The viscount seemed once again lost in the painting. He studied it a moment longer, then glanced at her.
“Would you like to join me for an outing to the British Museum tomorrow?” he asked. “I enjoy things like art exhibits, too, and I wouldn’t mind seeing the famous Elgin Marbles on display there.”
Martha struggled to keep her excitement contained. She knew the history of the Elgin Marbles, and the particular Lord Elgin responsible for them. She herself had never seen them, as she simply hadn’t had cause. Plus, as she had told him, it had been quite some time since she had gotten to see any such exhibits. But she didn’t want to seem too eager. It was a wonderful opportunity, but she was still determined that they shouldn’t get married.
“I would love to, Lord Billington,” she said politely.
After tea, Martha was relieved when the viscount rose, bowing to her and Isabel.
“Thank you for receiving me today, Miss Elwood,” he said. “And thank you for subjecting me to such lovely artwork. I shall take my leave now, but I shall see you tomorrow.”
Martha and Isabel rose and curtseyed. Isabel was giving Martha looks that she didn’t care to analyze as they did so.
“It was lovely to see you again, Lord Billington,” Isabel said.
Martha gave him a polite smile, though she didn’t nod.
“I will see you tomorrow then,” she said.
The viscount nodded, smiling as he headed for the door.
“I hope both of you have a wonderful day,” he said.
Chapter Eleven
Albert maintained his composure until he exited Elwood Manor. But as he climbed into his carriage, he let out a heavy sigh. His head was spinning with conflicting feelings over what had just transpired with his intended bride. What was that shiver up his spine when their hands touched? And why had he suddenly felt such a strong connection to her?
He cursed himself as the coach began heading down the driveway. He couldn’t believe that he had allowed himself to let his guard down, even for a moment. One look at her painting had turned him into an impractical fool. All his previous notions of convincing Miss Elwood that she didn’t want to marry him had flown right out the window, and he had expressed a true, intense interest in her art. And the way she smiled at him told him that she had been delighted that he took such an interest.
Worst of all, he had offered to take her to go see the Elgin Marbles. What could he possibly have been thinking? Now, she would absolutely be of the opinion that he wanted their arranged marriage. He had gone to call on her to begin his quest to show her that he did not. It was never part of his plan to find such a strong common interest with her. And he certainly never planned to invite her anywhere, let alone a place that was clearly so suited for her interests.
He put his head in his hands, massaging his temples with the heels of his hands. The liquor he had consumed at breakfast with Neil and Rachel had abated the headache with which he had awoken. But now that he had blundered the very first part of his plan to alienate Miss Elwood, it was rapidly returning. Why had he reacted in such a strongly positive way to her painting?
Because it reminded me of my passion for drawing,he thought, the realization sneaking up on him. It had been ages since he even considered picking up his charcoals, despite how much he had once loved to sketch. But seeing such beautiful artwork had instantly made him miss it. He used to draw so often, and so well, that Cordelia once told him that they’d fill their manor house with his artwork.
He had been so proud that his fiancée was so fond of his drawings. He hadn’t even attempted to put charcoal to paper since Cordelia left him. But seeing Miss Elwood’s art had stirred the memories of how happy it used to make him. It was what led to his foolish invitation to see the Elgin Marbles. He was sure of it.
When the carriage came to a sudden halt, it startled Albert. He lifted his head, surprised to find that they were already back at his father’s mansion. He sighed, exiting the carriage and dragging himself up to the manor door. The butler greeted him, and he stepped inside, nearly walking straight into his mother. She was handing her bonnet and gloves to the butler, but she looked at her son inquisitively when she laid eyes on him.
“Albert, darling,” she said, sounding as surprised as she looked. “I missed you at breakfast.”
Albert cleared his throat and nodded. He could tell by his mother’s eyes that she was wondering where he had been. Had Daniel covered for him, and not even mentioned his night over at Neil’s? He glanced at the butler who, from behind his mother, looked at him with intense eyes and gave a shake of his head.
“I went to call in on Miss Elwood,” he said.
His mother looked even more puzzled, and he had no doubt that she was confused about his sudden interest in seeing her. He knew he needed to end the conversation, before his mother could ask any more questions. But before he could excuse himself, his mother reached for him.
“Very well,” she said, seeming to decide to dismiss her questions, at least for the time being. “Your father was looking for you this morning. He wishes to speak to you. He’s waiting for you in his study, in fact.”
Albert’s stomach twisted into knots. Maybe he had been wrong about his father not hearing about his night out. Or, perhaps, his father had news about his marriage to Miss Elwood. Albert hoped that he hadn’t found a way to convince Lord Elwood to forego the courtship and rush the wedding against Albert’s wishes. He swore silently that he would never speak to his father again, if the earl had done such a thing, after everything he had already done.
“Thank you, Mother,” Albert said, kissing her cheek. “I shall go see him straightaway.”
His mother kissed him back, looking like she wanted to ask the questions she clearly still had on her mind. But instead, she just smiled, excusing herself and allowing Albert to head through the grand hall and down toward the study. He hoped that his father would be in a drinking mood, despite his incident the night before.
When he stepped into his father’s study, he instantly wished he had simply waited for his mother to walk away, then left the mansion again. He was wearing a stern expression, and he practically glared at Albert when their eyes met. He silently motioned for Albert to enter, gesturing to the seat across from him and settling into his own chair, regrettably, without reaching for the scotch.
Albert sat down, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He didn’t want to say anything that his father might not know or be thinking of. So, he waited for the earl to speak first, even though the silence was all but deafening.
