Chapter Seven

"You will speak to Lady Calverton this afternoon, will you not?"

"Of course I will speak to her," Temperance answered, a little confused as to her aunt's question. "Why would I not?"

Her aunt shook her head. "That is not what I meant. I did not mean to suggest that you would not speak to her about all manner of things, only whether you would speak to her of your artwork."

Temperance frowned. "I do not have any intention of showing her any of my work, though I am happy to speak of it."

"But why would you not show it?"

Reluctance curled in Temperance's stomach. "Aunt, my work is very private. It is personal to me. It means a great deal to me and I am not particularly inclined towards revealing it to those I am not well acquainted with yet."

"I can understand that but – "

"Besides which, I spoke to Lord Calverton yesterday afternoon and he told me that I was not to feel any sort of pressure to answer her questions. I am more than happy to discuss art and the like, but whether or not I will show her any of my work is quite another matter."

"I understand." Taking in a deep breath, her aunt set her hands on her knees and then leaned forward in her chair. "I must also inform you that your mother and father wish to come to visit."

Temperance blinked in surprise. "To visit? I thought they would have gone to London."

"I presume there is very little point in their going there," came the reply. "Your sisters are wed and settled and aside from collecting society gossip and, mayhap, playing a few games of cards, there is no purpose for your parents to make their way there. Therefore, I have been informed that they wish to come to reside here for a short time. We are to expect them within a sennight."

Temperance's heart slammed hard against her chest. "It has already been decided? "

"Well, it is not as though I could refuse!" Her aunt smiled gently. "Have no fear, my dear niece. There is nothing about their presence that should frighten you."

"Aside from the fact that the last letter my mother sent was to encourage me back to London society," Temperance breathed, softly. "What if her purpose in coming here is to force me back there?"

"Then you can be assured that I will not permit her to do so," Lady Hartford stated, firmly. "I am with you in this. I understand your reluctance to return to society, having every awareness of what you will face. I will not permit her to reign in this. Your mother is many things, my dear, and has many good qualities but her desire to have all of her daughters wed and settled is her sole, prevailing desire and does not come from any genuine consideration of your circumstances. Trust me when I say that I will do all I can to protect you from that."

Temperance nodded, her concern growing all the more. "My father might – "

"Your father has never suggested that you return to society," her aunt interjected. "I do not know if he feels as strongly as your mother. It may be that he is simply looking for a little respite away from his responsibilities, just as Lord Calverton is doing."

"I must hope so," Temperance murmured, her concerns tightening like a noose around her neck. "You say that they are arriving next week?"

"Yes. But there is enough company here to keep your mother distracted!" Her aunt laughed, just as the door opened. "And speaking of company… "

"Lord Calverton and Lady Calverton, my lady." The butler bowed as their two guests walked into the room, just as Temperance and her aunt rose to their feet, ready to greet them. Temperance's stomach twisted with a sudden sharpness as she realized that Lord Calverton had chosen to come along with his mother, rather than remain at home. She had not been certain whether or not he had intended to join her but had wanted to make clear to him that he was more than welcome. It had not been because of any personal considerations, of course, but simply so that he knew she was not hiding herself away. He was a gentleman that, thus far, appeared to be trustworthy and considerate, for he had not looked at her scar and had not mocked her for it either. The way he had come to find her, to seek her out so that he might apologise for his mother's eagerness, had made her all the more confident of his character and she was glad that he had chosen to come.

"Good afternoon!" Lady Hartford exclaimed, welcoming them both into the room. "Jenkins, the tea tray, if you please."

The butler nodded and excused himself, leaving Temperance to take her seat again as Lady Calverton sat next to Lady Hartford and Lord Calverton sat opposite. The atmosphere in the room was warm rather than tense and Temperance immediately found herself at ease.

"My son decided to accompany me for fear that I would quite terrify Lady Temperance with my many questions as regards her artwork," Lady Calverton began, shooting a look towards her son which made not only him but both Temperance and her aunt smile. "I believe that is being a little over-protective but mayhap I am being a little too strong with my questions!" Her eyes went to Temperance who smiled quickly. "It is only that I have not had anyone to speak with about such things – it is very difficult to find someone who truly understands."

"I know what you mean," Temperance agreed, as Lady Calverton beamed back at her. "I am quite happy to answer any questions, Lady Calverton."

"Though my mother has promised that she will not ask too many," Lord Calverton interjected, his tone a little dark and his expression serious though his mother only smiled. "And she will not press you either, Lady Temperance."

Temperance chuckled softly. "I thank you, I am certain we will be able to speak without too much difficulty."

"Though my niece does not want to show any of her work as yet," Lady Hartford added, making Temperance's smile fade. "I am sure that you, as a fellow artist, can understand, Lady Calverton!"

"Oh, of course!" Lady Calverton exclaimed, before turning to Temperance and beginning to speak about the process of her art and asking Temperance a good many questions about what she herself experienced and went through as regarded choosing what to draw or paint. Temperance answered as best as she could, aware of the way Lord Calverton's gaze went from both herself and then to his mother and back again. The conversation flowed easily enough, with both Lady Calverton and Lady Hartford asking Temperance various questions, which surprised Temperance a little. Surely her aunt knew a little more about her art than this? But then, Temperance considered, she had never really spoken to her aunt about her need to paint, about the prevailing force which pushed her to paint, which pushed her to stand at the window, gaze out at the scene before her and paint it with fresh abandon. Her aunt gave her a space to paint, gave her all that she needed but had never really asked Temperance about it. No doubt that had been out of consideration for her, giving her the time and the space she required and, in thinking on that, Temperance was suddenly overwhelmed with a great affection for her aunt. How kind Lady Hartford had been to her in all of this! She had not only given her a place to live, but had welcomed her there with love, kindness and consideration. It was more than her mother had shown her, certainly, and for that, Temperance was more than grateful.

"Ah, and now the tea tray has arrived!" Lady Hartford exclaimed, giving Temperance a smile. "Might you pour the tea, Temperance?"

"It would be my pleasure." Finding herself truly delighted not only with the company she was in but also with how easy the conversation had been, Temperance smiled and rose to her feet.

"Tell me, Lord Calverton, how long do you expect to be here?" Lady Hartford asked, as Temperance set out each cup and saucer in front of each person present. "Are you to be here for some months?"

Lord Calverton nodded. "Yes, I think so. I have no desire to return to London for the Season, I confess. My mother graciously agreed to come back to this estate for a short while. It has been some time since I have been able to take a rest from my responsibilities – and many years since I have been present here!"

"Did you come here as children?" Temperance asked, as Lord Calverton nodded.

"Yes. My brother and I – may he rest in peace – used to have many a fond holiday here. We would climb the cliffs, chase the rabbits across the moorland and, on occasion, swim in the sea."

"Much to his mother's chagrin!" Lady Calverton exclaimed, making Temperance laugh as she resumed her seat. "This is to be my dower house, you see, Lady Temperance. Once my son decides to marry, I shall settle here and I shall be very contented, I am sure."

"It would be a pleasure to have you as a neighbour again," Lady Hartford smiled. "Lord Calverton, I think that you should do as your mother clearly desires and find a young lady to wed! That way, she can retire to the dower house and all will be well."

For whatever reason, Temperance found herself flushing hot, glancing to Lord Calverton and hearing the few seconds of silence which followed her aunt's statement. Surely neither her aunt nor Lady Calverton thought that there might be a match made here between Lord Calverton and herself!

"I shall seek to take your advice as soon as I am able, Lady Hartford," Lord Calverton said after a few more moments, though there was a note of laughter in his voice as though he knew that there was nothing but jesting here. "Though I confess that I will not be making my way to London any time soon. Society does not interest me, as I am sure you can understand. My brother's untimely death would be the source of much conversation should I return there. Gossip is something greatly distressing and I have no desire to be a part of it."

Temperance nodded, her expression pulling flat. "It is much too inclined towards gossip and the like," she agreed, softly, understanding exactly what it was he meant. "Why should anyone want to be a part of a society which values such a thing? Something which causes pain and sorrow to those who are spoken about?"

Lord Calverton shared a look with her which spoke of pain and Temperance's heart plunged low. She did not know what it was that Lord Calverton had meant as regarded his brother, did not understand what had caused his death, but neither did she need to know. That was the trouble with the ton . They needed to know everything that was taking place, felt it something which had to be shared and, thereafter, talked about but all that did was leave pain behind in its place.

"You are not about to make your way to London, then?" Lady Calverton asked gently, as Temperance shook her head. "Then I look forward to having very engaging company for the next few months! We shall have dinners and soirees and mayhap even a ride here and there? "

A shudder ran through Temperance and she closed her eyes briefly though her aunt quickly responded to Lady Calverton, taking away the requirement for Temperance to answer. All at once, the memory of riding across the gardens with Lord Barlington came back to her, flooding her entire being with a chill which shook her frame. Opening her eyes, she reached to take a sip of her tea, aware of the slight tremble in her hand as she did so. The warmth of the liquid chased away a little of the cold from her frame as she set it back down again.

"Excuse me for a moment, if you please." Temperance forced a smile as she rose to her feet and then stepped away, walking out of the drawing room and into the hallway. Her feet took her to the parlor, her place of solitude, the place where she painted, and opening the door, Temperance stepped inside, closed the door and leaned back against it for a moment.

I did not think this would trouble me so greatly still.

Opening her eyes, Temperance made her way across the room and stood by the easel. The painting she had done the most recently – albeit not finished – comforted her for a moment, reminding her of the moment she had stood on the shore and sketched the way the beams of light from the sun which had spread down towards the sea. Temperance closed her eyes, grounding herself in that moment, waiting for peace to wash over her.

A quiet rap at the door made Temperance's eyes fly open and as she turned, she saw none other than Lord Calverton standing there. One hand remained on the door handle, clearly unwilling to step in after her – mayhap for the sake of propriety, she did not know.

"I wanted to make certain you were all right, Lady Temperance." Coming a little further into the room, he spread out both hands, the door still wide open. "I do not think that my mother thought for a moment that making such a suggestion would upset you. She spoke without thinking."

Temperance's heart softened as she tried to smile. "Of course she did not. I do not think that it was deliberate on her part, not at all."

Lord Calverton nodded. "And you are quite all right?" The way his hazel eyes searched hers made Temperance smile, her hands going to her heart .

"Yes, I am. I will take a few moments and then return to you all."

"Very well." Lord Calverton continued to study her for a few moments and then with a nod, stepped away.

Temperance closed her eyes, took in a long breath and then let it out again slowly. Her heart squeezed but it was not with pain. It was with a sense of happiness, of warmth, that he had thought to come and see if she was all right. Evidently, he knew what had happened to her – mayhap his mother had informed him – and yet he had not turned away from her. He had, instead, shown more compassion and consideration that even her own sisters had done when the accident had first taken place.

"He is a good man," Temperance murmured to herself, opening her eyes again as she looked back at her canvas. "A very good man indeed."