Delia cleared her throat. “Lady Eden, I took the liberty of sending down your green silk tea gown to freshen. The one with the under-layer of cream silk overlaid in dark green tulle, and a band of gold silk that belts just under the bodice. Duchess Evelyn suggested it. She thought it would be perfect for the occasion.”
Eden grinned as she removed her garments and slid into the warm water. She watched as Delia poured scented oils into the bath. “Duchess Evelyn’s idea too?”
Delia smiled as she nodded. “Her Grace was quite specific in her instructions to me.”
Well, why not allow herself to be pampered? Eden washed her hair, since it had gotten quite windblown and knotted down by the beach, not to mention the grains of sand that had settled in it and now had her scratching her scalp. She washed it twice and rinsed it three times just to be thorough. The curls would dry quickly in this heat. At least, she hoped they would, because shehad very little time before the tea bell chimed to summon them all downstairs.
Connor had requested that she meet him in his study as soon as she was ready. She did not know what he meant to say to her. Perhaps he wanted to hear more about his children, or ask for her advice on the young ladies present at the house party.
No, why would he need her opinion on that? He was a grown man and experienced enough to fend for himself.
As for her, she did not know how this week would turn out. She dreaded most of it, but did look forward to seeing more of him throughout the house party. Hopefully, they would have many opportunities to talk to each other. His children would certainly give them lots to discuss.
She stepped out of the tub, dried herself off, and donned her robe. She then sat on her small, private balcony to soak in the warmth of the sun and allow the light breeze to dry her hair while she brushed it.
She was lost in her reverie, and only came out of it when a pebble suddenly dropped at her feet. A moment later, another pebble landed in front of her. “What the…?”
She peered over the balcony railing to see where they had come from, squinting because she had not bothered to don her spectacles.
Someone waved to her. She recognized the blurred outline of Connor standing with his hands on his hips and his legs astride. “Why did you toss those stones at me?” she called down to him. Even blurry, this man was handsome.
“It was just a few small pebbles, and you would not look over when I tried to gain your attention. You appeared lost in dreams. Where are your spectacles? Well, leave them off. You look great. I did not realize your hair was so golden red. It’s nice, Eden. What’s taking you so long to get ready?”
She pointed to the fiery tumble he had just commented on. “I had to wash the sand and grit out of my hair.”
He grinned. “Looks spectacular. Too bad it isn’t fashionable to leave it down.”
“I wish I could, but it would be considered quite brazen and scandalous. I’ll simply braid it tomorrow when I take the children on their next nature walk. One long braid down my back,” she said, not that it mattered or that he really cared.
He moved closer to stand immediately under her window. There was a rose trestle leading up to her small balcony. For a moment, she thought he might climb up it. No, that would be too much like a scene out ofRomeo and Juliet. Perhaps romantic. Certainly too scandalous and brazen. Besides, she had no desire to end up like that love-crossed pair. “Where do you think to take them tomorrow?” he asked.
“The nesting grounds. I think the children will enjoy learning about all the birds in our area. We’ll probably run across a few wild ponies, too.”
“Sounds great. Mind if I come along?”
She pursed her lips. “No, but your mother is going to be livid if you shirk your duty to your guests.”
He shrugged. “All right. We’ll figure it out later. Maybe I’ll organize a hike for all of us. Those guests who do not wish to walk can ride in a wagon.”
“I don’t think that is a very good idea.”
“Why not?”
She sighed. “We’ll discuss it when I come downstairs.”
“Then hurry up. I’ll be in my study waiting for you.”
It did not take her long to dress. Delia styled her damp hair so that it would softly frame her face as the curls dried.
Connor was pacing in front of his desk when she hurried in.
“I peeked in the parlor and was surprised to find it empty,” she remarked, wondering where all his guests had gone. She hadexpected many of them to be seated in the parlor or in here having drinks with Connor. But it seemed everyone was still upstairs preparing for the tea that would be served in about half an hour.
He strode forward to greet her. “Gad, you smell nice.”
“That is your mother’s doing,” she said with a soft laugh. “I was given fragrant oils for my bath.”
He laughed too. “I’ll have to thank her for it. What is that scent? Apple? Vanilla? A hint of jasmine? No matter—it smells great on your skin. Your hair looks nice, too.”
