“Would you consider watching over him today while I am on my outing?” Melanie interrupted. “Given your experience with cats in the past, you are a perfect choice to watch over Smoot while I am out.”
The dowager countess gave a regal nod. “Very well, that is a reasonable proposal. While you are out with Lord DeLacey today, I shall get to know young Smoot. And we shall see if we are compatible.”
“I am certain Smoot will enjoy spending time with you, Grandmama.” Melanie was hoping her grandmother would fall in love with the kitten and want him around permanently.
A knock preceded the butler’s entry into the dining room. “My ladies, Lord DeLacey, is here to see Lady Melanie.”
“Have him join us, Duckett. He can join us for breakfast. Surely, he isn’t in too much of a hurry to take you on this outing,” the dowager countess said.
A moment later, Jonathan DeLacey entered the room. “Good morning, Countess, Lady Melanie. Isn’t it a fine day for an outing?”
“Pish! It’s a wonderful day because of you, my lord. You saved my granddaughter from certain doom. And I thank you so much. Would you join us?”
“I would be delighted.” Jonathan poured himself a cup of coffee and filled his plate with bacon and eggs before taking a seat. “As for saving Melanie, I had no idea it was Melanie at the time. I was quite surprised that it was her. But then again, perhaps not all that surprised, since I have a history of saving her in the past,” he said with a wink in Melanie’s direction.
Melanie could feel her cheeks blazing.
“Yes, well, I do recall a few of those incidents, including one with Melanie atop a runaway horse.” Her grandmother shook her head. “Dearest, what is it about your penchant for getting into trouble?”
Melanie picked up her chocolate and drank deeply. Luckily, the chocolate had cooled.
“I haven’t been in that kind of trouble in years,” Melanie mumbled.
“I think in future you must be more careful. Particularly when you are rushing headlong into danger to save one of your creatures.”
“I don’t make it a habit of rushing into danger,” Melanie added.
“Thank goodness Jonathan was there. And thank goodness he will be escorting you to that dusty bookshop you love so much.”
Melanie sipped her chocolate and avoided looking at either of them.
“Now then, Jonathan, Melanie, and I plan to go to Gunter’s tomorrow, and your company would be most welcome. I know you have not been back long and must have much to do with all that spying business?—”
“I accept, my lady,” Jonathan said with a smile. “I would be pleased to escort you ladies tomorrow to assure your safety, of course.” He turned to look at Melanie, his sky-blue eyes almost daring her to argue.
Melanie refused to rise to his challenge. Assure their safety? She wasn’t a child anymore and certainly didn’t need someone watching over her. Yesterday had been a complete fluke. She had spent the past four years living a completely placid existence. What did he think she was going to do—turn somersaults in the middle of the street?
“Very good. Then it’s settled.” The dowager countess gave a satisfied smile as she took another sip of tea. “By the by, in one week, I shall be turning seventy years old.
“Congratulations, my lady,” Jonathan said, his eyes gleaming with humor.
“Pshaw! I hate growing old. But I do enjoy a good party. We will have a house party at our family’s manor house near Bath. I would like it very much if you’d join us.”
Melanie gaped. She hadn’t expected this. But she could do nothing about it. Grandmama had invited him, she certainly couldn’t interfere and uninvite him. Although she wanted to. Instead, she waited for his reply, hoping against hope he had a reason to decline.
“I would be delighted. My sisters mentioned they would be attending your celebration along with their husbands. It will be an enjoyable way to spend the early part of the holiday season,” Jonathan said.
“Excellent. That’s what I was hoping you might say. It’s a week-long party. It will be mostly family—people that I adore—and, of course, friends. And now I must see to the kitten that I shall be watching over while you and Melanie are on your outing.” With twinkling eyes, she smiled at Melanie. “Lord DeLacey, I look forward to our Gunter’s outing tomorrow.”
“As will I.” Jonathan smiled, standing and bowing as the footman helped the dowager countess from her chair.
Melanie couldn’t help but wonder if her grandmother had just hoodwinked her. The question was, was Jonathan attending because he could not refuse the invitation, or was there another reason why he was going? Melanie filed her questions away for now. She would have to ponder what was going on when she was alone and could sort out her thoughts. She had gone four years without seeing Jonathan; suddenly, she was not only being escorted by him on not one but two outings, but she would be in his presence for an entire week. How in the world would she be able to manage being around the man she’d dreamed of her entire life until he broke her heart? It was going to be a challenging couple of weeks!
Chapter Four
“I trust you are recovered from yesterday?” Jonathan asked, his lips curved up in a smile.
“Yes, all is well,” Melanie replied, trying not to look directly at that smile. That smile that had practically been emblazoned in her memory. Melanie was seated across from Jonathan on the comfortable brown leather seat in his elegant carriage while her maid Rachel sat on the same side as Melanie but at the other end, gazing out the window, giving them a semblance of privacy.
