Page 9 of The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
The ploy worked a treat. Yelping excitedly, the dog set off after it. Mr. Studborne gave an embarrassed cough, and invited her to lead the way.
Whatever he might have been planning to say, or do, his sense of propriety had reasserted itself, and he returned to the formalities. “So, what brings you to the Jurassic Coast, Miss Burnell?” He pushed his hands deep into his trouser pockets, as if they’d been traitorous and now needed to be hidden away.
If she wished to be honest, now was her chance. He seemed a nice enough sort. Even knowing her real situation, he might be prepared to help her gain access to local Society. Could she take the risk?
Her conscience wavered. A heap of untruths wasn't going to sit well on her conscience, but there was too much at stake.
“It was all my father’s idea; a gift for my recent birthday.” She adopted her brightest tone, to hide any hint of brittleness. “He’s very generous, and I’d always wanted to see the England I’ve read about in novels.”
“You chose to start here?” Mr. Studborne looked bemused.
“Well, the beach was more for my little brother, really.” As they emerged outside, Rosamund was relieved to see that the sea winds had brought clouds scudding across the sky, offering some shade.
She just hoped there wasn’t a thunderbolt lurking somewhere with her name on it, ready to strike her down for telling lies.
“But he’s gone back to join my father now, leaving my mother and I to begin our tour in earnest.”
There was some truth in that, at least.
“I don’t suppose you have a recommendation, as to where we might begin? My mother has a passion for Miss Austen’s novels and won’t rest until she’s visited somewhere akin to Pemberley or Mansfield Park or… Northanger Abbey.” She held her breath for a moment, letting the last word hang between them.
He paused, pushing his toes into the sand, and she wasn’t sure if she’d said the wrong thing.
She cleared her throat. “I understand there’s often public viewing at this time of year.”
“Yes, you’re right—at least, there are some families who open their homes in that way.” He gave no more exacting answer, but held out the ammonite, studying it briefly before handing it to Rosamund.
“You ought to have this, seeing as your pup found it.”
Their fingers almost touched as she took the fossil.
The calcified stone, or whatever one called it, was warmer now, from having been held.
Putting it in her pocket, she closed her hand about it.
He appeared to take several deep breaths. “And, perhaps you’d like to see my uncle’s residence. It’s old enough to be of interest. You might visit only for the day, but I’m sure you’d be welcome longer than that. I’ve always thought, one doesn’t get a feel for a place until you’ve slept under its roof and woken to see the morning from its windows.”
“Well, that sounds delightful.” Rosamund’s heart beat a little faster. “I hope we shan’t be imposing. It really would be very kind. My mother is a chatterbox, I’m afraid, but it would make her happy, truly.”
“The pleasure would be ours, I’m sure.”
They reached where his knapsack lay, and he hung it over his shoulder.
“I wouldn’t say so to my uncle, but the house has been too quiet since my aunt’s death. It will do him good to have some lively company.”
“Then we’ll do our best to oblige.” Rosamund hugged herself. Perhaps things were going to come right, after all.
Mr. Studborne’s uncle sounded the retiring sort, but well-established families tended to know everyone about. With some skilful conversation, Rosamund was sure she’d be able to find out something to their advantage.
Pom Pom was far ahead now, heading back towards the little dwelling just above the shore. The tide had begun to turn, and the breeze was getting up. Suddenly, it felt almost chilly. How quickly things changed. The summer was coming to an end, and even the brightest sun was at the mercy of waiting clouds.
But she'd achieved her aim. To push further would be unseemly.
“I’m sorry.” She threw the gentleman a brief smile. “I’d better follow him. Perhaps you’ll show me your fossils another day.”
“Of course.” Her new acquaintance bowed, as if they were standing up together in a ballroom and about to begin their dance.
She took her leave and began walking briskly, but he cried out to her. “You’re in the cottage, there? I’ll square things with my uncle and send a note. I’m sure we’ll see one another soon.”
