Page 10 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
James hesitated, not certain as to whether she was asking because she desired such a thing or because she was less eager for his company. “I am not yet certain.”
She smiled again though this time, it was not as wide as it had been before. “You are most welcome, of course. I should not like you to think that you would not be welcome to join your mother.”
James smiled, thanked her and then turned to make his way back to the path. As he walked, he glanced back to see her standing on the shore, looking out to the waves but doing nothing else.
His heart twisted with uncertainty. Was it that she wanted him to join his mother in her visit tomorrow? Or was she simply being polite with such an invitation? James did not know and as he continued his walk back along the path, he found himself more and more confused. What would be best? What was it that Lady Temperance wanted? And what was it that he himself desired?
Chapter Seven
“Youwillspeak 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 notshowit?”
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 Calvertonhadchosen 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 Iambeing a littletoostrong 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.”
