Chapter Eighteen

James sat back in his chair and let out a long, contented breath. He had enjoyed an excellent morning, with a walk along the top of the cliffs and, thereafter, had sat down to do a little correspondence. He had received some excellent news from his solicitors, informing him that his investments were doing very well indeed, and his estate manager had also written with the news that the crops were doing well and the tenants all quite contented. After a quiet luncheon, he was now stretched out on the bench by the gardens, enjoying the afternoon sunshine. It was a sheltered spot, hiding him from the wind which seemed to be ever-present, and James found his entire body softening as he relaxed. It was warm and he was contented, his thoughts drifting towards Lady Temperance as he lay in the sunshine.

I do care for her.

James let a smile drift across his face as he recalled how he had asked Lady Temperance to the ball. She had been thrilled, glad that he had saved her from Lord Barlington and though James himself was pleased that he had been of assistance to her, he was also well aware that his own heart had filled with a pleasure he had not yet been able to remove from himself. He did not want it gone either, all too aware that his consideration of Lady Temperance was growing steadily. The scar on her cheek was not something that he ever even thought of, never even considered. Instead, he thought of her beauty of character, the sweetness of her nature, of her beautiful emerald eyes, the tenderness of her smile and the golden tresses which framed her face. To his mind, Lady Temperance was one of the most remarkable young ladies he had ever had the chance to meet – and that only added to the affection he felt towards her.

Affection which might soon lead to something a little more profound.

That thought did not frighten him, as he might have once suspected. Instead, he found himself smiling, his eyes still closed as he considered what might soon be waiting for him in his future.

His smile faded .

Though she did say how contented she was as a spinster. What if I am to be rejected? What if all that she expresses to me is nothing more than a gratitude for what I am doing to prevent Lord Barlington from pursuing her?

That was something James had to consider. It could be that, despite his own tender heart, Lady Temperance might not feel the same way as he did. What then? Would his confession of affection – should he make it – set them both apart, breaking the connection they had built thus far? Would he risk that in the hope that he might gain something more?

Someone coughed lightly and James opened his eyes, squinting up as he shaded his eyes with his hand. "Yes?"

"You have received an urgent note from Lady Temperance, my lord."

In an instant, James sat up and practically snatched the note from the butler's hand. Opening it, he read the few lines and then, after a moment, got to his feet.

"Have my horse prepared immediately and with the greatest haste," he told the butler, already making his way back towards the house. "Where is my mother? I must speak with her."

"She is painting, my lord."

James broke into a run, rushing back inside and making his way directly to the drawing room. He could hear his mother humming as he drew near, though he did not apologise for the interruption.

"Mother, I must take my leave at once. Might you come with me? Lady Temperance has sent an urgent note. It seems as though Lord Barlington has been invited to speak with her – I presume her mother or father has done so – though she herself has no desire to speak with him. She is in her parlor and might be left quite alone!"

His mother's eyes flared. "You mean to say that she would be left alone with Lord Barlington?"

James nodded. "Yes. My horse is being prepared as we speak. Will you take the carriage? Make some excuse as to why you must go to see her?"

Clearly understanding the concern, Lady Calverton set down her brush. "Of course. Goodness, whatever is the Duchess thinking? I thought Temperance had made it plain that she does not want to be closer acquainted with Lord Barlington and yet – "

"I must go, Mother!" James exclaimed, rushing back to the door. "She has asked me for help and I cannot delay!"

Within a few minutes, he was astride his horse, riding as fast as he could towards Lady Hartford's manor. He had no doubt that Lady Hartford herself would be entirely unaware of this scheme, would not know that Lady Temperance was to be alone with Lord Barlington, for if she had been present, James was certain she would never have allowed it.

Jumping down from his mount, James took a few moments to steady himself. He was breathing rather quickly, and though he gave his hat and gloves to the butler, he still paused to brush one hand through his hair.

"I have come to call on Lady Temperance," he told the butler, somewhat curtly. "Have no concern about bringing me to her, I know where she will be." As he was about to step inside, the sound of carriage wheels caught his attention and, glancing over his shoulder, he saw with relief that Lady Thurston was also arriving. James did not wait for her arrival, however. Instead, he made his way into the house without further hesitation, striding towards the parlor where he knew Lady Temperance would be painting. He had never been inside the room before, of course, but Lady Hartford had pointed it out to him on one previous occasion.

"Ah, Your Grace." Seeing the Duchess of Danfield standing outside the door – though it was ajar – James bowed quickly and, seeing the surprise etch itself on her face, chose to use that to his advantage. "I have come to see Lady Temperance, to warn her that my mother is soon to be arriving in the hope of discussing a great many things as regards her artwork. I am sure you understand!" He stepped inside at once, ignoring the slight squeak of protest from the Duchess, his heart slamming hard against his chest at the sight which he came to.

Lady Temperance was standing behind a couch, her hands gripping the top of it, her face white. Lord Barlington, however, appeared to be attempting to approach her from one side, his own expression dark though both of them turned to face him the moment he came inside.

"Ah! Here you are. I should have known that you would be painting." He forced a brightness to his voice as he smiled, then bowed towards Lady Temperance, choosing to ignore Lord Barlington's presence, giving him only the very briefest of nods. " My mother insisted that we come to call for she has just found the most wonderful scene and wishes to speak to you about it. You know very well what my mother is like, I am afraid!"

"Yes, I do." Lady Temperance managed to smile back at him, only for the door behind James to open wide again. James turned to see Lady Thurston reaching out to greet Lady Temperance, going over to the couch so she might join her there.

"And here I am at last, Temperance," she cried. "I know you were expecting me to call a little earlier, but I confess that I took a little too long to choose my bonnet. Now, should you like to show me your most recent painting? Or are we to wait for Lady Calverton?"

Lady Temperance managed another smile as James chose to sit down also, leaving only Lord Barlington standing. "Lord Calverton has just told me that his mother is eager to speak with me so yes, I think we should wait for her to arrive."

"She will be here presently. I took my horse and she was having the carriage prepared by the time I left." He leaned back, making it quite clear that he was not about to remove himself any time soon. Lady Temperance's shoulders rounded with obvious relief, Lady Thurston gripping her hand.

"Then I will have the tea trays brought here," she said, softly. "Thank you both for coming. I am sure we will have a very pleasant afternoon indeed." She made to rise to ring the bell, but James quickly caught the way she trembled and instead, got to his feet.

"Permit me, Lady Temperance. I can see that Lady Thurston is eager to speak with you so I would not dare deprive you of her company for even a few moments!"

Lady Temperance smiled and sat back down quickly, with Lady Thurston reaching for her hand again, though this time, she looped her arm through Lady Temperance's as though to make it quite plain to Lord Barlington that she was here to stay.

The door opened again, just as James sat back down from ringing the bell. In came not only his mother but a rather flustered looking Duchess. Lady Calverton was chattering quite rapidly and the Duchess was unable to put in a single word to the lady in response.

James hid a smile, glancing sidelong at Lady Temperance and Lady Thurston .

"Ah, there you are Lady Temperance! I see that my son has come to warn you that I was on my way." She laughed and then looked to the Duchess. "Your daughter is very talented, I must say. You cannot know the joy which seeing her work here brings me. From one artist to another, it fills my heart with happiness."

"Thank you," the Duchess murmured, as Lady Calverton came directly towards Lady Temperance. They quickly fell into conversation and James let his gaze wander across the room, though he did watch Lord Barlington with interest. The gentleman was looking to the Duchess, who, after a moment, shook her head, sighed and turned to quit the room. Lord Barlington shrugged to himself and, thereafter, made his way from the room after the Duchess. The moment he stepped out, Lady Temperance dropped her head and put her face in her hands.

James was beside her in a moment, his mother next to him, Lady Thurston beside her.

"Thank you," Lady Temperance whispered, not lifting her head from her hands, her voice muffled. "I was not sure if my notes would reach you in time or even if anyone would come but – "

"Nothing would have stopped my son, I can assure you of that." With a glance towards him, James' mother smiled gently as Lady Temperance dropped her hands and, thereafter, let out a slow breath. "We are here to support you, Lady Temperance. I am sorry if Lord Barlington distressed you."

Lady Temperance blinked rapidly, though she did not let any tears fall. "He is determined to begin our engagement again."

James' heart lurched.

"He almost insists upon it," she continued, her voice growing hoarse. "I was afraid that he would force a situation between us where my mother might then walk into the room and declare that we must marry." Her eyes went to James'. "Thank goodness that you arrived when you did."

"I am only sorry I could not get here more quickly."

She managed a small, quiet smile. "You arrived just when I needed you, Lord Calverton. I thank you."

"Now, since we are here, I should very much like to see what you have been working on," Lady Calverton said, her smile gentle. "Though only if you are willing to do so. I know that I am very eager but I do not want to put you under any undue pressure. "

Lady Temperance took in a breath and, after a moment, got to her feet. "No, I should be glad to. It might distract me from what has taken place this afternoon."

"And I will pour the tea," Lady Thurston answered, as James looked to Lady Temperance, wondering what he ought to do. He hesitated, then made to go and sit back down. He had not been invited to look at her paintings and did not want to intrude.

"Should you like to join us, Lord Calverton?"

James turned, seeing Lady Temperance looking at him while a faint hint of color had come into her cheeks, her gaze steady. "If you would be willing, then of course. I would be thoroughly delighted to see any of your work."

She smiled and then gestured to her easel, making her way across the room to where her easel stood. James went with her, his heart lifting a little as he came to join her. All the same, he found himself continually troubled, wondering just what Lady Temperance had endured – and might be forced to endure – by Lord Barlington's demands.