She nodded and quit the room as Eve leaned forward to serve. It might have been a few years since she’d served tea, but she recalled how it was done and as the only female in the room, the task fell to her. “Do ye take anythin’ in yer tea, Captain Pickmore.”
“No, thank you,” he answered.
Pickmore was a likeable gentleman and much more pleasant to be around than Kilsyth, however he didn’t intrigue her nearly as much as her guardian did, nor was he as handsome. “How long have ye and Lord Kilsyth been friends?” If she were to learn about her guardian, who better to ask than his friend?
“Oh, since Eton. We shared a room and have been friends since we were thirteen.”
Eve found herself frowning as she poured for herself. Where Pickmore was quite friendly, easygoing and seemed quite happy, Kilsyth was stiff and unpleasant. How did the two manage to get along for so long?
“Ah, I can see the confusion in your eyes, Eve.” Pickmore laughed. “I assure you, Kilsyth hasn’t always been so boorish.”
She really must learn to school her features better.
Pickmore lifted a strawberry tart from the tray and bit into it before he moaned. “I do believe these are the best tarts I’ve eaten.”
She’d never been a fan of tarts but studied the tray of treats while trying to decide which she’d like to taste first. It has been so long since she’d had anything sweet.
“Of course, I didn’t have many opportunities to enjoy tarts while in the army, so perhaps these are the best because I haven’t had them in many years.” He chuckled.
“How long were ye in the army?”
“Seven years. I bought my commission as soon as Henry and I walked out of Trinity College.”
Eve frowned again.
“Kilsyth.” Pickmore laughed. “He wasn’t Kilsyth when I met him and since I’ve known him for fourteen years, I tend to fall back on our early days.”
In a blink, Eve was reminded that she knew very little about her guardian, other than he was the Earl of Kilsyth and that his given name, as listed in the guardianship papers, was Henry Cochran. The name had a nice ring to it, she supposed, and it fit him somehow.
“Why did ye decide ta buy a commission?” Curiosity was eating at Eve to learn more about Kilsyth, but she didn’t wish for it to be obvious, so was careful in her questions.
“I’m the second son of a viscount,” he explained. “The church held no interest. At least not so much as leading a flock, though I attend almost regularly. As trade wasn’t an option, the army became my next adventure.”
“Ye sold yer commission or are ye on leave?” Oh, she hoped he wasn’t here for only a short visit, though he did plan on staying at least for a month.
“Sold it.” He set the cup aside. “I had enough of that life and wished to return to England.” Then he settled back once again. “Though I’d very much like to return to Egypt if given the chance. Quite fascinating, I assure you, but I was not there as long as I had wished before being sent to India.”
“Why was Egypt so fascinatin’?” Eve found herself asking as she decided upon a biscuit.
“Once we routed the French from Abukir and Alexandria and confiscated the antiquities Napoleon had acquired, I’d very much looked forward to visiting the tombs again.”
“Tombs?” she blinked at him.
“After their deaths, Egyptians were wrapped in linen before being placed in a sarcophagus, then buried in tombs.”
This much she knew. However, she had no desire to actually visit a tomb.
“Many of those antiquities are on display at the British Museum and I look forward to viewing the collection, as I was not given the opportunity to experience it as a whole before I departed Egypt.”
“Oh, I’d very much like ta see it as well.” She’d only visited the museum once and longed to return.
“Then, I shall take you.”
“After the bargainin’ that occurred ta attend Ascot, I don’t believe Kilsyth will allow an outin’ ta the museum.” Her guardian had pretty much affirmed that she’d remain in this house. However, perhaps any study of Egypt might lead to a visit to the British Museum. With that thought, Eve decided to double her efforts to learn what was needed in hopes of an outing.
“Oh, I’ll get around him somehow,” Pickmore assured her. “He can’t mean for you to study during all of your waking hours.”
Unfortunately, Eve feared that was exactly Kilsyth’s plan. But it was only for a month and then she’d be free to do as she pleased.
