Chapter Fifteen

"A very fine afternoon, is it not?"

Temperance smiled at her friend as the carriage made its way into the village. She knew very well what Lady Thurston was doing and she appreciated it a great deal. "Yes, it is very fine."

"And it is a blessing to be able to escape from the confines of the house, is it not?" Lady Thurston chuckled as Temperance laughed along with her. "I can imagine that it is not a particularly encouraging situation at your aunt's house at the moment."

The smile faded from Temperance's face. "Indeed, it has been rather trying. My mother was greatly displeased with what happened at our first meeting with Lord Barlington, though she did also attempt to blame my aunt for that."

Lady Thurston's eyebrows lifted. "Really? I would imagine that your aunt did not respond well to such a thing!"

That brought a smile back to Temperance's face. "Indeed, she did not. My aunt responded with such a sharpness that I believe that my mother was rather surprised! Though it did take the weight from my shoulders a little, which I was grateful for."

"Though Lord Barlington is going to continue in his determinations to speak with you, is he not?"

Temperance let out a slow sigh. "Yes, I presume that he will."

"Well, I shall have to come to call a good deal more often – or to insist that you come out in the carriage with me as we are doing at this present moment," her friend replied, firmly. "I know we are only going to the village but it is enough to take up a few hours."

"Yes, indeed it is – and it means that even should Lord Barlington call, he would not find me at home. That is not what I presume he expects."

Lady Thurston nodded. "I think that he was rather surprised to see that you have friends and acquaintances here. I watched his eyes as we all came in and spoke to you at length. He appeared rather stunned, truth be told! No doubt he believes that he has come to rescue you from some lonely situation when, in fact, that is entirely the opposite. "

Temperance smiled and looked out of the window. "That is very true, and I am very grateful for it." As they made their way into the village, Temperance strained to see the carriage in front. A sudden fear licked up her spine. "What if the carriage ahead of us is Lord Barlington?"

Lady Thurston shrugged. "Then we will not get out of the carriage. We will continue to ride around the village and out of it again if we must. I will not force you to be in any sort of situation with Lord Barlington. He is the very gentleman we are trying to avoid!"

Temperance smiled, relieved.

"I think that is Lord Calverton's carriage," Lady Thurston continued, her smile lifting. "Though that does appear to be Lord Calverton and my own husband standing to the right hand side there! I knew they were both gone for a ride but I did not think that they were coming to the village!"

Temperance's heart lifted as she heard Lord Calverton's name on her friend's lips. That gentleman had certainly proved himself to be a gentleman and she was very grateful indeed to him for his kindness and consideration of her.

"That must be his mother there, then," Lady Thurston continued. "In the carriage, I mean."

"I wonder where she is going." Temperance smiled as her friend waved to her husband from the carriage window, only for the carriage to slow so they might both step out. Temperance drew in deep breath as she saw Lord Calverton smiling at her, aware that she was beginning to find herself drawn to him in a way she had never expected. There was only a friendship between them, of course, for she dared not let herself think of anything else, but all the same, how quickly a friendship had sprung up between them!

"Good afternoon, Lady Temperance!" Lord Thurston bowed and smiled. "I quite forgot that you and my wife were to take the carriage this afternoon."

"We are to go to the haberdashery," Temperance answered, seeing the flicker of interest in Lord Calverton's eyes as she spoke. "There are some buttons, ribbon and lace that Lady Thurston has been seeking and I myself hope to find that a parcel has been delivered there for me."

"For your artwork?"

She nodded in answer to Lord Thurston's question .

"Then you will be in fine company, for my mother is also hoping for such a thing!" Lord Calverton beamed and then gestured to the other carriage, which had stopped a little ways ahead of them. "I believe she has ordered a good many things so mayhap you will both find yourselves contented!"

Temperance smiled and then waved to Lady Calverton, who stepped down from the carriage with a broad smile on her face. Without hesitating, Temperance made her way to join her and, after a few words of greeting, they walked into the haberdashery together.

***

"Alas, it seems that Lady Temperance is to be disappointed."

Temperance quickly shook her head and tried to smile, hiding her own true feelings of frustration. "I am sure they will come very soon."

"Ah, but not soon enough, I am sure!" Lady Calverton replied, sympathetically. "I understand that you are waiting for these things with great eagerness, for you will want to begin using them right away, will you not?"

From the look in the lady's eyes, Temperance knew that she understood and that, therefore, there was no point in pretending otherwise. "Indeed, that is so. Some of my paintbrushes have become a little weak and I was hoping that I would receive the new ones I ordered so that I might continue painting. I was also looking for a few new paints and the like but… " With a sigh, she lifted her shoulders and then let them fall. "I can be a little more patient, I am sure."

"Could you not come to look at all the many things I have?" Lady Calverton's expression lit up. "I would be very glad indeed to share them with you and indeed, since I have just received my shipment, I would be thrilled to let you use whatever you might wish to take."

Temperance quickly shook her head. "I could not."

"But what if I insist!"

A hand went to Temperance's back, making her start in surprise, only for Lord Calverton to lean close to her. He was smiling, his eyes on his mother but she barely heard a word he said, such was her overwhelming awareness of his closeness.

"My mother is most insistent, Lady Temperance. I fear you have very little choice but to accept. I have learned myself that it is the easiest way for one to live."

Lady Calverton laughed and swiped the air between her son and herself while Temperance attempted to smile. The difficulty was that her heart was racing, her skin prickling where Lord Calverton's hand rested on her back and her face growing hot. What was this that was happening to her? Lord Calverton was a friend, was he not? Then why was she responding to his closeness in such a way? It was nothing but foolishness, she reminded herself, for what gentleman would look at a scarred lady in such a way? She was reacting to his friendship in a ridiculous manner and ought to get a hold of herself.

"You will come, will you not?" Lady Calverton put a hand on Temperance's arm and smiled. "Tomorrow?"

"It would pull you away from any potential… unexpected encounters."

Temperance glanced over her shoulder to see Lady Thurston arching an eyebrow, smiling at her. "Yes, I understand what you mean."

"Excellent, then it is settled." Lady Calverton beamed at her. "I shall send the carriage for you. Why do you not join us for dinner?"

"I… I am not certain if… " Aware that her mother and father might be a little frustrated that she was absent at such a time, Temperance considered what her aunt would say and, in doing so, found herself smiling. "Yes, I should be glad to. That is very kind of you, Lady Calverton."

"Not at all! It is a delight to me that you will join us. I have been very eager to talk with you about my art, as you well know. It seems now that you will not be able to escape them!" With a smile, Lady Calverton turned away, leaving Temperance to stand alone with Lord Calverton, for Lady Thurston had made her way across the shop also. A little uncertain as to what to say, she looked up at him and then pulled her gaze away, wondering at the sudden sharpness in his gaze.

"There is something I must speak to you about, Lady Temperance. "

A knot came into her throat and she nodded, though she did not say anything.

"It is as regards Lord Barlington."

Her eyes flared. "Oh?" For a moment, she feared that he might tell her that he now thought it best for her to return to that gentleman's arms, only for that thought to fly quickly away. Of course it would not be such a thing!

"Lord Thurston and I saw him in the tavern this afternoon. Whether or not he is still there, I could not say. However," the gentleman continued, "both Lord Thurston and I have decided that we will do what we can to make certain of Lord Barlington's presence here. That means that we will appear to be striking up a friendship with him but, in truth, it will only be to make certain as to his intentions and as to where he might be considering going – and what he is thinking about doing!"

A little confused, Temperance frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that if he tells us – because we are better acquainted – that he intends to call upon you tomorrow afternoon, then we will be able to tell you in advance of such an intention."

"And I will be able to step away," Temperance murmured, understanding at once and finding herself all the more grateful for such a suggestion. "That is very kind of you both."

Lord Calverton shook his head. "No, not in the least. As Lord Thurston himself said, you are a dear friend to his wife and to himself and while we have only just become acquainted, I find myself eager to protect you where I can. This situation is dreadful and I am sorry that you have been set to it."

Temperance smiled and then, reaching out one hand, pressed his for a moment. It was only the briefest of moments, the smallest of touches and yet she found herself overwhelmed by it. "My thanks both to you and to Lord Thurston for such consideration," she managed to say, her emotions swimming through her. "You are very kind and most gracious."

Lord Calverton smiled as she released his hand. "We seek only to do you good, Lady Temperance. You have friends here, friends who will do all they can to help you. I only wanted to warn you of this so that when you see me present with Lord Barlington, when you see me acquainting myself with him, you will not be upset and confused. "

"Again, I thank you for your consideration," Temperance answered, her hands clasping at her heart. "You are quite right, I would have thought the very worst and might have become very confused indeed."

"I would not want that." Lord Calverton's expression grew fervent. "I want you to think well of me, Lady Temperance."

She smiled at him, seeing the searching way he looked at her, his usual serious expression etched across his face. "You need have no concern in that regard, Lord Calverton. I already do."

***

"And these are the new paintbrushes which arrived yesterday. Please, if any of them are what you are looking for, then I insist that you take them."

Temperance smiled and reached out to touch the paintbrushes, picking up one with a small, thin tip. "I would tell you that I cannot do such a thing, that I would not do such a thing but I fear that you would ignore my request and then insist that I do so."

Lady Calverton laughed softly. "I think that you are quite right," she agreed. "I confess that I can be most insistent. It is a trait that my son does not particularly appreciate but I have always found myself to be rather determined." She gestured to the paintbrush. "Now, if this is the paintbrush that you desire, then please do take it. I can have another one sent."

Temperance took it with a nod of thanks. "I want to do some fine detail on some of my recent work," she explained, seeing the interest flood Lady Calverton's expression. "I paint the landscape around my aunt's manor but the detail can sometimes be lacking. I wish very much to improve upon that."

"I see." Lady Calverton tilted her head. "I would be delighted to see some of your work, Lady Temperance. I understand that you may be reluctant to share it with me but – "

Temperance held up one hand, palm out. "Please, do not think that I am reluctant any longer. I have, in fact, brought some pieces with me. They are still in the carriage but I thought I might bring them in to show you, if that would be agreeable?"

Lady Calverton gasped, her eyes wide with a sudden joy. "Of course it would be! I have heard so much about your work from your aunt and I am certain that she has not spoken out of turn about them!

Temperance laughed. "Family are inclined towards boastfulness when it comes to such things, are they not?"

"Mayhap they are but on this occasion, I am sure your aunt does not exaggerate."

Smiling, Temperance thanked Lady Calverton again for the paintbrush. There was some discussion over the new paints as well and Temperance found herself clutching not only the paintbrush but also a few new paints.

"Now, let me have the footman take those to the carriage for you – and mayhap he might bring your paintings to the drawing room?" The slight gleam in Lady Calverton's eye made Temperance flush, praying that the lady would not be disappointed in what she saw.

"Very well." Taking in a deep breath, Temperance tried to fill her heart with courage as Lady Calverton quickly instructed the footman on what to do. Just as the footman returned, however, a cloth-covered bundle in his hands, the door opened to reveal none other than Lord Calverton.

Temperance's heart dropped. She had not thought that she would be showing her work to Lord Calverton! How relieved she was that she had not brought her painting of him standing on the shore.

"Good afternoon." Lord Calverton smiled, bowed and then looked to his mother. "I hope you are well?"

"I am, I thank you."

Lord Calverton looked to Temperance. "And you also?"

She nodded, her heart beating a little more quickly as he looked with interest to the bundle which the footman still held.

"Lady Temperance is just about to show me some of her work," Lady Calverton explained, as her son's eyebrows lifted. "We have had an excellent conversation about such things and you cannot know how thrilled I am that she has been confident enough to bring us some of her paintings!"

Temperance looked from Lady Calverton to the paintings which the footman held. Lord Calverton was not about to step away, it seemed, and she could not ask him to do so. It would be very rude indeed given that this was his house. There was nothing for her to do but begin to show her work, even with his unexpected presence.

"Please, Lady Temperance." Lady Calverton gestured to the paintings and with a breath, Temperance nodded and went to take them from the footman. Her hands trembled as she set them on the nearby table and unwrapped the cloth, setting out the first and then the second.

When she got to the third, however, Temperance trembled violently. What had she done? This was the very painting she had thought important to leave at home! And yet, somehow, she had chosen and wrapped the very painting she had wanted to hide. She glanced to where Lord Calverton and his mother stood quietly, talking to each other and waiting for her to finish setting her paintings out. What was she to do? She could not pretend that she did not have a third one, could not leave it wrapped up in cloths. They would wonder why she had not done so and there might be a suggestion that she had forgotten it! Her face grew hot as she picked it up, aware that she had no other choice but to set it out.

Then, she turned to Lord Calverton and his mother, gesturing to her paintings but struggling to look at either of them in the face. "Please."

Lady Calverton let out a quiet squeal, though she did not rush forward. Instead, she came near Temperance and put one hand on her arm, smiling back at her. "I know how difficult this is for you," she said, softly. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Lady Temperance. I can already see just how wonderful your work is."

Temperance smiled back, her nervousness abating just a little. "Thank you. Please."

With a nod, Lady Calverton stepped away and Temperance turned, her hands clasped together and at her mouth as she watched Lady Calverton go to the first painting. Her son soon joined her and the murmurs they shared sounded rather positive, which Temperance was relieved about. The closer they came to the third painting, however, the more her anxiety grew. Would either of them realize that she had drawn Lord Calverton as the man standing on the shore? Or would they think that it was simply a figure which she had plucked from her imagination?

As they stood at the third painting, Temperance closed her eyes so as to shut out the sight. She let out a slow breath, her hands tightening, only to hear Lady Calverton let out an exclamation.

Her eyes flew open.

"This is the most wonderful piece I have ever seen, Lady Temperance!"

Temperance blinked furiously.

"It is truly magnificent! I can see the sea, the light settling on the waves and the storm clouds above it. And then there is this solitary figure, standing on the shore and looking out towards it, defiant, determined and without fear." She shook her head, then turned her back on Temperance so that she might look at the painting again. "It is a very strong painting, Lady Temperance. You have made this the most extraordinary painting, where I can almost feel the wind whipping through my hair and feel the rain on my cheeks. And yet, there is this one gentleman, standing steady and facing it without concern." She let out a slow breath, then looked back over her shoulder at Temperance. "It is wonderful."

"You may keep it, if you wish."

The words came from Temperance before she could stop them, her face flaming with heat as Lady Calverton's eyes flew wide.

"Are you certain?"

What can I do but consent?

"But of course," she smiled, her heart pounding furiously as Lord Calverton turned to look at her. "If you are truly so taken with it, then – "

"Oh, I am not at all pretending!" Lady Calverton exclaimed, hurrying towards her and grasping Temperance's hands. "This means a great deal to me, Lady Temperance. You cannot know how much I admire your work! Your paintings are exquisite, the detail in them so beautiful! Truly, I am in awe of you."

Temperance blushed but smiled her thanks, having very little certainty as to what it was she could say. Lady Calverton's effusiveness certainly appeared to be genuine, though Temperance's eyes continued to pull towards Lord Calverton. What was it he thought of her work?

"I am overwhelmed, truly." Lady Calverton released Temperance's hands and then turned back to the painting, leaving Temperance to stand close to Lord Calverton.

She swallowed, hard .

"You are remarkable, Lady Temperance."

Her chest tightened as Lord Calverton looked over his shoulder to the paintings, then back towards her. His hazel eyes seemed more green than brown and the serious expression on his face was lifted suddenly as he smiled.

"I mean every word, for I can see the doubt in your eyes," Lord Calverton continued, with a small flicker in his own eyes. "Thank you for sharing your work with us, and especially for giving the painting to my mother. It means a great deal to her."

"I am only glad that she likes it so much."

Lord Calverton reached out, took her hand and bent over it. "You are an incredible young lady, Temperance. I should not be surprised at your generosity, for it is yet another example of your sweet nature. I think that all of your paintings are quite remarkable, but the one you have done there, the one which my mother loves so much, has captured my attention just as much as it has hers. It is as though you have captured a single moment – a moment which both myself and others will know so well."

Temperance swallowed and hoped that the tightness in her throat would not make her voice rasp. "What moment, might I ask?"

"Why, the moment where you are standing alone on the shore, feeling the wind around you, seeing the waves before you and wondering why you feel such a calmness within yourself," came the reply, as tears suddenly came to Temperance's eyes. "There has always been something about this place, something about the shore which has called to my heart. As a boy and as a young man, I have stood there many a time and even now, upon my return, I have done the very same."

"You understand my work," Temperance whispered, her fingers tightening on his for a moment. "You see what I have been trying to convey."

His smile sent warmth spiraling up into his eyes. "Who could not?"

Temperance winced inwardly, recalling how her mother had marched into the parlor only yesterday, had looked at her work but had made some vague, banal comment about it. "Not everyone has that same understanding, Lord Calverton. I am very glad indeed that you and your mother see it in that way. "

Lord Calverton's smile lingered, his expression softening as he released her hand. "Remarkable," he murmured, as heat curled in Temperance's stomach. "Truly remarkable."

"I quite agree." Lady Calverton came back towards them and the moment Temperance and Lord Calverton had shared faded away. "Thank you again, Lady Temperance. You cannot know how much your gift has touched my heart."

Temperance put one hand to her heart and inclined her head.

"And now, to dinner, where we shall talk more about artistic things and watch as my son attempts to remain engaged but struggles to do so," Lady Calverton laughed, making Temperance laugh. "I am thrilled to have you here with us, Lady Temperance. I hope this will be the beginning of a great many number of conversations."

Temperance nodded. "Yes, Lady Calverton. I am certain it shall be."