Oliver helped Mrs. Grey settle his aunt before looking around for Lisbeth.
His eyes went straight to her. She stood with her sister, looking at a miniature. She was smiling down at the palm-sized painting in her hand. Marie was laughing. He could only assume it was Marie’s son they were looking at.
Lisbeth was the most striking woman he had ever seen, and it amazed him how he always felt this way on seeing her. When she sensed him looking at her, she met his eyes across the room. His heart stopped at the sight of her. Her hair curled around her face in delightful ringlets. Oh, how his fingers burned to feel the silky texture of those ebony strands. Had it only been a few hours since he had been with her last? He felt drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He knew his heart was in danger but still needed the heat of the blaze. When she smiled his way, he knew he was doomed but didn’t care. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her, Lady Fortesque and her luncheon be damned.
Her gaze never left his. He watched as she said something to Marie, who looked up, smiled, and then whispered something in her sister’s ear before leaving her. Lisbeth moved gracefully across the room, oblivious it seemed to the myriad of obstacles in her way, most at knee height. She navigated around the furniture with ease and Oliver was left to watch her in awe.
“Ah, now I see why you are so smitten, Bellamy,” Aunt Petunia remarked.
“She is beautiful,” Mrs. Grey agreed.
She is mine!He wanted to shout it out for the whole room to hear, hell, for all London to hear. Instead he said, “She is exquisite.”
He took two paces forward and met her on the rug. She took his offered arm with a raised brow. “You look like you’re up to something.”
He grinned as he took her for a small turn around the room. “So suspicious. I just wanted a moment alone with you before I introduce my aunt.”
“Oh, really?” she asked, raising a brow.
He gave her one of his half smiles, then looked at his aunt who was waving them over. “She is adorable but… she can also be a little confused. Not all the time but sometimes she… forgets things, says things without thinking.”
“Bellamy.” She squeezed his arm. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
With that he nodded and escorted her over to where his aunt and Mrs. Grey were sitting.
“Aunt, this is Lady Blackhurst. Lady Blackhurst, may I introduce my aunt, Lady Mortimer, and her companion, Mrs. Grey.”
“I am very happy to make your acquaintance, Lady Mortimer. Mrs. Grey.” Lisbeth made her curtsey.
Aunt Petunia smiled up at Lisbeth. “You don’t look like a bird at all.”
Lisbeth looked to Oliver before she smiled down at his aunt. “Well, thank you.
Aunt Petunia took her hand and pulled her down closer to her. “Bellamy said there would be sandwiches but I haven’t seen any.”
Lisbeth nodded. “I am sure there are sandwiches. In fact, I saw some not that long ago. I shall ask a footman to fetch you some.”
Oliver’s aunt patted her hand and let go of her. “You are a good girl, and so pretty. Just like your mother.”
Lisbeth sat on the small stool next to Lady Mortimer. She had to admit to being a little shocked. “You knew my mother?” She must have looked how she felt for the old lady gave a little chuckle.
“Oh yes. She didn’t look like a black bird either or have one as a pet. You really should get a dog, you know.”
Lisbeth looked up at Oliver, but he only shrugged. She looked back at Oliver’s aunt. “I shall consider it. Thank you for the suggestion.”
“I’ll explain everything later,” he whispered in her ear.
“You have your mother’s eyes. Such a lovely singing voice she had. Do you sing?”
“Not very well, I’m afraid. My sister Marie inherited my mother’s voice. If we are lucky, she may sing for us today.”
“Well, don’t fret about it. As long as you can sew a straight stitch you may get yourself a husband yet. Bellamy is free, you know.”
“Aunt,” Oliver said in a warning tone.
“Well, you are and you’re not getting any younger. And the nursery has been barren these thirty long years. You must do your duty, my boy, and do it soon.”
Thankfully, sandwiches soon arrived and his aunt was delighted to see such a variety of fillings. Thankfully, she completely forgot about barren nurseries.
