Page 37 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
“Splendid,” Graham said as he waved his hand for the maid to lead on.
The woman led him back the way she had come. Her footfalls were sure and steady and Graham was certain she must walk these hallways a dozen times a day, much as the maids at home did. She stopped by the door. “The missus is in here,” she said with a smile. She opened the door and led Graham in. “Your visitor, Madam.”
“Thank you, Marlow,” Mrs. Lennox said. Her eyes lit up when she saw Graham. “Oh, they did not say it was you, Lord Easterly. Please come in and sit.”
Graham gave the woman a smile. It had been a long time since he had shared a room with her. “It has been too long since we were all together. Where is your husband this fine day?”
“Working,” Mrs. Lennox said with a happy sigh. “That man is always working his fingers to the bone. You did not come here to talk of him, did you?”
Graham sat down as the door opened yet again and Miss Browne entered. Her eyes darted to Graham and then back to Mrs. Lennox. “You called for me?”
“Oh yes, but that can wait. Come and visit with Lord Easterly. I am sure he came here more to check up on you than to talk to me.” Mrs. Lennox beckoned her with a wave of her hand.
Graham said, “It would be lovely to see how you have been, Miss Browne. My sister sends her regards.”
Miss Browne sat down and eyed Graham with disbelief. “Does she truly or are you just being kind?”
“I am sure if she knew I was coming here, she would have sent her regards, but I must admit that I came on a whim. Mrs. Lennox’s letter left me feeling as if I should see your progress for myself.” Graham could not fault Miss Browne for not believing the best of his sister. Amanda had not ingratiated herself with Miss Browne after her thoughtless behaviour.
Miss Browne did not seem eager to talk further of Amanda and instead asked, “I trust everything has been going well for you this season since my departure?”
“I have not had time to attend as many events as I would honestly have preferred, but I am pleased with the ones that I have attended.” Graham had given the season little thought to be truthful, but he had enjoyed the events he had been free for.
Miss Browne smiled and clasped her hands together in her lap. She had taken a seat near to Mrs. Lennox. Mrs. Lennox nudged Miss Browne and Graham gave them a curious look. “Oh,” Miss Browne said with a frown. “I do not think he would be interested in such things.”
“Nonsense. Lord Easterly,” Mrs. Lennox’s use of his name brought Graham’s eyes to the older woman. “A friend of mine who is a well-respected artist was inspired to do a penny portrait of Miss Browne. The print has become quite popular from what he has told me. We thought perhaps we could bestow you with one as a token of thanks.” The woman reached into a drawer and brought out the print, framed up sweetly. She held it out to Graham.
He took the picture from her and admired the design of it. “I can see why it is popular. I never understood the appeal of these silhouette drawings, but there is certainly a rare likeness to you, Miss Browne.”
Miss Browne’s cheeks coloured and she dropped her eyes. Graham watched the young woman peep at him through her lashes as she was prone to do. He gave her a smile. “There is no need to be embarrassed by a good likeness,” he assured her. “It is a lovely portrait. Thank you.”
“You are most welcome,” Miss Browne breathed softly.
Mrs. Lennox looked at Miss Browne then back to Graham. “She really has done so well lately. You saw the young gentleman leaving here? He came to call upon Miss Browne.”
“I saw Lord Stanhope, indeed. I applaud your steps out into society, Miss Browne.” Graham felt an unusual tightness in his throat. He wanted to say more, a warning perhaps? There was no call for that though. He felt protective of Miss Browne, but he had no call to warn her off Lord Stanhope beyond his feelings of unease.
Miss Browne gave him the tiniest of smiles as if she were holding back. “Thank you, Lord Easterly.”
Mrs. Lennox asked, “Would you be staying for tea, Lord Easterly?”
Graham shook his head. “I just wanted to check in personally and let Miss Browne know that we had not forgotten her. I do hope this will allow you to achieve your goals in life.”
“I cannot thank you enough for introducing me to Mrs. Lennox. She is simply marvellous and has helped me so much already.” Miss Browne looked at the older woman with obvious admiration.
Mrs. Lennox patted the young woman on the arm. “I did nothing but put you in the right places. I daresay you did all the rest.”
“I really should get going. I have an appointment to meet with a colleague soon.” Graham stood and gave the ladies a polite bow. “Miss Browne, I do hope that with your busy social schedule you can find time to come visit us once the season is over or any time of your choosing.”
Miss Browne nodded. Her face looked genuinely pleased with the invitation. “I might be tempted to do that, especially to see my home territory again and visit my family’s graves.”
“I am at your disposal,” Graham told her. “Thank you for allowing me to visit, Mrs. Lennox. Your husband and you should come and visit us before he is off working again.”
“I shall try to make sure Leonard does just that,” Mrs. Lennox assured him.
“Good,” Graham said with a grin. “It would be nice to catch up with him before everyone is off to their summer homes.”
Graham left the ladies to their preparations for their tea and bid the doorman farewell. His heart was relieved and glad that Miss Browne seemed to be doing so well. He gave the carriage driver instructions to the tavern where he was to meet up with some old school colleagues for tea.
