Caleb readily admitted that he’d misjudged ladies and misses of society when he’d first visited London. He understood now what he hadn’t then: ladies must always be guarded and circumspect in their behavior and words because gossips could be vicious. He’d learned that many were not as they seemed when away from the eyes of theton. However, none of them made him smile like Lady Lucinda. Nor had he ever wanted to spend time with anyone like he did her. And his respect only grew when she stepped into the dairy.
Lady Lucinda walked over and looked over the cow, the stool, and the bucket. “Shall we?”
He gestured for her to settle on the stool, then knelt behind her and began instructions on how to grasp the teat to draw the milk out. When she struggled, Caleb reached around her, placing his hands about hers, so she could feel how to squeeze, the motion and correct pressure.
As much as he enjoyed being this close to Lady Lucinda, it was impossible to ignore her soft scent of citrus and the tickling of her midnight curls beneath his nose.
Once she finally understood and could milk the cow on her own, Caleb pulled away, though he wished he could have kept his arms around her. He wasn’t here for Lady Lucinda and she hadlordswaiting to be chosen.
Jealousy shot through him, knowing that one of the eight remaining lords would have the honor of holding and loving Lady Lucinda in the future.
Seven
Blast!She shouldn’t have learned so quickly because as soon as Mr. Copeland pulled away, Lucinda nearly lost interest in milking the poor cow.
Goodness! No gentleman had ever held her in such a way. Not that he was holding her, as much as he was instructing Lucinda. But it had been very difficult to concentrate on the task at hand with his chest against her back, his strong arms along hers, and his hands, encompassing hers.
It was a shame that he hadn’t been invited to court her, but Mr. Copeland had made it clear that he was only here for his great-aunts.
And, though she wished to be back in his arms, Lucinda continued to help milk the cows, well pleased with what she’d learned and accomplished, and was quite happy when she returned to the manor to break her fast.
“Will you be joining us, Mr. Copeland?” She’d yet to see him at any meal.
“I will eat after I’ve helped young Kenny and Jimmy see to the horses.”
She frowned. “Are you wishing to avoid us?” Was that why he was doing chores about the estate? Did he not want to be here?
He bowed. “I am but a humble servant, Lady Lucinda, who finds himself more comfortable with horses, cows, hunting and chopping wood than I do with leaping lords.” He finished with a wink.
“I can help in the stables,” she offered, as she didn’t want to return inside and be forced to spend time with the lords either.
“Lady Lucinda, this is where you’ve gone,” Lord K called, exiting the manor from the parlor.
“I was just going to come in and break my fast,” Lucinda replied. She had asked that Mr. K be her morning visit as she wanted him gone from Forester Hall. Thankfully, her father agreed, especially after he was found standing along the cliffs again early this morning, spyglass in hand, as he had done the day before. He was too nosey by half, and they did have smugglers to protect.
* * *
Caleb was just comingfrom the woods, carrying a rifle and a bag of pheasants that Cook had requested when he noted Lord K entering a carriage as a footman strapped his trunk to the back.
One more lord gone, leaving seven vying for Lady Lucinda’s hand.
He hadn’t hunted without permission, but sought it from the Head Gamekeeper, who was grateful for the assistance and told Caleb where he should hunt. Like all the other servants, the under-keepers were still in Laswell under quarantine, and he needed to make certain there was enough game for the guests during the house party.
As Caleb reached the back of the manor, Lady Lucinda breezed out the door and glanced around. A smile brightened on her face when she saw him and came forward.
“Have you been enjoying your day, Mr. Copeland?”
“I have, very much.”
“What is in the bag?”
“Pheasant.”
“Are there any talents you are without, Mr. Copeland?”
“There are many, I can assure you.” He laughed. “I see that Lord K has vacated the manor.”
Lady Lucinda wrinkled her nose. “He would not do. Neither my father, my oldest brother Wesley, nor I appreciated him sneaking around.”
