Chapter Six

L yric entered the drawing room with Allegra, having just told her twin about the marvelous kisses she had exchanged with Lord Blankenship. Allegra had been supportive, but seemed a bit down herself. Because of Lord Carroll. She didn't understand her sister being drawn to the earl. Oh, he certainly was quite handsome. And he had kissed Allegra the way Lord Blankenship had kissed Lyric. Those two things alone would be enough to make Allegra's head swim.

But Lyric was concerned about her twin's attraction to such a rogue. In the end, she feared Allegra's heart would be broken by the man. It was difficult because she herself was on top of the world regarding her budding feelings for Lord Blankenship and had high hopes that, by the time this house party concluded, they might be betrothed. If Allegra were miserable, though, Lyric didn't know if she could be happy herself. She and her sister were so entwined with one another.

Should she speak to Lord Carroll? Would that be too brazen a thing to do? She would have to consider doing so, especially if he continued to toy with Allegra. Lyric determined to keep a watchful eye on the pair and intervene if she needed to.

The evening of card play went well. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, though she and Lord Tillings did not win a single game. Usually, Lyric was quite good at whist, but she was distracted by watching Allegra and Lord Carroll. Though they were not partners, she couldn't help but keep an eye on them.

Lord Tillings proved to be a disaster as a player. For such an intelligent man, his card play was terribly unfocused. Then she began studying her partner and quickly understood his lack of concentration.

The viscount only had eyes for Miss Bancroft.

It became almost comical, watching Lord Tillings watch Miss Bancroft, who partnered with Lord Carroll. They definitely were the team to beat tonight. The more they won, the more Miss Bancroft laughed and smiled, which made her almost attractive. That distracted Lord Tillings even more. Lyric continued to play her best, but with a partner who couldn't concentrate on his cards, they rarely took a trick, much less scored any points.

She was happy for Miss Bancroft, though. The woman was a delight to be around. Lyric had noticed Aunt Dinah and Sophie distracting the elder Miss Bancroft often, so the woman would not harp at her niece. Yes, this house party was allowing the younger Miss Bancroft to shine. She hoped Lord Tillings would make the most of this opportunity and offer for her.

The last round of play began, with the two teams who had scored the most points going head-to-head. That meant Miss Bancroft and Lord Carroll faced Allegra and Lord Lamkin. Play at the other two tables quickly ended, with everyone gathering around Allegra's table to watch the two teams in action. Both pairs were skilled players. It did not surprise Lyric that Allegra was a part of this group. Her sister had always had a good memory for which cards had been played and regularly beat all the other Strongs at whist.

Lord Tillings, who stood next to her, seemed enraptured by Miss Bancroft. Surprisingly, Lady Lida and Lord Motley stood together, whispering. She had not thought them a match, but they seemed to be getting along well. Lyric only hoped that Lady Lida might accept Viola. That would be the key to winning Lord Motley's heart.

It came down to who would take these last two tricks. The team who did would be the victors and claim the crystal bowl. Suddenly, a feeling came over Lyric, one of those twin moments when she could seemingly read her sister's mind.

Allegra was going to lose. Deliberately.

And Lyric understood why.

Her eyes locked with her twin's a moment, as if Allegra sought Lyric's approval. She nodded almost imperceptibly, and then Allegra played her card. Lord Carroll and Miss Bancroft took that trick—and the next.

Everyone congratulated the winning pair. Lord Tillings quickly helped Miss Bancroft from her chair, and Aunt Dinah presented the crystal bowl to Miss Bancroft, who graciously thanked Lord Carroll for helping them to victory.

Several people decided to return to the library for a drink, while a few others made their way to bed. Lyric vacillated and decided to go to the library, hoping Lord Blankenship might follow. She walked there with Miss Markle and Lord Lamkin, who retrieved punch for both ladies.

Lyric excused herself, feeling the two wished to speak alone, and went to the window, looking out on the lawn.

"Checking on your gardens?" a familiar voice asked.

"I enjoy viewing them," she told Lord Blankenship.

"Are we going to work in them anytime soon? I would suggest tomorrow morning."

She knew some of the vegetables needed to be harvested, and said, "I do have a task you could help me with if you are interested."

His eyes seemed to caress her, causing her breath to catch.

"I am interested in you, Miss Lyric," he said, his voice drawing her in. "And that means I am interested in anything you do."

"Don't wear anything you favor then," she warned. "It most certainly will get dirty. Meet me at half-past seven in the foyer."

His blinding smile made her toes curl. "I will see you then."

Lyric finished her punch and went to her bedchamber. Allegra was already there, undressing with a maid's help. They both climbed into bed and for the first time in a long time, neither said anything as they waited for sleep to come.

*

Lyric dressed in a worn gown, placing a large apron over it, moving as quietly as possible so as to not awaken Allegra. She donned her work gloves and left her hair in a single braid, placing a bonnet upon her head and tying the ribbon under her chin. She did not have the knack of tying ribbons her twin possessed, but it would have to do. She hurried down the stairs, anticipation building within her, ready to spend time in Lord Blankenship's company.

He was waiting for her in the foyer, wearing dark breeches, a white shirt, and a waistcoat.

"I am glad you left your coat behind," she told him. "You would grow too warm wearing it."

He chuckled. "It sounds as if you are truly putting me to work."

"I am," she said saucily. "Follow me."

Leading him to the kitchens, she greeted Cook and said, "We are off to harvest more vegetables for you, Cook."

Cook eyed the viscount with interest. "Do you have time for that, Miss Lyric? I was going to send a couple of scullery maids to do so."

"No, you know I enjoy my time in nature. I have recruited Lord Blankenship to assist me."

Cook laughed. "Be careful, my lord. She's a bossy one when it comes to the gardens."

"I plan to follow Miss Lyric's orders to the letter, Cook," he said easily. "I am a foot soldier today in the army of General Strong."

His words caused Cook to burst into laughter. Wiping her eyes with her apron, the old woman said, "The baskets are waiting for you, Miss Lyric."

"Thank you, Cook."

She collected four from the table and indicated for Lord Blankenship to pick up the rest. They went out the back door, and Lyric took him to the large vegetable garden, which took up a large space.

"Spread the baskets out. I will find you some gardening gloves and claim a few tools for us in the shed."

When she returned, he had done as she asked, and he was walking around, inspecting things. Lyric handed him gloves, which he put on, and a small spade.

"You want to harvest fruits and vegetables when they are at their peak size and flavor," she explained.

She walked him through the vegetable garden, pointing out what the different plantings were.

"It is a good thing we have not had any rain for two days. Tomatoes should never be picked when wet because they absorb water. For a deep, intense flavor, you should always pick them when they are a bit dry. The same holds true for beans. If the plant is wet from any type of moisture—even dew—the moisture could spread disease. You could lose the entire plant."

"Fascinating," he said, and she saw he truly was interested and not just placating her.

Lyric taught him a pinching technique to harvest the beans and how to shear off lettuce so that the bottom of the plant remained, so that it would regrow.

"I know Cook needed more garlic. It is always planted in the fall and harvested the next summer. It is too late for scapes, which is the flower head of garlic. We have already collected those. But you can help gather some of the cloves."

She also had them pull onions from the soil, explaining how they were not to be washed and must be stored in a cool, dry place. They finished by gathering carrots and tomatoes, filling every basket they had brought with them. Lyric couldn't help but stare at the viscount's muscular forearms. He had rolled up his sleeves when they had begun to work. She had never witnessed a gentleman doing something of that nature and was fascinated by the tautness of them. The need to touch his bare skin overwhelmed her, and she fought the urge to reach out and stroke them.

Laughter coming from a child distracted her, and Lyric saw Lady Viola and her nursery governess heading their way. The little girl ran toward them and stopped, peering into one of the baskets.

Lord Blankenship, who was still on his knees, said, "Good morning, Lady Viola. Have you come to help us harvest some vegetables?"

The child looked from the basket to the man and then toddled toward him.

"Let me show you how it is done," he said, demonstrating to her how to remove a carrot from the soil and then having her do so.

Lyric watched them working together, Blankenship speaking gently and then teasing the girl, holding the carrot up and then hiding it behind his back, only to bring it into view again, causing her to giggle. Her heart melted at the sight of him playing with Viola. Instinctively, she knew that, despite his being an only child, he would make for a good father.

"Why don't you put the carrot in the basket with the other carrots?" he suggested, taking Viola's hand and leading her toward where the baskets were lined up. "Let's see—which one has carrots in it?" he mused.

"This one!" the girl cried, clearly delighted as she placed the carrot in the basket.

Lord Blankenship led her from basket to basket, telling the small girl what each held, even sharing some of the things Lyric had told him about harvesting. Viola listened carefully, repeating what each basket held several times as she led the viscount down the line.

"He's good with children, that one," the nursery governess observed to Lyric.

"Yes, he is," she agreed, her heart warming. She had always wanted children of her own.

And now she wanted them with this man.

"I think we are done," Lord Blankenship said. "Thank you for your help, Lady Viola. Now, when you see carrots or tomatoes on your plate, you will know where they came from."

She giggled and ran back to her nursemaid, burying her face in the woman's skirts.

"Thank you for assisting us, Lady Viola," Lyric told the child. "We appreciate your help."

Lord Blankenship joined her as the pair moved away, Viola dashing off as fast as her chubby little legs could carry her.

"You were quite good with her," Lyric told him.

"I was, wasn't I?" he said, looking a bit surprised. "I have never been around children, but Lady Viola certainly makes me think I would enjoy them."

He gazed at her longingly, and she hoped he might offer for her, here and now. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by one of the assistant gardeners, coming to help with the harvesting.

"It looks as if you have everything Cook needs, Miss Lyric," he said. "Don't worry, I'll take these baskets to her."

She thanked him and removed her gloves, seeing Lord Blankenship did the same. He rolled down his sleeves, covering those beautiful forearms.

"I have certainly worked up an appetite," he declared.

"I have, as well," she agreed, thinking how happy she had been in his company this morning.

They returned their gardening tools to the nearby shed and returned to the house.

"I certainly need to wash up," he told her. "Will you be at breakfast afterward?"

She nodded. "I will see you there."

"Are you going to participate in the archery contest at noon today?"

"I may watch it. I have never held a bow and arrow," she admitted. "Allegra has, though, and she's quite good at it."

"Perhaps you would allow me to teach you how to do so," he suggested.

The thought of him standing behind her, guiding her, touching her, caused a shiver to run along her spine.

"If you do not mind tutoring a novice, my lord, I would be happy to allow you to teach me some of the finer points of archery."

He smiled, causing the blood to rush to her ears. "Then I look forward to doing so, Miss Lyric."