularly high row of hedges, high in that he couldn’t see over them, while he could with most of the others, he found his quarry by peering between the branches. His mother pointed to something near what he referred to as “the fish fountain” and spoke to Lady Sommerset. Moving farther down where the hedge was lower, he searched the alcove still two courts away, and found Rose and Lady Dorothea sitting beneath a cherry laurel tree, their heads together, no doubt whispering about subjects of which his mother would not approve.

Though he’d been headed for his mother, he changed direction and moved into the section directly behind his sister and her friend. He could easily see them both between the branches, but the hedge was high enough behind them that it hid him from their view. The two sat facing each other on a stone bench. He was keen to be able to study Lady Dorothea without her knowledge.

“And what if there is no subject in particular that interests me?” His sister’s shoulders fell in defeat.

He did not like that she already anticipated failure. Had she so little faith in her own abilities? She’d mastered being a lady beautifully.

Lady Dorothea set her hand on Rose’s. “Do not worry. You will most likely find many subjects of interest and have a difficult time choosing. Whichever you choose, you will be encouraged. This year, we have women studying birds, literature, philosophy, the stars—and my good friend Lady Mabry studied rocks.”

“Rocks? I didn’t know people did that.”

Lady Dorothea nodded sagely. “Oh, yes. Even rocks like the standing stones you mentioned can be studied. Anything can be studied. But first you must do well in the general studies. That’s where your curiosity will be encouraged and you’ll learn the basics about the main subjects to better prepare you for your focus in year two. You’ll be in those classes with my friend Lissette. She’s from France, but she studies in English very well.” Lady Dorothea’s face grew serious. “She witnessed the ravages of Napoleon’s war and lost most of her family. She already knows so much about weapons because of her life there, but I’m sure once she’s in the first-year classes with you, she will find other interests, and I hope be distracted from her past experience. Though one’s experience cannot be discounted if we contemplate it.”

“You will be there even though we are not learning the same topics, won’t you? I would feel so much braver if I knew you would be near if I needed help.”

The lady in question’s hand came to her chest as if honored by Rose’s request. “I promise that while I remain at the school, I will always be available to you should you need me, even if it’s just as someone to take a walk with or sit next to at dinner.”

Something in the sincerity of Lady Dorothea had his chest tightening. He was quite sure she did not know his sister well and yet already planned to help her adjust. If she was an example of the character of the women who attended Belinda’s school, then they already honored Belinda’s name. That should be enough for society, but he was well aware that such honesty and loyalty were neither valued nor desired when competition for mates grew fierce.

“Thank you, Dory. You have made me feel more confident in my decision. Now I just need to avoid a proposal, which should be fairly easy. Though I am worried that some of the gentlemen my mother has invited are anxious to consider me for a wife because of my dowry.”

Dory? That was a rather unusual pet name, but then again, the lady was unusual.

Lady Dorothea responded. “Are they all known to your family? Do you think Lord Harewood would encourage them in their pursuit?”

Rose smiled warmly as she shook her head. “Oh, no. He was appalled by the idea when I told him. I have his full support for attending school with you.”

Lady Dorothea pulled her head back, her brows lowering as her doubt became clear even before she spoke. “Are you sure? Your brother appears to be rather, um…traditional.”

It was all he could do not to snort at the obvious euphemism for his character. His sister, though, felt no such compunction and laughed outright.

“Oh, you can say it. He’s stiff and stodgy and acts like an old man. He wasn’t always so, truly. I’ve made it my life’s goal to make him smile and laugh. He really is a good fellow.”

“I do admit to seeing him smile on occasion.” Lady Dorothea crinkled her nose. “But sometimes I believe it’s because he finds me amusing, though not in a positive way. It’s more like I’m laughable.”

Rose’s smile didn’t waver. “He would never be so cruel. If you make him smile, then you are one of only a few of us, and it makes me happy. I believe if he would at least smile more, he wouldn’t scare all the ladies away.”

He could remain silent no more. “So I scare the ladies away, do I?”

Both women jumped up at the sound of his voice. His sister laughed, but Lady Dorothea blushed, as if he’d caught her saying something she shouldn’t.

Rose peered through the hedge then placed her hands on her hips when she spotted him. “You know better than to eavesdrop on someone, brother. Mother would box your ears if she knew.”

“I thought boxing my ears was your domain?”

“And so it is.” Without a by your leave, Rose climbed upon the stone bench she’d been sitting on and held out her hands. “Now come over here and receive your punishment like a good boy.”

He chuckled, his sister’s antics always finding a way to amuse him. “If I were indeed a ‘good’ boy, there would be no need to box my ears. No, I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m quite happy with my ears as they are.”

Rose pouted and dropped her arms. “You are far too intelligent for me to spar with and well you know it. It’s simply not fair.”

Her blue eyes twinkled with laughter, despite her apparent defeat.

“Rose, where are you?” His mother’s voice floated across the garden at least three fountains away.

Rose turned toward the sound. “I’m here!”

“Well, do come here. Lady Sommerset has a question for you.”

Immediately, he sensed his sister’s intent to jump from the bench. “No. You stay right there until I help you down.” He strode along the hedge, quickly rounding it, and headed for the bench.

“I climbed up here by myself. I see no reason why I cannot step down by myself.”

He reached her and stood directly before her. “Hands on my shoulders.”

“Oh, very well.” She did as she was told, and he grasped her waist and gently set her down.

“I don’t see what the fuss is about.” His sister frowned, clearly not happy with him now.

“It’s about you twisting your ankle and Mother being furious for the next fortnight.”

Rose turned to Lady Dorothea. “See, I told you he supports me. You really don’t want to see Mother in a full-blown fury.”

“Rose, are you coming?” Their mother’s voice had become insistent.

“Yes, Mother.” Rose turned back to address her friend. “Stay here. It will give me an excuse to leave sooner. After all, you are a guest.” With that, his sister spun about and was past the hedge within seconds. She was far more intelligent than she realized. Maybe she would flourish at Belinda’s school. That possibility surprised him.

“I hope I did not say anything that was inappropriate.” At Lady Dorothea’s words, he gave her his full attention, which he completely enjoyed. Unlike his sister, who had dressed in a pale-peach day dress, Lady Dorothea wore a sky-blue day gown that brought out the lighter-blue specks in her hazel eyes.

“Why? Do you often make inappropriate statements?”

Color rose in her cheeks. “Not apurpose. But sometimes I may inadvertently forget myself.”

Seeing that she truly was concerned, he motioned toward the bench for her to sit. “No, you need not worry. Please.”

She sat on the bench and self-consciously arranged her dress. “For that, I am relieved. I am much better at watching what I say when there are more people about.”

Now that was interesting. If he remembered correctly, and he always did, she had been left standing alone at the Stocktons’ ball before he had addressed her. “So you are anxious for the other guests to arrive, then?”

“Yes. I mean, not that your company and that of your family is not perfectly lovely.” The color rose in her cheeks yet again.

How fascinating. She blurted out what she wished to say, then reflected upon it and attempted to fix the problem. That could be something he could work with. “I understand completely.” He set his foot on the bench and bent his knee. “In other words, you will be less likely to be noticed and judged by my mother.”

She bit down on her lip, but the corners of her mouth still curved upward. That simple movement epitomized her character—honest, but attempting to stay within the norms of what was expected. It was that conclusion that decided his path. He would mold her to be more in line with what was expected. Though her hair wasn’t the typical blonde that was so popular, she was quite beautiful in her own right and knew how to be a lady. She just needed a bit of polishing with her conversation.

“Have I been that obvious?” She looked up at him, not through her lashes like a maiden, but by meeting his gaze directly.

“I would not say obvious , but as I have foreknowledge of my mother’s and sister’s feelings and the fact that you are from the school Rose wishes to attend, it has not been difficult to conclude as I have.”

“You are very observant, my lord. That is a rare quality in those I have met. Only my classmate Sophie has the level of skill that you have. I have often envied that, for as Hume suggested, observation can bring us new knowledge through induction. I believe that these newer poets, such as William Wordsworth, see observation of nature to bring an almost spiritual knowledge, which does seem to supersede logic. However, I understand their meaning when I walk at home and the only sounds are those of the birds and the only sights are those of the trees and leaves swaying in the breeze…”

As she continued, he understood it was this very penchant for prose that kept her from being marriageable. While he thoroughly enjoyed following her thought process with its variety of twists and turns, as it was much more challenging than simple logic, he recognized that most men looking for a wife would find it confusing at best and tedious at the worst. So if he could find a way to help her focus and shorten her communication style, she may very well land a husband and make Belinda’s school for ladies more promising. But how was he to do that when she didn’t pause for such long periods?

“…I often wonder if there are specific colors or sounds that speak to the human soul. If so, which colors and which sounds? Perhaps that is what William Congreve meant when he wrote that music has charms to soothe a savage breast. I can believe there are sounds that soothe and conversely, there must be sounds that excite or anger, though I’m not sure which of those could be…”

He could think of only one way to politely silence her, but it was entirely inappropriate. Yet the longer she spoke, the more he was convinced it was the only way.

“Perhaps that is why when we attend a recital of the pianoforte, if the young woman playing strikes a wrong note, we grit our teeth at the sound, though she may be quite pleasant to look at. Therefore, chaotic sound may well overcome a sight—”

Leaning down, he kissed her.

Her lips were soft and though he had only meant to interrupt, her open mouth was an invitation he couldn’t ignore. Slipping his tongue inside, his first impression was chocolate and then a unique flavor and texture hit as her own tongue met his. A shock of desire sped to his groin, recalling him to his senses and he straightened.

Her eyes rounded for a moment before she spoke. “Though I do believe the green of your eyes would overcome any strident sound.”

He should apologize, but the words stuck in his throat. He had only wanted to stop her discourse in the politest way possible. “I have not thought my eyes a particularly peaceful shade.”

“Oh, yes. They are like new leaves uncurling on the buds of trees in the spring.”

He stared at her, for the first time speechless himself. He just kissed her, which was in all actuality, highly uncalled for, yet she continued to discuss her topic as if nothing had happened, albeit more briefly. “It appears you are observant as well.”

She cocked her head as she thought about his statement. “I believe I am observant about those items which stand out. Your eyes are unusual in their color.”

He waited for more, but she seemed to have finished what she meant to say. Where was her prattle about leaves, nature, or even the kiss? “Do you mind that I kissed you?” Even as he said it, he wished he hadn’t.

“No.” She didn’t blush, yet she blushed so often.

“Then am I to assume you are often kissed?”

Chuckling, she shook her head, genuinely finding his comment comical. “Hardly. You are the first.”

Completely confounded by her odd reaction to such a momentous occasion in a young woman’s life, he needed to understand. “Were you surprised, then?” He refused to ask if she enjoyed it.

“Most certainly. I did not think of you as a suitor.”

“I’m not.” He dropped his foot from the bench and took a step back, a mild panic starting in his gut. “I was merely hoping to refocus your attention.”

Her brows raised, but her gaze left him. “I see. I do think it worked.” She turned her head to look at him. “Yes, it most definitely did.” She grinned, her happiness seemingly unbound. “By the beard of Zeus, you’ve fixed me.”

She rose, coming closer, and he backed up a step.

“I’m beholden to you. If only I had known a simple kiss would make my prattle disappear. You simply don’t know how wonderful this is.”

Simple? He took umbrage to the word. It had not been simple. It had been complex, trying to kiss her while she spoke and then taste—“I’m pleased that I could be of service, though I would caution you from kissing every man you meet in order to converse in a more typical manner.”

She stilled at that and the smile left her face, which he found he didn’t like. Her eyes when she smiled seemed to glow, making her even prettier, and her cheeks rounded in, dare he think it, an adorable way. Maybe if she smiled mostly, she could also attract a husband.

“So you think it might be you in particular who must kiss me?”

He silenced a groan. “As much as I would like to accept the honor you so generously bestow upon me, I am not convinced that my action had anything to do with you concluding your dialogue. It could be that you had simply come to the end of your statement.”

She contemplated his remarks, turning away as if she needed a moment of privacy. That did not bode well. How could such a simple solution to a temporary problem become complicated? Maybe if he could find another way to distract her, he could signal her from across the room, so as—

“I think you should kiss me again, then.”

As she wasn’t facing him, he wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. “Did you say something?”

She turned to him and advanced. “Yes. I said that in order to determine if your kiss had an effect on my dialogue, we must kiss again. We learned in school that an experiment must be repeated more than once to glean any empirical data from it. So you must kiss me again.”

She closed her eyes and puckered her lips.

What he wanted to do was run, but even in her ridiculous pose, he found it hard to resist her full lips. “But circumstances are quite different, as we are not having a conversation. Besides, I do believe that it was not the kiss itself, but the distraction that helped you focus.” He had no reason to believe that were the case, but he needed her to open her eyes and stop offering him her lips.

As he hoped, she opened her eyes and relaxed her mouth. “I do see what you mean. Then I suggest that we start another conversation and if I begin to ramble, you can bring me back with a kiss.” She gave a quick nod. “Yes, that would repeat all the elements of the first occasion nicely.”

He was not one to panic, or to be of a frantic disposition, but at the moment, his gut burned as if it were being used as a grindstone and the resulting powder were acid.

She moved back to the bench and sat. “What topic should we choose? Oh, or should I stand? Would that be easier? No, then we wouldn’t be repeating the same circumstances. I understand that is of the utmost importance.” She patted the stone bench beside her. “And I do believe you had your foot up here?”

For the love of Jove, she could not honestly believe that he would kiss her again to prove to her it was or wasn’t his kiss that had caused the end of her vocal wanderings?

“Dory?” His sister voice had never been so welcome. “Dory, are you still out here?”

Lady Dorothea’s shoulders slumped, proving the extent of her disappointment. “I’m here.”

He turned to see his sister in the adjacent court. “Rose, keep heading toward the lawn.”

His sister’s head snapped up, but she couldn’t see him over the hedge.

“Was I really so far from you?” Rose finally came into view. “I do apologize, Dory, for leaving you so long with my brother, but wait until I tell you what we are doing tonight.”

As his sister brushed by him to sit next to her friend, he took the opportunity to leave. “I’d best return to the house. I’m sure Sommerset is awake and I must fulfill my duties as his host.”

His sister waved him off, but Lady Dorothea looked at him with determination.

Damn, he needed to discover what else could be done for her before she caught him alone once again. Adjusting his direction, he strode past the ballroom to the terrace outside the library. There had to be something in there that would help.