Page 32 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
“Ah, here you are! I should have known you would be painting.”
Relief poured into Temperance’s veins and, feeling suddenly weak, she made her way around and sat down heavily on the couch, just as Lord Calverton came a little further into the room.His smile was broad but the way his eyes sparkled with obvious concern made Temperance aware of just how much he was worried.
“My mother insisted that we come to call for she has just found the most wonderful scene and wishes to speak to you about it,” Lord Calverton continued, giving Lord Barlington a brief nod. “You know very well what my mother is like, I am afraid!”
“Yes, I do.” Temperance managed a faint smile, her heartbeat finally slowing, only for Lady Thurston to come sailing into the room.
“And here I am at last, Temperance,” she said, ignoring Lord Barlington completely. “I know you were expecting me to call a little earlier, but I confess that I took a little too long to choose my bonnet. Now,” she continued, smiling warmly as she sat down beside Temperance, “should you like to show me your most recent painting? Or are we to wait for Lady Calverton?”
Temperance managed another smile. “Lord Calverton has just told me that his mother is eager to speak with me so yes, I think we should wait for her to arrive.”
“She will be here presently. I took my horse and she was having the carriage prepared by the time I left.” Lord Calverton smiled at her and then sat down, making his presence felt in the room. It was not as though he was going to be taking his leave at any time and from the way Lord Barlington frowned, Temperance was sure that he was more than a little frustrated at the interruption.
“Then I will have the tea trays brought here,” Temperance murmured, as Lady Thurston reached to press her hand for a moment, her action making Temperance’s courage rise all the more. “Thank you both for coming.” She smiled, not looking to Lord Barlington. “I am sure we will have a very pleasant afternoon indeed.”
Chapter Eighteen
James sat back in his chair and let out a long, contented breath. He had enjoyed an excellent morning, with a walk along the top of the cliffs and, thereafter, had sat down to do a little correspondence. He had received some excellent news from his solicitors, informing him that his investments were doing very well indeed, and his estate manager had also written with the news that the crops were doing well and the tenants all quite contented. After a quiet luncheon, he was now stretched out on the bench by the gardens, enjoying the afternoon sunshine. It was a sheltered spot, hiding him from the wind which seemed to be ever-present, and James found his entire body softening as he relaxed. It was warm and he was contented, his thoughts drifting towards Lady Temperance as he lay in the sunshine.
I do care for her.
James let a smile drift across his face as he recalled how he had asked Lady Temperance to the ball. She had been thrilled, glad that he had saved her from Lord Barlington and though James himself was pleased that he had been of assistance to her, he was also well aware that his own heart had filled with a pleasure he had not yet been able to remove from himself. He did notwantit gone either, all too aware that his consideration of Lady Temperance was growing steadily. The scar on her cheek was not something that he ever even thought of, never even considered. Instead, he thought of her beauty of character, the sweetness of her nature, of her beautiful emerald eyes, the tenderness of her smile and the golden tresses which framed her face. To his mind, Lady Temperance was one of the most remarkable young ladies he had ever had the chance to meet – and that only added to the affection he felt towards her.
Affection which might soon lead to something a little more profound.
That thought did not frighten him, as he might have once suspected. Instead, he found himself smiling, his eyes still closed as he considered what might soon be waiting for him in his future.
His smile faded.
Though she did say how contented she was as a spinster. What if I am to be rejected? What if all that she expresses to me is nothing more than a gratitude for what I am doing to prevent Lord Barlington from pursuing her?
That was something James had to consider. It could be that, despite his own tender heart, Lady Temperance might not feel the same way as he did. What then? Would his confession of affection – should he make it – set them both apart, breaking the connection they had built thus far? Would he risk that in the hope that he might gain something more?
Someone coughed lightly and James opened his eyes, squinting up as he shaded his eyes with his hand. “Yes?”
“You have received an urgent note from Lady Temperance, my lord.”
In an instant, James sat up and practically snatched the note from the butler’s hand. Opening it, he read the few lines and then, after a moment, got to his feet.
“Have my horse prepared immediately and with the greatest haste,” he told the butler, already making his way back towards the house. “Where is my mother? I must speak with her.”
“She is painting, my lord.”
James broke into a run, rushing back inside and making his way directly to the drawing room. He could hear his mother humming as he drew near, though he did not apologise for the interruption.
“Mother, I must take my leave at once. Might you come with me? Lady Temperance has sent an urgent note. It seems as though Lord Barlington has been invited to speak with her – I presume her mother or father has done so – though she herself has no desire to speak with him. She is in her parlor and might be left quite alone!”
His mother’s eyes flared. “You mean to say that she would be left alone with Lord Barlington?”
James nodded. “Yes. My horse is being prepared as we speak. Will you take the carriage? Make some excuse as to why you must go to see her?”
Clearly understanding the concern, Lady Calverton set down her brush. “Of course. Goodness, whatever is the Duchess thinking? I thought Temperance had made it plain that she does not want to be closer acquainted with Lord Barlington and yet –”
“I must go, Mother!” James exclaimed, rushing back to the door. “She has asked me for help and I cannot delay!”
Within a few minutes, he was astride his horse, riding as fast as he could towards Lady Hartford’s manor. He had no doubt that Lady Hartford herself would be entirely unaware of this scheme, would not know that Lady Temperance was to be alone with Lord Barlington, for if she had been present, James was certain she would never have allowed it.
Jumping down from his mount, James took a few moments to steady himself. He was breathing rather quickly, and though he gave his hat and gloves to the butler, he still paused to brush one hand through his hair.
