Page 26 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
“Could you not come to look at all the many thingsIhave?” Lady Calverton’s expression lit up. “I would be very glad indeed to share them with you and indeed, since I have just received my shipment, I would be thrilled to let you use whatever you might wish to take.”
Temperance quickly shook her head. “I could not.”
“But what if I insist!”
A hand went to Temperance’s back, making her start in surprise, only for Lord Calverton to lean close to her. He wassmiling, his eyes on his mother but she barely heard a word he said, such was her overwhelming awareness of his closeness.
“My mother is most insistent, Lady Temperance. I fear you have very little choice but to accept. I have learned myself that it is the easiest way for one to live.”
Lady Calverton laughed and swiped the air between her son and herself while Temperance attempted to smile. The difficulty was that her heart was racing, her skin prickling where Lord Calverton’s hand rested on her back and her face growing hot. What was this that was happening to her? Lord Calverton was a friend, was he not? Then why was she responding to his closeness in such a way? It was nothing but foolishness, she reminded herself, for what gentleman would look at a scarred lady in such a way? She was reacting to his friendship in a ridiculous manner and ought to get a hold of herself.
“Youwillcome, will you not?” Lady Calverton put a hand on Temperance’s arm and smiled. “Tomorrow?”
“It would pull you away from any potential… unexpected encounters.”
Temperance glanced over her shoulder to see Lady Thurston arching an eyebrow, smiling at her. “Yes, I understand what you mean.”
“Excellent, then it is settled.” Lady Calverton beamed at her. “I shall send the carriage for you. Why do you not join us for dinner?”
“I… I am not certain if… ” Aware that her mother and father might be a little frustrated that she was absent at such a time, Temperance considered what her aunt would say and, in doing so, found herself smiling. “Yes, I should be glad to. That is very kind of you, Lady Calverton.”
“Not at all! It is a delight to me that you will join us. I have been very eager to talk with you about my art, as you well know. It seems now that you will not be able to escape them!” With a smile, Lady Calverton turned away, leaving Temperance to stand alone with Lord Calverton, for Lady Thurston had made her way across the shop also. A little uncertain as to what to say, she looked up at him and then pulled her gaze away, wondering at the sudden sharpness in his gaze.
“There is something I must speak to you about, Lady Temperance.”
A knot came into her throat and she nodded, though she did not say anything.
“It is as regards Lord Barlington.”
Her eyes flared. “Oh?” For a moment, she feared that he might tell her that he now thought it best for her to return to that gentleman’s arms, only for that thought to fly quickly away. Of course it would not be such a thing!
“Lord Thurston and I saw him in the tavern this afternoon. Whether or not he is still there, I could not say. However,” the gentleman continued, “both Lord Thurston and I have decided that we will do what we can to make certain of Lord Barlington’s presence here. That means that we will appear to be striking up a friendship with him but, in truth, it will only be to make certain as to his intentions and as to where he might be considering going – and what he is thinking about doing!”
A little confused, Temperance frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that if he tells us – because we are better acquainted – that he intends to call upon you tomorrow afternoon, then we will be able to tell you in advance of such an intention.”
“And I will be able to step away,” Temperance murmured, understanding at once and finding herself all the more grateful for such a suggestion. “That is very kind of you both.”
Lord Calverton shook his head. “No, not in the least. As Lord Thurston himself said, you are a dear friend to his wife and to himself and while we have only just become acquainted, I find myself eager to protect you where I can. This situation is dreadful and I am sorry that you have been set to it.”
Temperance smiled and then, reaching out one hand, pressed his for a moment. It was only the briefest of moments, the smallest of touches and yet she found herself overwhelmed by it. “My thanks both to you and to Lord Thurston for such consideration,” she managed to say, her emotions swimming through her. “You are very kind and most gracious.”
Lord Calverton smiled as she released his hand. “We seek only to do you good, Lady Temperance. You have friends here, friends who will do all they can to help you. I only wanted to warn you of this so that when you see me present with Lord Barlington, when you see me acquainting myself with him, you will not be upset and confused.”
“Again, I thank you for your consideration,” Temperance answered, her hands clasping at her heart. “You are quite right, I would have thought the very worst and might have become very confused indeed.”
“I would not want that.” Lord Calverton’s expression grew fervent. “I want you to think well of me, Lady Temperance.”
She smiled at him, seeing the searching way he looked at her, his usual serious expression etched across his face. “You need have no concern in that regard, Lord Calverton. I already do.”
***
“And these are the new paintbrushes which arrived yesterday. Please, if any of them are what you are looking for, then I insist that you take them.”
Temperance smiled and reached out to touch the paintbrushes, picking up one with a small, thin tip. “I would tell you that I cannot do such a thing, that Iwouldnot do such a thing but I fear that you would ignore my request and then insist that I do so.”
Lady Calverton laughed softly. “I think that you are quite right,” she agreed. “I confess that I can be most insistent. It is a trait that my son does not particularly appreciate but I have always found myself to be rather determined.” She gestured to the paintbrush. “Now, if this is the paintbrush that you desire, then please do take it. I can have another one sent.”
