Page 14 of A Lady's Curves
I make my way to the parlor where Lady Chervil and Ann sit on the settee at one end of the room. The two seem deep in conversation.
At the other end, Louisa is speaking in low tones with a man with black hair and brown eyes. I recall her dancing with this gentleman at her first ball. I thought him dull in manner, but he appears quite animated about their conversation.
I clear my throat.
Ann stands and curtsies. Her cheeks turn a delightful shade of pink, and I wonder if it is from a desire to see me or because she and Lady Chervil were talking about me. Either way, it’s lovely. “My lord.”
I bow. “Hello, Miss Wittman. Lady Chervil.”
Honoria doesn’t stand, but she smiles. “How nice to see you, my lord. Will you take some tea?”
I nod. “I see we have a guest this morning.”
Closing the gap between us, Ann says, “Phillip Dutton, the Viscount of Mansfield.” She turns to the young couple. “Louisa, your uncle has arrived.”
Both Mansfield and Louisa jerk their heads up and stand.
I walk over. “Mansfield, good of you to call.” I shake his hand and give Ann a reassuring smile.
Phillip’s grip is firm and his gaze meets mine more assuredly that most men his age. My size often intimidates people. “A pleasure to be received here, Lord Kendall. Miss Bartholomew and I were just discussing a piece of music we both share an interest in.”
“I see. Do you play as well as my niece?” Her mother might be annoyed by Louisa’s attention to music rather than society, but I can fully understand her desire to maintain the things she loves. Her focus on music is not dissimilar to my obsession with science.
“I play very well, but have not had the pleasure of hearing the lady play as of yet.” He draws a deep breath and looks at Louisa. “I would be honored if you would play.”
Eyes so wide I think she may refuse, Louisa gulps down whatever she might have said and inclines her head.
As Louisa sits at the pianoforte, Ann and Honoria join us and we all sit.
Music fills the parlor as Louisa’s gentle touch draws so much beauty from the instrument. It’s as if she were part of it and it was part of her. If memory serves, the piece is Vivaldi, and she’s playingFour Seasons,though I’m not familiar enough to know the particulars. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Lady Chervil leans over and whispers, “The viscount danced with Louisa twice at Lady Tamford’s Ball.”
It probably means the young man has intentions toward an offer, but I don’t know him well enough. My brother-in-law will have to make that decision. Though I worry Creeves only cares about an advantageous match. I find myself more concerned with Louisa’s happiness. Strange that my thinking about such matters has altered so much in the few weeks that Ann has come into my life.
Louisa stops after one of the sections and lowers her eyes.
We all applaud.
Phillip claps the loudest and then turns to me. “No, my lord, I do not play as well.”
The two stare at each other and speak so quietly that I can’t make out the conversation.
At a tap on the arm from Honoria, I follow the ladies to the other side of the room.
Soon, two pairs of hands are playing softly and the couple is engrossed in the music.
“He will offer. Do we know anything about him?” Honoria asks.
I’m about to say that we don’t when Ann cuts me off. “He has a very nice fortune with a house in town and a reportedly lucrative estate in Surry. His family is in good standing. His father died three years ago and he is the sole heir. I could find no impropriety anywhere with relation to the viscount.”
“You are thorough.” Admittedly, I’m shocked by the amount of information Ann has about a man I’d never heard of. Of course, hiding away in Scotland leaves me out of touch with the ton and its people.
“It’s my job, my lord.” She looks across at Louisa as the music stops and Phillip stands. Is it longing I see in her gaze or is it merely what I wish to see?
“Did my sister attend the ball last night?” I need to snap myself out of this insane desire. Ann Wittman has no interest in a reclusive man who is rejected by society.
Honoria says, “She did attend and was very pleased with everything. Even your brother-in-law attended. I hadn’t realized he was so reserved. I remember your sister as a very lively young woman when she first came out.”
