Chapter Five

S ilas had enjoyed riding ever since his nursery governess had allowed him to be placed in a saddle. From what he understood, he had been a rambunctious child, always into mischief and being chased about. He supposed the poor servant was frantic, trying to keep up with him, and thought riding lessons might distract him from the frequent mischief he got into. Whatever the reason, he had begun riding from the age of three and continued to do so to this day. He had no idea if either of his parents ever rode. The conversations which had taken place between him and them probably were no more than the fingers on his two hands.

Again, he couldn't help but be grateful for Uncle Oscar coming to take over at Chase Oaks upon his brother's and sister-in-law's deaths. It allowed Silas to go away to university as planned. Regret still filled him for not coming to his country estate more often. When he did, his uncle had been happy for them to ride about the property, keeping Silas informed of all the improvements which had occurred, as well as telling him about the lives of his tenants. He had listened, not because he was particularly interested, but because he enjoyed being with his uncle.

The death of his last living relative had sobered Silas, though. He berated himself for neglecting Chase Oaks as much as he had, even though Uncle Oscar had it running smoothly and efficiently. Silas also regretted not having siblings to depend upon and share things with. That was why he was determined to take a wife. The sooner, the better. He also craved the closeness he witnessed between the Strongs. They seemed so comfortable in one another's company, talking and teasing with ease. He knew it was no act they put on for their guests. These were people who genuinely liked and cared about each other.

He wanted that for himself. Perhaps that was part of the attraction he felt toward Miss Lyric, though he didn't feel any pull at all toward Miss Allegra. As they rode, Silas reflected upon kissing her in the gardens. He had wanted to do so much more but was conscious of the fact she had never been kissed. It was obvious from the first moment their lips touched. She was slightly hesitant but did respond to his kiss. Because of that, he hoped to kiss her again. A better kiss. One which might show her his growing feelings.

They'd had an interesting time in the gardens. She was so knowledgeable and spoke with ease about various flowers and plants. It was obvious how much gardening meant to her. He hadn't been trying to flatter her by claiming his own interest in it. Silas did like the peace to be found within a garden. Now that he fully was in charge of Chase Oaks, it was important to him to learn about every aspect of his estate, which included its gardens. He only wondered what Miss Lyric would do if he turned her loose in them.

As his wife.

He had no doubts about her now. She was beautiful and from a good family. He assumed she would have a dowry, but he was not in need of it. She was interesting and patient and seemed quite nurturing. Overall, Silas believed she would make for a perfect countess. He believed they would be a good match—just not the love match his uncle had predicted for him.

To him, love was merely a word that others used as an excuse to do as they wished. A man might proclaim his love for a woman in order to secure her hand in marriage, when all he truly wanted was his hands on her dowry to pay off his gambling debts. Or it was used to justify an affair between lovers in the ton , saying they loved one another and that was the reason they broke their vows to their mates.

Silas believed in fidelity. When he wed, it would be a woman whom he would be faithful to. He would only make love to her, hoping it resulted in numerous children. More than anything, he wanted to fill Chase Oaks with children, happy children, and bask in their happiness. But love for his wife would never be a part of his world. Respect, yes. Honesty, certainly. He only hoped he could convince Lyric Strong to marry him.

It was early, though. She would want to learn more about the other bachelors who had been invited to the house party. Suddenly, the thought of losing her hit him hard. He needed to let her know that he was more than a candidate for her hand. That he was the one she should choose.

And that meant kissing her in a way so that she could not forget him.

He decided the sooner he could make that happen, the better his chances were with her. During this ride might prove difficult. Tea this afternoon would be al fresco, served on the terrace. Tonight, they would play cards. Silas thought this evening might be the best time. He would conjure an opportunity to be alone with her—and make the most of it.

*

Lyric had enjoyed the exercise she had gotten during the group's ride. At the nearby village, they had stopped at the inn for cider and peach tarts. Caleb had let the innkeeper and his wife know they were coming beforehand, and they had been shown to an upper room.

She had talked with Lord Lamkin for much of that time, finding him to be a delight. He was so open and positive during their conversation, she decided he would be the next gentleman she would kiss.

Then at tea on the terrace this afternoon, she had been seated at a table with Viscount Tillings and Lord Motley. She and the viscount both had a love of reading, and he recommended two books to her which she was eager to begin. Since James' country library had neither volume, Lord Tillings assured Lyric he would purchase copies in town and have them sent to her. She thought that quite refreshing and thought she better try a kiss with Tillings.

Then the nursery governess had brought Viola down to tea for a few minutes. When Lyric witnessed the pure joy on the faces of father and daughter at their reunion, she determined the earl was the best of fathers. Unlike her own father, who had barely acknowledged her or Allegra, Lord Motley truly enjoyed being with his child. He proudly had Viola show off, having her count to ten, and then had her recite her alphabet. When she skipped over a few of the letters, her father still praised her efforts. The widower impressed Lyric greatly, and she decided he would be worth kissing, as well.

Now that dinner had finished, the men were having cigars and a brandy before they rejoined the women in the drawing room, where they would be playing cards very soon. Aunt Dinah already had various tables and chairs set up around the room and told them they would be drawing for partners once the men joined them.

Lyric decided to go to her room to freshen up a bit before the gentlemen arrived. Miss Markle was playing the pianoforte, and it was easy to slip out. She started down the corridor. Surprise filled her when she spied Lord Blankenship coming her way. He was alone.

He paused in front of her, and she asked, "You did not want to stay and finish your brandy and cheroot, my lord?"

"I had other things on my mind and decided a quiet walk might do me some good. Would you care to join me?"

Her pulse jumped. "I suppose I could for a few minutes, but card play will start shortly."

"We won't be long," he promised.

The viscount guided her outdoors, and she thought he might wish to stroll through the gardens again. Instead, he took her hand and slipped it through his arm, walking along the terrace. As before, she caught the scent of sandalwood and felt her heart beating erratically, simply because he was so near. Lyric found she couldn't say a word as nerves flitted through her.

Lord Blankenship did not seem to mind the lack of conversation, though. He led her to the end of the terrace and stopped, gazing out at Shadowcrest.

"The duke has a lovely estate," he remarked.

"Yes, it was so nice to grow up here," she replied. "Allegra and I have had a full life at Shadowcrest and always felt loved."

She caught the fleeting anguish in his eyes, and it passed quickly, so quickly that others might not have noticed.

"I have told you how my parents absolved themselves of any obligation to me. They were completely unaware of me my entire life."

Sympathy filled her. "That must have been very lonely," she said, one hand stroking his arm in comfort.

"It made me self-reliant. I knew I could only depend upon myself. I will admit I broke a lot of rules, testing the servants and later the adults at school. I was charming enough that I could always talk my way out of situations I had gotten myself into, though."

He paused, sighing deeply. "But it taught me that I want the exact opposite. Where my parents were strangers to their child, I want to be close to my own children. They lived in town. I wish to be there for part of the year, but since my uncle's death, I have a greater appreciation for the country and Chase Oaks. I plan to teach my own children to hunt and fish and ride. I admire Motley. Seeing him with little Viola at teatime today let me know I can be the type of father I want to be and not repeat the mistakes my own father made."

Suddenly, his hands encompassed her waist, startling Lyric.

"I asked to kiss you before, Miss Lyric, and I am asking to do so again. I fear I did not make quite the impression I wished to make on you with our first kiss."

She swallowed, her heart pounding against her ribs. "I told you that I enjoyed it, my lord."

He grinned. "Then you will enjoy this even more."

Pulling her to him suddenly, she took in a quick breath before his mouth came down hard on hers. This kiss was not like the gentle caress from before. No, it had a boldness to it, a fire, which excited her. The viscount's lips were insistent, his kisses rough and demanding.

And thrilling.

Lyric knew what she needed to do, and that was invite him in. Praying she was doing so the right way, she opened to him, feeling his surprise. All the same, he accepted her unspoken invitation, his tongue plunging into her mouth. He drank greedily from her, his hands anchoring her to him.

For her part, she felt compelled to touch more of him. Her fingers pushed into his hair, fisting, holding him so that his mouth could continue to ravage hers. Need pooled in her belly, and a strong throb began between her legs, making her aware of him even more. His tongue stroked hers and then warred with hers as she answered the call of his kiss. The blood rushed to her ears, the sound a loud whoosh which blocked everything out except the beating of her heart. She tasted brandy on him and inhaled deeply, wanting the scent of sandalwood to fill her nostrils.

Her breasts grew heavy with need, and she wished he would touch them, a thought which shocked her. He tugged on her, causing her head to tilt back, and deepened the kiss. Desire flooded her now.

This was the kiss Allegra had spoken of. This was exactly what a kiss was meant to be.

Lord Blankenship finally broke the kiss, his brow resting against hers, both of them breathing quick, short breaths. His thumbs stroked her ribcage, moving dangerously close to her breasts, and she thought about twisting slightly so that they would touch.

Then he released his grasp on her, tucking her hand through his arm again, strolling once more along the terrace. Her thoughts swirled, and she was not capable of speaking.

When they reached the doors to enter the house again, he stopped. His lips touched hers again, the kiss achingly tender.

"I hope you will remember our kiss, Miss Lyric, and that you will look favorably upon me."

He led her inside, and she excused herself, racing to her bedchamber. She fell into the seat before the dressing table, seeing the color flooding her cheeks. Quickly, she repinned a few stray locks and then touched her fingertips to her lips.

She had been kissed. Properly kissed.

And Lyric suspected she had fallen in love with Viscount Blankenship.