Page 13 of A Lady's Curves
“Not at all. We had a quiet evening planned as there are two more events this week that we have committed to. We’ll be attending the races on Thursday and Lady Tamford’s ball on Saturday. Perhaps you would care to join us?” It’s nice that mother and daughter are bonding over the process of a successful season.
She cocks her head. “I am otherwise committed on Thursday, but I shall be delighted to join you at the ball.”
I nod. “We shall see you then, unless you’d like to join us for supper tonight when you return Louisa to your brother’s home?”
“That is most kind, but Lord Creeves and I have a dinner party to attend this evening.” She takes her leave, and she and Louisa walk in the opposite direction.
I am left alone with Oscar. “I can make my way, my lord. You needn’t trouble yourself.” I walk faster.
Keeping pace, Oscar says, “I will see you back to my house, Miss Wittman.”
“It’s really not necessary.” I’m flustered and I don’t like it. Everton Ladies can handle any situation with aplomb.
“Ann?” His voice is sharp and he touches my arm.
I stop and look at him.
“Are you afraid of me? Was my behavior so bad that an apology and confession were not enough? Am I so abhorrent to you that there is no chance of friendship?” His eyes are filled with worry.
Everton Ladies remain detached. We don’t get involved with our clients. Well, that’s not always true. I can name a handful of ladies who have lovely families now with the men they once served in some domestic capacity. I am not one of them. I’m far past the blush of youth and was never a diamond of the first water. “I’m not afraid of you, Oscar. It’s only that my purpose is to resolve your bookkeeping issues and help your niece with her first season. Whatever else you want seems beside the point.”
A hint of a smile pulls at his lips and my heart. “I’m glad you’re not afraid of me, and I am truly sorry for my behavior. Nothing I said that second day was true, nor did I ever think those things. I suppose I was afraid of you.”
There’s a flutter low in my belly. I like the way he looks at me and everything he said today. My vanity has risen to the surface. I push it down and continue the walk to his home. Without further conversation, we arrive at his front door and Jenkin pulls it open before we knock.
“My lord, Miss Wittman, good afternoon.” The butler bows.
“Hello, Jenkin. Miss Bartholomew will be arriving later.She’s gone to the modiste with her mother. Will you see that a footman is available to help her with any packages when she arrives?” I take off my gloves and hat and clutch them in my hands. “My lord, would you like to have supper here with Louisa, Lady Chervil, and me?”
All the air seems to rush out of the foyer.
Oscar’s eyes are wide. He draws a long breath. “That is most kind. I would be delighted to join you ladies for dinner. I shall return to my rooms at the club so that my valet might dress me appropriately.” With a bow, he leaves.
Jenkin stares at me and I swear he’s amused. I go to the study and dive into strings of numbers to avoid all the thoughts spinning in my head.
Chapter Six
Oscar
Iarrive at my home in time for the daily influx of callers. Almost every day since the first ball my niece attended, some young man has called to spend time with Louisa. At first, I didn’t attend because I was certain Ann wouldn’t want my company. Now, however, I’ve been invited to dine in my own home on three occasions. The conversation has been clever and lively.
Granted, Lady Chervil fills much of the silence with amusing stories about her life.
Honestly, I’m grateful for her ladyship’s presence. She keeps me from doing something stupid like kissing Ann until she understands my words under the tree in the park were sincere. It’s possible I didn’t make my intentions clear that day. I’ve tried to replay the conversation in my mind, but I was driven by emotion, and much of what was said is lost to me.
Jenkin opens the door as I reach the top step. “My lord.”
“Is everything under control here, Jenkin?” It’s good to havethe old butler and his wife back in the house. I can’t think why I let Bellston talk me into pensioning the couple. Likely out of laziness, not wishing to be bothered with the world beyond my experiments.
“The ladies have a caller in the parlor. It would seem this particular gentleman brings with him more excitement than the previous visitors.” Jenkin’s left eyebrow rises and that is the only indication of emotion.
“Indeed? I suppose it’s good that I’ve come then.” I hand him my hat and gloves. Everything is polished and tidy in the foyer and the rest of the house. It’s a far cry from when Ann arrived a month ago.
“Will you be staying to supper, my lord?” Jenkin stands, holding my outerwear as if it’s a shield and he awaits battle orders.
“If I am invited. Miss Ann has charge of this house for…now.” I wanted to say for the foreseeable future, but that seemed a bit too telling.
“Very good, my lord.” He bows.
