Caleb blinked. “That was rather quick and decisive.”
“Lord F wasn’t here for me.” She laughed. “He accepted in hopes of spending time with my sister, Violet. Grandmother applauded his initiative.”
“Only nine lords left to leap.” Caleb swung the axe splitting another piece of wood. “I look forward to seeing who is standing in the end.” Though, he’d be surprised if she settled on anyone. He’d wandered into the billiards room last evening. Not that he wished to enjoy their company, but to see how they behaved out of sight of Her Grace, his aunts, and more importantly, Lady Lucinda.
For the most part, most were useless fops filled with their own importance. When Lord G asked him to stoke the fire, Caleb tossed back his drink and left them to their discomfort.
However, it wasn’t him they needed to impress and though he didn’t know Lady Lucinda he suspected she could see through to their true personalities.
“You’re quite proficient at chopping wood, Mr. Copeland,” she offered. “I doubt anyone inside could even lift an axe.”
He didn’t disagree. “I’ve years of chopping wood.”
“How so?” She went about stacking the wood as if she’d done it many times before.
“I was raised on a farm in Kentucky. We didn’t have servants for the chores. When we moved to New Orleans, everyone was needed for the plantation. Even though we employed people to work in the fields, there were times every member of the household needed to assist, especially during the planting season and harvest.”
She smiled and nodded. “Tell me of your family.”
“Lady Lucinda, this is where you’ve gone off to.”
Caleb looked up to find Lord G striding toward them.
“It’s luncheon. Everyone is looking for you.”
“I’m simply assisting Mr. Copeland.”
“By stacking wood?” He pulled back in disgust. “I don’t know what you are used to in America,MisterCopeland, but ladies in England do not stack wood.”
“Are you acquainted withallladies in England?” Lady Lucinda asked with curiosity.
“Well, no, of course not, but you are a daughter of a duke.”
“Oh, goodness me.” She placed a hand against her breast. “I’d forgotten I was helpless. Thank you for coming along and reminding me of that fact, Lord G. I will be forever in your debt.” She then fluttered her eyelashes.
It was all Caleb could do not to laugh.
Lord G scowled, but wisely held his tongue.
Lady Lucinda turned. “Are you going to join us Mr. Copeland?”
“No, thank you, my lady.” He bowed. “I do thank you for your assistance, especially since I too had forgotten you were helpless.” With that he winked since Lord G had already turned his back.
Not only did Caleb like her, but so would his family.
Five
Lucinda stood in the entry,tapped her kid boot upon the marble tile and waited for Lord E to make his exit.
Hewas the reason ladies needed to be chaperoned.
How dare he!
“Lady Lucinda, you misunderstood,” he insisted as he came down the stairs, a footman carrying his trunk following. “My desire for you is so great that I was unable to contain my passion.” He stopped before her, which made Lucinda recoil.
“Out.” She pointed to the door.
“I thought you returned my affection, or I would have never—”
