Chapter Three
Alice followed her mama out and into the drawing room, frowning. What an odd luncheon they’d had. And most assuredly, Lord Arndel was the oddest of all. What was the man about? And why did he need a lawyer to draw up papers for Josh? What did that mean?
Of course, he was as dashing as ever and way too handsome for his own good. She had not missed his interested glances nor that her body didn’t feel like her own when he threw such looks her way. Alice and the duchess walked upstairs to her mama’s private parlor and she flopped onto a settee before the unlit hearth.
Her mama sat in her sewing chair and picked up her needlework. “What an enjoyable lunch. I do believe that Lord Arndel is smitten with you, Alice.”
Alice scoffed, although a small part of her loved that idea. To have a suitor so close to home would be fortunate. Although, unlike Victoria, Alice did enjoy London and all its entertainments and distractions. There had been a time when she had abhorred the place. But she loved the city and the friends she’d made there the last two years, and it wouldn’t trouble her should her main home be situated there.
Victoria picked up their small pug, Dash, trying to make the fat little puppy sit on her lap without squirming. “I agree. And I know I shouldn’t be so forthright, but golly, he’s handsome. If he’d not already taken a liking to you, Alice, I may have tried to gain his attention myself.”
“Do you really believe so?” She was grinning like a fool. He was one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. And the fluttering in her stomach each time he looked at her had to mean something. The reaction she’d had to Lord Arndel was similar to the one she’d had with the Surrey Bandit, and it gave her hope, for she’d truly thought she was losing her mind reacting to a fiend in such a way.
Victoria made kissing sounds to Dash and the little dog licked frantically, trying to reach her face. “I do. I had the impression that he fought the attraction, though. I’m not sure why and I demand you find out. I would so love to attend another of my sister’s weddings.”
“Do not get ahead of yourself, my dear,” their mama said, looking for different shades of cotton. “I’ll accompany you to Kester House. I should’ve paid a visit after his lordship took on the title, and it was remiss of me that I did not.”
Alice stared at the portrait of their father, which looked down on them from the mantel, the duke’s passing the one reason why their mother had become a bit of a recluse. God rest his beautiful soul. “We will welcome your company, Mama.” She sighed, thinking of Arndel. “I agree he’s handsome, and while in London I did enjoy teasing the man whenever we met. And for a time, I thought myself enamored of him. But he was so skittish in Society and around women in general. I could never marry a man like that. And as much as I love you all dearly, I do not wish to be settled too near to Dunsleigh during my marriage.”
“Why?” her mama asked, her eyes going wide with shock. “What is wrong with being so close to home?”
“Well, for one thing,” Alice continued, “since Josh became duke, he has morphed into a stickler for rules and for everything that’s boring. I know he’ll marry someone who’s just as boring, and I would have her on my doorstep at all hours, boring me to pieces. I would not be able to stand it.”
Victoria’s laughter rang out loud in the quaint room, and her mother threw her a silencing glare. “Even for me, that is too many borings in a sentence. And how can you say such a thing about your sibling? To be so close to your family when settled would be a blessing and far from a hindrance. Just think, you could visit me daily and ride out with Victoria whenever you pleased. And I’m certain whomever Josh marries will be as lively and beautiful as all my daughters.” Her mother smiled, the delight of seeing such a situation come to fruition written clearly on her features.
“Well, it’s settled then,” Victoria said, huffing out a breath. “From what you say, I’m going to live here forever. The spinster of Dunsleigh. The one sister who never found someone to take her on.”
Alice reached over and patted her sister’s hand, which was being nibbled on by the pug. “Of course you’ll marry. I’m sure, unfortunately, we all will.” Alice winked at her and was glad to see a smile form on her sister’s lips. “In any case, the Season will be starting soon and off to London we shall go. Hopefully, husbands will be found. But I can assure you, if only because his home is so close to mine, it will not be Lord Arndel.” Alice held up her hand when her mama went to argue the point. “I know I’ve been particular in the past, but I’m determined. Anything outside of Surrey will be suitable.”
Her mama put down her needlework and huffed out an annoyed sigh. “Really, my child? I thought you said, in this very room no less, the same thing about last year’s Season. And here we are again, about to partake on another jaunt to Town when we should not bother, because we all know you’ll return here with me at the end of it.”
Heat suffused her chest and Alice hoped it didn’t spread to her face. She always became so blotchy when it did. “As I said, this year I’ll not be so particular. I promise.”
Victoria, unable to make the puppy do as she wished, placed him on the floor. “I forgot about your mooning over Lord Arndel last season. Why did you not pursue him? I thought you liked him.”
“I did like him. I like him still,” Alice corrected, thinking back on the previous year and her attempts to gain his interest. All of which had seemed to go unnoticed and certainly not returned. He’d been forever occupied and distant, so she’d given up.
That he was back in the county, calling and having lunch with them, looking at her with more interest than he’d ever shown before, meant nothing at all. He was simply doing business with her brother and being a good neighbor. Although she would love to find out what that business was exactly. “Last Season, he looked at me like I had the pox, so now, I’m not interested in his courting, should he start to do so. To be seen as a disease that could take one’s life is not flattering, I assure you.”
“Alice! You are a daughter of a duke! Do not use words such as pox and courting in the same sentence.” Her mother threw up her hands in despair.
Victoria merely chuckled and opened a copy of Belle Assemblée, flicking through the pages distractingly.
“Well, he did, Mama, and I cannot forgive him for it. No matter how much he is startled anew with my beauty.” Alice laughed at her own joke and stopped when her mother found no mirth in her words. “But in all seriousness, what do you think his business is about with Josh? Do you think he’s finally ready to look for a wife?”
“I think he is. And if I’m not mistaken, which I rarely am, he’s finally seen what was before him all those months ago and wishes his choices had been different.” Her mother pursed her lips. “But you must remember, my dear, his family are not the easiest people of our acquaintance, and if you were to marry into them, they would not be as present as you may wish. From what I know, they did everything for the estate to go to another, more suitable, member of their set, before it was bestowed on Lord Arndel, who was the rightful heir all along.”
Alice didn’t like the image of a family disregarding someone so callously, especially when none of it was his fault that he was the heir. Lord Arndel certainly didn’t ask to be born, and he’d certainly had no choice in who his family was. So for his kin to treat him with so little respect annoyed her more than she thought it should.
Thinking back over the previous Season, his first as viscount, perhaps she’d been too hard on him. With a family breathing down one’s neck, waiting for him to create a scandal or monetary mistake, it was any wonder he’d not looked at her as anything other than another woman searching for a husband. An annoyance he’d had little time or interest for.
How absurd she must have seemed to him, teasing him, following him about like their puppy, who was now sniffing at the Aubusson rug. “I think Dash needs to go outside.”
Victoria lunged from her chair and scooped up the pup. The duchess threw the dog a cursory glance before packing up her needlework. “I’m off to look at the weekly menus with Cook. I’m sure you girls can amuse yourselves for a time. It’s a beautiful day, why not make the most of it and go for a walk?”
“Come, Mama is right, let’s take Dash outside,” Victoria said.
“We cannot be long. Josh is taking me into Ashford soon to meet with the carpenter to supply us with a quote on the cottages.”
“We will not walk long.”
Alice followed her, and making the ground floor landing, they headed toward the back of the house, through the music room, and onto the terrace. The little dog flicked about in Victoria’s arms, clearly sensing freedom, and she set him down. His bolt toward the lawn was a little uncoordinated at first, but he soon got the hang of it and they followed at a more sedate pace.
“Would you really not look at Arndel as a possible suitor?”
Victoria looked at her, and Alice wondered if her sister read the uncertainty in her eyes. Damn the man for bringing forth the rioting emotions within her. “There is something that I haven’t told a soul, and you must promise me if I tell you, you will not either.”
“Of course,” her sister agreed readily.
“Very well, it is true that last season I thought myself in love with the viscount. I’m sure you noticed that I followed him about, like your dog is now following that bee.”
Victoria’s attention turned to Dash and she clapped her hands, startling the puppy from trying to catch the little insect, which he, no doubt, would be stung by. “I recall, but I certainly don’t remember you being obsessed.”
“In any case, I feel like a fool for doing so, for he made it perfectly clear, and in no uncertain terms, he wasn’t attracted to me.”
“How so?” Victoria pulled her to a stop, taking her hand. “Tell me, dearest.”
“I came upon him one night with a group of gentlemen, and they were discussing us. All the Worthingham girls, in fact, and how Josh had his hands full trying to gain us husbands. Which is very untrue and absurd, as we’re most certainly not desperate and really, if we wished, we needn’t marry at all.”
Victoria chuckled, nodding. “And what else did he say?”
“My name in particular, and I listened behind a potted indoor palm like my life depended on it. It’s so embarrassing to think back on, but some of those men had courted me and I was interested to hear what they really thought.” Alice watched the puppy for a moment, as it dug madly in the lawn. “They were joking about our estates being so closely situated and that I should be easy to secure, due to, what they termed, neighborly love. And do you know how he replied to such teasing?”
“How?”
“He said, and I quote, ‘Lady Alice is most definitely not for me. Too much work for my taste and budget.’”
Her sister gasped. “He never. Did the other gentleman agree with him? And pray tell me who they were, for I’ll not associate with any of those fools when we’re in Town.”
Alice rounded off some names but the truth was, they had all agreed with Lord Arndel. Each and every one had thought she and her sister would be expensive to keep and hard work to tame. Yes, they had flattered their looks, had gushed in the faces of the daughters of a duke, but Alice hated the fact they’d used the word “tame” as a term for them. Like they were pieces of horseflesh that needed breaking in.
How humiliating.
She was not an animal that needed to come to heel. She would be a wife, a lover, and possibly a mother one day, and no matter how much the men of their acquaintance may wish it, none of the Worthingham girls would ever be tamed.
“I find, and I’m sure you agree, that no matter how handsome Lord Arndel is, he is beneath my notice after such a statement. To be so rudely termed, and before other men of our set, was too much to bear. I could never marry him now, no matter how handsome his eyes are, or how succulent his lips look.”
Victoria grinned. “‘Succulent’ is another word Mama would dislike you using, although I concur, his lips are very appealing.” Her sister frowned. “I cannot understand him saying such a thing, but I believe you. I thought better of him. Since he’s taken over the Kester House and the estate, he’s kept the most beautiful stallion. Have you seen it?”
Alice fought not to roll her eyes at Victoria’s change of conversation. Her sister loved animals and was often jealous of others when they possessed a great horse or sought-after breeding dog.
“I haven’t taken any notice of his cattle, now back to our discussion—”
“I only mention it,” Victoria interrupted, “because he wasn’t riding the stallion today.” She bit her lip. “I wonder why?”
“I don’t know, perhaps it’s lame or…something.”
“Hmm, perhaps you’re right, but I’ll ask him about it the next time he’s here. I wonder if he’d be willing to sell. I shall ask Josh to enquire about it.”
Dash barked and ran toward the small stream that ran the eastern side of the house. They followed the little pug and noticed the crunching sound of cantering hooves on the drive behind them.
“Lord Arndel has left.” Alice looked toward the front of the house and caught a glimpse of his lordship’s back as he headed down the gravel drive.
Victoria sighed. “I should’ve asked him about his stallion before he left.”
Alice took her hand, laughing at her sister’s obsession. “I’m surprised Mama allowed us to walk the grounds. Since the Surrey Bandit has been gallivanting about, she’s been so worried he’ll escalate and kidnap a virginal miss, also known as her daughters.”
Victoria nodded in agreement. “As to that, I know why we’re allowed out again. Apparently, there was a robbery in Kent. The local magistrate believes he has moved to another county, so we’re safe from possible theft.”
The little stream came into view and they both sat. Alice took the opportunity to take off her slippers, mostly ruined from the outing as they were only meant for indoors. She slid her silk stockings off and paddled her feet in the shallows.
“We should go for a swim. It’s hot enough today.”
Victoria contemplated the water for a moment before grinning. “Josh will tell us off for not acting as ladies, if we strip off down to our undergarments and swim.”
Determined to cool down and enjoy the last few weeks they would have here before the Season commenced, Alice started to unbutton her gown. “We’re not doing anything wicked by swimming. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, given the unseasonably warm fall.”
“But what about your meeting?” Victoria picked up the pug that sniffed the ground beside them, and using a ribbon she carried, tied him to a nearby tree in the shade.
“I have time.” Alice bit her lip, wondering since they were being so honest if she should confide in Victoria. Her sister smiled and Alice decided it wouldn’t hurt. “Talking of Lord Arndel, I have another confession.”
“What is it?” Victoria asked, stripping off her stockings.
Alice pursed her lips. “His lordship makes me nervous. I neither like nor approve of the emotions.”
“Maybe deep down you do, though, and that’s the problem,” Victoria said, wading into the water.
Soon they were both stripped to their unmentionables and floating in the stream that was both cool and refreshing. “I’m so glad we learned to swim as children. Could you imagine not being able to enjoy such a pastime?”
“It would be the veriest of torture,” Victoria said, looking up at the sky. “Before Lord Arndel had said what he did at the ball that evening, did you like him? Not as a friend, but as a possible husband?”
Alice had hoped her sister, always one to seek out a truth, wouldn’t ask her that question. For she had liked him. Desperately so. Had, even for a time, thought herself in love with the man. What a foolish twit she’d been. “I like him, but no more than anyone else of our acquaintance. If I ever had more feelings than those, they have long left me.”
The knowing chuckle from her sister irked, and Alice flicked water at her. “What are you laughing at?”
“Anyone with eyes could see you two were throwing looks at each other with a whole raft of conflicting emotions behind them. Certainly they were not glances you would bestow on a passing acquaintance. I think you like him still. More so than even you know, for let’s face facts. He’s titled, available, and if what Mama says is true, looking for a wife.”
Alice thought over her sister’s words, knowing she’d wondered the same thing a million times since luncheon. Were her feelings still engaged with the gentleman? She had promised herself she would hate his arrogance and easy dismissal of her after last season, but then, seeing him again, being reminded of his warm cultured voice and kind eyes…stormy blue eyes that inspired a longing that rioted within her…
Alice stopped swimming and stood up. How odd that his lordship’s eyes were the same shade of blue as the Surrey Bandit’s…
“I can tell, you know.”
“What?” Alice asked, her sister’s words pulling her from thoughts of the Surrey Bandit and how handsome Lord Arndel was. In fact the handsomest gentleman she’d ever met.
“When you lie.”
She dove under the water to hold off the blush that fought to cover her face and give her away to her sibling. Coming back up to the surface she met her sister’s expectant gaze. She wouldn’t get out of answering her question. “I have no interest in the man. None whatsoever.”
“You’re lying again, sister. I can tell.”
“How so?” Alice stood, crossing her arms over her chest.
“You’re blushing.”
She tried to cover the telltale sign that always occurred when she fibbed. Damn it. With all this water about, she’d not thought a blush could form. “Well, I don’t know what to tell you other than I do not. You may choose to believe me or no.”
Her sister swam farther out into the pond, her laugh echoing off the trees that surrounded the stream. “You’ll get a pimple on your nose for saying such falsehoods.”
“I will not.”
“Ah ha! See. I was right, you do like him still.”
Alice swam out to the middle, glaring at her too-knowledgeable sister. “I will admit I still find him uncommonly handsome, but I do not wish to marry him.” She didn’t mention the true reasoning over her anger at Lord Arndel. That the night he’d said those things about her and her siblings, he’d seen her skulking behind the ferns and had still continued with his damaging take on them all. A little piece of her had died that night, knowing gentlemen, no matter their rank or position in Society, were playing a game more often than not. She’d never thought Lord Arndel to be one of them. Why she’d imagined such a thing, she couldn’t say, for she hadn’t known him well before the Season had commenced. But she’d thought him true—a man with morals, a friend even.
And yet, friends did not treat or speak about the other in such a manner, and now going forward, no matter how handsome he was, or how diligent on acting the gentleman around her, neighbors and cool acquaintances was all they’d ever be.
…
Callum trotted down the drive, the crunch of gravel underfoot loud in his ears. His head pounded after the solid hour of negotiations on the size of the parcel of land he wished to sell and at what price the duke was prepared to pay. It had made his mind hurt, not to mention his pride.
It was a worthwhile sale, and all he had left to sell that wasn’t entailed. The debt his late cousin had afforded him had left nothing for the estate to run on. A situation not easy to stomach and with the funds he’d gain from the duke, and careful budgeting, he could get the farm back to a profitable balance sheet within a couple of years. The sooner he traveled to London and rid himself of the jewel that would bring an end to his cousin’s debt, the better. If the menacing missive he’d received only last week was any indication, the moneylenders were growing restless, so much so that his daughter’s well-being had been mentioned once again. A subtle hint that they’d stolen her once before and that they could do it again, if they wished. He would die before he allowed anything to happen to her again.
He looked up at the old oaks that ran down either side of the driveway and welcomed the occasional shade the trees brought. Sweat beaded his brow when he turned off the road and headed toward his own estate.
In only a few weeks, Callum would be a free man, the noose of debt about his neck, and his lifestyle as the Surrey Bandit over. He spurred his horse forward. Today may have been tiring and challenging, but it had been worth every pain inflicted on his soul.
He cantered across the fields, happy to let the horse decide its own course. He followed the local stream that had once marked the two different estates. But no longer. Once the legalities were finalized, the stream would sit on the Worthingham’s property line, and he would have the cash to prove it. Callum laughed, feeling joy and sensing a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel he’d traveled these past two years.
He slowed his mount to cross the small wooden bridge that passed over the stream and the muffled sound of laughter and splashing water came from a little ways upstream. For a moment, he stopped to listen and in doing so, had an inkling of who it might be.
Urging his mount forward, he rode through the thicket of foliage and jerked his horse to a stop when the vision before him became apparent. His horse flicked its head, not appreciative of his roughness on the bit, but Callum was too preoccupied to care once he saw what paraded before him in the water.
He ought to be ashamed of himself, hiding in the trees like some desperate youth, but he was not. To see Alice swimming, enjoying the cool water and the company of her sibling was something he could watch every day, even if she was a hellion most of the time. They were so innocent, unlike himself, who was as far from innocent as one could get; being the Surrey Bandit eliminated him from such virtue.
He swallowed hard when Alice floated on her back and her transparent shift was all that stood between him seeing her true form. Not that he couldn’t make out what delights lay hidden beneath her attire. Even fully clothed, Callum was aware of what assets Alice had to offer the husband she would one day acquire.
Dismounting, he pulled the reins over his horse’s head and allowed his mount to graze before walking out into the open. The sisters continued to swim, both of them unaware he’d come upon their outing. Alice floated with her eyes closed, her lips in a contented smile. He cleared his throat, wanting her to notice him, for by God, he’d noticed her. Had in fact, noticed her from the first moment he’d seen her in London last Season. Not that he could have acted on his attraction back then—asset rich but cash poor—so much so that he’d been stealing from the very people she called friends.
But now, it was a different matter entirely.
Alice’s golden hair flowed about her face, a halo of sorts when the dappled sunlight hit the water’s surface. Callum forced his eyes to close and remembered to breathe. Where were his manners, his ability to act a gentleman? Not here, it would seem.
“What an odd man you are, Lord Arndel. Are you praying?”
With a start, he opened his eyes, cringing as both sisters stood in the shoulder deep water, staring at him. He shouldn’t have followed the sound. He’d known damn well where it led—to nothing but trouble and a woman named Alice.
“I um—” He cleared his throat, looking away from the water droplets that fell from the most delectable lips he longed to take possession of. The thought of kissing her sweet mouth brought a mad flush to his cheeks, and he looked up to the sky for salvation.
“Well, are you going to answer my question, my lord? It’s very rude. Don’t you agree, Victoria?”
Victoria snorted. “I most definitely agree.”
Only then did he look at Alice. “I apologize for my intrusion. I was on my way home, when I heard a sound coming from this direction. I thought an animal may have been injured or some such.”
The raised eyebrow Alice bestowed in his direction made it perfectly obvious that she thought him a liar. And so she should, for he spoke bullocks that even sounded like bullocks to his own ears.
Idiot.
“Are you saying that our voices mimic that of an injured animal?” Her arms ran through the water before her, the movement distracting him from all sensible thought, before she said in a voice as sweet as sin, “My lord? Is that your opinion?”
Adjusting his too-tight cravat, he took off his hat and fanned his face. He looked to his horse and it, too, stared at him, as if waiting to see what answer he would come up with.
“No. Of course not. I was riding past, and over the sound of the horse I couldn’t hear very well, you see. I apologize if I caused offense.”
She shrugged and submersed herself deeper in the water. Definitely a good idea, in his estimation. “Victoria and I decided to go for a swim. I hope you don’t mind, since we’re on your land and haven’t asked for permission.”
That was the least of his concerns. The water glistened off her chin and dripped toward breasts that he refused to look at. There would be no turning back if he succumbed to such temptation. Callum shoved his hat back on his head and ignored the merriment in her blue orbs. “No, not at all. But.” He looked about. “Where is Victoria going?”
Alice looked toward the direction her sister swam and smiled. “There’s a shallow pool around the corner of the stream. The water is always warmer there. I should imagine that is where she’s headed. Here in the center of the pond it can get quite cool.”
“Ah, I was not aware of that,” he said, losing his own battle and looking where he’d sworn not to. Damn it! Alice would think him more of an ass if he kept up such antics. And after last Season and what she’d overhead him saying, the chit didn’t need any more inclination to hate him.
“Not that it matters any longer what hidden gems the water holds, for soon I’ll no longer be the owner of it.”
“You’re selling?” She looked at him, shock clearly written on her features.
“Only some acreage to your brother, which I’m sure you and Victoria will be happy about.” Her smile lit up the grove and he sat on a nearby log, not delving too far into his psyche as to why he was making himself comfortable before a near-naked woman. A virginal, unmarried miss and sister to a powerful duke.
“I cannot say I’m not delighted by this news, although I hope you’ve thought through the sale and are not making a hasty decision.” She swam closer and he adjusted his seat. “I fear you will miss this swimming locale. It’s such a beautiful spot to own.”
He couldn’t agree more and he supposed she had a point, but he would enjoy the funds for the estate more than a swimming pond. “I have enough land to keep me well occupied, I assure you.” She chuckled and he laughed. When animated, Alice was one of the most handsome women he’d ever beheld. Over the past year, he’d watched her from afar, a woman of her rank, even with his new title, was so far above him he’d dared not court her. That he’d been atrociously rude last Season was all due to his own insecurities about his position in Society. He’d attended most balls only for the sake of identifying a certain ring, brooch, or necklace that the moneylenders wanted for the cache. He had not wanted to muddy the waters by courting a woman who clearly liked him a little. To be close with anyone could’ve thrown them, too, into danger, to be used as a pawn for him to do more than he already was as the Surrey Bandit. He’d not been able to risk it and, in turn, had hurt Alice without wanting to.
“Lady Alice, I must apologize for my reprehensible words and actions last Season. It was not a good time for me, and I fear you received the brunt of my harsh words. Each one of them an untruth that you did not deserve. I’ve wanted to say that I’m sorry from the moment I spoke them, and now that I can, I truly wish for you to forgive my ungentlemanly actions.”
A slight smile tweaked her lips and he was lost. How he wanted her, with a desperation that didn’t fathom thinking about.
“Apology accepted, Lord Arndel, even though it is shockingly overdue.”
He smiled, a great weight lifted from his conscience. “Thank you for being so agreeable.”
“Had your apology not been heartfelt, I wouldn’t have accepted it, I can assure you, but it was, so you’re forgiven.” She paused. “As for the lake, I’ll be happy to call this place my own from now on.” She looked up at him, shading her face against the sun. “We learned to swim not far from here, you know. Our father taught us how to ride and swim, as well as any boy.”
“I never knew your father, but from what your brother has told me, he seemed like a great man.”
She nodded, looking away for a moment. “He was wonderful. I think you would’ve liked him.”
Callum wasn’t so sure the late duke would’ve liked him, if he ever found out his neighbor was the Surrey Bandit. He pushed the thought aside. The point was moot, as the gentleman was dead and so, too, would the bandit be—very soon. “I think I would’ve, too,” he agreed.
The wind chose that moment to pick up, leaves floating into the water as they scattered from the trees. “Well, I suppose we should head back.”
For a moment, Callum didn’t comprehend her words before she raised her brow and comprehension struck.
“Could you turn about, my lord? I need to get out and unfortunately, my shift isn’t appropriate wear for you to see me in.” She grinned. “Once I have my gown back on you may stop admiring the foliage.”
“Forgive me.” He turned and looked at his horse, rolling his eyes at his own stupidity. His mount stared at him as if he were a simpleton, something Callum certainly thought he was turning into. It snorted and lowered its head to eat the grass. The sound of Alice dressing behind him tormented him, and the urge to peek almost overrode his gentlemanly behavior. Victoria spoke as she joined Alice after dressing themselves.
After a little while, seeing him kick his heels in the grass, Alice came up from behind and tapped him on the shoulder. “You can turn about again now.”
…
Alice went and sat on the small log that Lord Arndel had occupied and patted the wood for him to join her. She picked at the knot of her bonnet ribbons as he did as she bid.
After the cool water, seated this close to his lordship left her shivery, her skin prickling in little bumps. Perhaps this was a bad idea. She pulled hard at the knot and inwardly swore when it refused to give way.
“Here, let me have a go.” He took her bonnet and the sight of his large, capable hands working delicately against her hat made her think of what they would feel like against her flesh, running across her lips after a passionate kiss, or replacing a strand of hair gone astray.
He removed the knot and looked at his work with pride. “There. Gone.” He passed it back to her and she laughed a little.
“Thank you. You’re quite handy to have about.” Alice studied him for a moment. His eyes reminded her of the bandit’s when he’d asked for a kiss. Hot and full of longing. But unlike the rogue thief, Lord Arndel was a gentleman, who many would think suitable for courtship. Not that she wished for such a thing, for she knew only too well what he thought of her. A rich spoiled child, to be precise.
“Where is Victoria?”
“She returned home. Something about letting her hunting dogs out for a run. She has a new little pug puppy that’s forever taking up her time. The sole reason we came on our walk today, in fact. The little terror was well on the way to destroying Mama’s favorite rug.”
He laughed, a loud guffaw that was carefree and genuine, and she liked the sound of it. “I can understand your escape.”
“Yes.” They fell into silence for a moment, both watching the flowing waters go by and listening to the leaves crackle as they floated on the wind.
“I’m to have further meetings with your brother tomorrow. Maybe you will be generous enough to take a walk about the gardens with me?”
“I have a better idea. Since the ball is in your honor, let me show you about Dunsleigh” She placed her bonnet on her head. “We have many ideas for the gathering already, and I’d welcome your opinion on our plans. There is nothing better than a ball at home, I feel. As much as I’ve grown to love London, I do prefer assemblies here, to anywhere else.”
“Here, let me help you with your bonnet,” he said, taking the ribbons out of her hand and commencing to tie them about her chin.
Alice sat still as his fingers brushed her neck, and a shiver stole over her. He was so careful with his ministrations, concentrating quite a lot, that a little frown line formed between his eyes.
She shouldn’t take so much interest in his visage, but being this close, it was impossible not to do so. Lord Arndel was handsome, there was no other word to describe him. Incandescently, delectably roguish. With the man sporting a dusting of stubble across his jaw and a serious brow that sat above the most perfectly shaped eyes she’d ever seen—who could not phrase him so?
He met her scrutiny with blue eyes that in parts looked almost gray, and the breath in her lungs hitched. Arndel took in her features, and unconsciously she bit her lip. Was he going to kiss her? She’d sworn never to look at him again in a romantic light, so would she allow him to kiss her, should he try? He did apologize and she said she’d forgiven him, so…
“Perfect,” he said, finishing the bow and letting his hands drop from her ribbons.
Disappointment stabbed at her that he’d not tried, but she stopped that thought from going any further. She’d not wanted him to kiss her. Although looking at him again, she couldn’t help but wonder at the softness of his lips. They were, after all, a lovely shape for a man.
His sigh, tinged with frustration, made her look up. “I should head back to Kester House. My servants will be wondering where I am.”
Alice grinned. “Do you always worry about what your servants are thinking?” She studied him a moment. Lord Arndel hadn’t been in the position of lord and master for very long, so she supposed it was possible he saw his servants more as friends instead of employees.
“I suppose I do in a small way. I know I should not.”
“I’m glad to hear that you do, for I share your ideals. We may have been born to privilege, or in your case inherit it, while others are not, but it does not make us any better than anyone else.” From the first night she’d seen his lordship at the Haversham’s ball, she’d sensed he really had no idea how to act or go about in Society and she’d liked that about him.
She had fallen a little for the male wallflower that he’d been.
Lord Arndel was the opposite of what one would term a “lofty lord.” He’d gone about the ballroom looking like a lost kitten among a pack of wolves. He’d had no idea of what it was like in Society, to be a part of the ton, how to play the game, and master it, better than anyone else.
Most people in the bon ton were better actors than those who treaded the boards in the theaters. Looks could be deceiving among their set.
“I shall take that as a compliment, Lady Alice.”
The wind chose that moment to pick up further and she shivered. “You should.” Alice pulled her slippers on quickly, needing to return home and get out of her damp shift. “Has anyone ever told you that you smell like lemons, Lord Arndel?”
He ran his hands through his hair, looking a little self-conscious that she’d said such a thing out loud.
“My cook has perfected a soap that has a touch of the scent.”
Alice made a noncommittal sound. “Seems everyone I meet these days has use of lemons. You may want to ask your cook if she’s selling it.” She stood and dusted down her gown. Arndel followed her suit, stepping back a little. “I look forward to our meeting with you tomorrow, my lord.”
He bowed. “Until tomorrow, then.”
With one last glance at him, Alice strode through the foliage and headed toward home. Coming into the clearing, she stopped and took in the grandeur of Dunsleigh, sitting in the background like a magnificent beacon of comfort.
Bending down, she picked up a stick and whacked the grass that tickled her legs. Lord Arndel was a confusion she didn’t require, especially now that she was about to embark on a Season where she was determined to make her mama happy and find a husband.
Not to mention, within only a few days—if the meeting today with the carpenter went well—she would be the proud owner of ten cottages in Ashford that she would have the repair and refurbishment of to oversee. By next winter, all the tenants who agreed to remain with her would be far happier in their more comfortable dwellings.
Arndel paying so much attention to her again wasn’t something she’d envisioned, nor could she be excited about, no matter how much she thought him handsome, or how curious she was about his kisses. Apology or not, he’d said he wouldn’t wish for a Worthingham sister as a bride, and even after his retraction of such a statement, a small part of her still stung at the thought of his words.
Alice was determined to find a man who was kind, truthful, and shared the same ideals as she did—one could change the world for the better with hard work, kindness, and understanding.
She sighed, swiping at the grass harsher than she ought. Over the last couple of Seasons, whenever she’d brought up such sentiments to the gentlemen who courted her, they’d laughed, or changed the subject entirely to fripperies or the latest Town gossip. Alice had taken each such occurrence as a sign that the man was not for her and hadn’t pursued the suitor from that point on. So, to hear that Lord Arndel enjoyed the company of the common man was a conundrum.
Alice walked past the orchards her father had planted many years before, the branches hanging low, heavy with ripening fruit. The air smelled good enough to eat and her stomach rumbled. Upon returning home, she would see if Cook had baked any biscuits for their ride into Ashford. And she would make a mental list of everything she wanted to discuss with Arndel tomorrow regarding the ball.