Soon after, he began an apprenticeship with Master Williams, the village blacksmith. He moved out of Miss Pearson's cottage to live in the forge. But every spare minute he had, he spent with Mira.
"First I'll be an apprentice," he'd explained to Mira. "Then a journeyman. And then I can become a master myself. And then, when I have saved lots of money, I shall build a cottage for us. With my own hands. I'll marry and take care of you, Mira. And I'll look after Miss Pearson, too."
"That'll be very nice, Kit." She'd beamed at him.
She'd been ten and he was thirteen.
She'd loved him fiercely ever since.
ChapterEight
The ladies were gatheredin the breakfast room while the gentlemen set off for an early morning hunt.
"That is something I'll gladly let them do on their own," Lady Evangeline put in, shuddering, for it was cold and dark outside. The ladies had risen early to see the gentlemen off, but Princess Florentina insisted that it was the first and last time they'd do so, for she didn't see why everyone had to rise at an ungodly hour simply because the men insisted on hunting.
"It was worth catching a glimpse of them in their hunting gear," Lady Evangeline grinned. "They cut a fine figure, I must say."
Mira had missed all that. After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, she'd fallen asleep at dawn and risen late.
As soon as she stepped into the breakfast room, Lady Evangeline, in her usual effervescent manner, jumped up from her seat and took her by both hands, exclaiming that she was so relieved that Mira was feeling better, though it was a shame she'd missed seeing the gentlemen off, and how handsome they all looked in their hunting clothes.
"We missed you yesterday, but I dare say you needed some time alone to rest. Come and sit down, I'll bring you a plate." She piled a plate with scrambled eggs, kedgeree, beans, and bacon and placed it in front of Mira. "There. You look awfully pale. You must eat."
Mira thanked her and picked at the food.
"Atherton didn't make an appearance until dinnertime last night," Lady Randolph said. "I was beginning to think we'd never see his face again. And my, what a mood the man was in! He was dreadfully surly and aloof the entire evening."
"That's usual for him. He's much like Aldingbourne," Lady Evangeline put in cheerfully. "That's why they get on so well, you see. They're two of a kind. They've been friends for a long time, you know."
"Are they really two of a kind?" asked Lady Randolph. "Methinks where Aldingbourne might come across as somewhat morose, Atherton is, as they say, cold. In Aldingbourne's case, it is entirely understandable, due to the early loss of his wife. They say he never got over her death. But in the case of the marquess, there is an impenetrable barrier that surrounds him that leaves one quite baffled. They call him the Cold Marquess for a reason. There is no better way to put it."
"I agree with your assessment," Lady Evangeline said. "Underneath all this moroseness, Aldingbourne is a soft, cuddly bear. I daresay it must be the same with Atherton. I have known him for a while, and he does thaw somewhat in more intimate company. One needs to crack the shell to reach the real man."
Lady Randolph shook her head. "I beg to differ. If one ever manages to crack the marquess' ice shell, I daresay one would find even more ice underneath."
"I suppose he was simply tired from a long day," Lady Evie added thoughtfully, "But it's true; he doesn't smile, ever." She shrugged. "But neither does Aldingbourne."
"And then there was Lindenstein, who oozed charm and good nature and charisma to make up for everyone else's remiss. The man never stopped smiling, not even when he was eating." Lady Randolph shook her head, baffled. "He managed to flirt with Lady Evangeline, Miss Cullpepper and me simultaneously. What a rake!"
Lindenstein. That was the blond Apollo's name.
"In short, it was a good thing you missed supper last night," Rose muttered to Mira, who had barely paid attention and found herself unable to swallow as much as a morsel. "I'll take a leaf out of your book and try to do the same tonight: retire early."
The ghost of a smile flitted across Mira's pale face. "Was it that bad?"
"It was terrible! The marquess addressed me in front of everyone. I thought I would faint, but this time for real. And of course I was terribly tongue-tied and could do nothing but stammer nonsense. To which he simply smiled." Rose shivered. "What Lady Evangeline says about him never smiling isn't true at all. He does smile. But it is a mocking, sarcastic kind of smile that cuts you to shreds. I died on the spot."
"That sounds terrible indeed." Mira couldn't help but feel relieved that she'd missed dinner.
Rose leaned against her, her blonde curls touching Mira's dark ones. "And I was right too," she murmured. "About what I said yesterday. He isn't interested in me in the least. He couldn't even recall my name! Instead, he enquired about you."
"Did he, now?" Mira found that this left her entirely indifferent.
"He asked in a rather flinty way as to where you were. "'Miss Taylor?'" He raised an eyebrow like this." Rose tried to raise one eyebrow but failed and raised both. "And when Lady Randolph said you were unwell and had retired early, he said in this frightfully stern manner, 'I shall not have any of my guests missing dinner,' and then he turned to the footman behind him and had a tray sent up to you." She paused thoughtfully. "I suppose one could say that was unexpectedly considerate of him. Which makes me think I was right. He must have seen you at the opera and is certainly interested in you. Yet, he is a marquess, and you my companion. You must be careful, for he can't mean anything honourable by it. I am very worried about you, Mira. Make sure the doors are firmly locked at night."
Mira sighed. "Why on earth would this man be interested in me? There are dozens of other willing women he could have. I haven't even met him."
"Which makes it all the more intriguing." Rose shrugged. "At the same time, I'm relieved. I shall attempt to enjoy the festivities and the ball as much as I can, and then return to my Tim. I miss him so. But Mira, you must try to avoid the marquess at all costs."
