That statement frightened Lucinda nearly as much as when Lord E forced her back on the settee.
She hated to ask him to leave and may have glimpsed a watering in his eyes, but Lucinda could not keep him until the end. They would never suit. However, no sooner had she exited the parlor than was she called into the library by her father. There she was informed that she’d ask no further gentlemen to leave unless under extreme circumstances, such as the behavior Lord E had exhibited and when Lord K became too interested in the possibility of smuggling.
The idea of four and a half more days with these gentlemen made Lucinda want to scream, but she’d do what was requested as she knew that when this house party came to an end, she would be free of all of them.
The only person she would miss, however, was Mr. Copeland. Even though she’d asked him to join them on many occasions, he kept his distance. Was it because he did not like her?
Lucinda didn’t think that was the case, as he seemed happy when she appeared.
She paused in the corridor outside the library and had to consider that not only did Mr. Copeland not visit with the other gentlemen but perhaps he avoided her as well. Each time she’d encountered him, it was because she’d gone looking. Yet, he seemed genuinely happy for her company, unless he was just being polite.
Oh, she wished she knew for certain which it was because she very much liked him, and so much more than any of the other guests.
Unable to shake the feeling that he didn’t care for her, Lucinda quickly checked the time to note that she had hours before she must join the others, as she would not be taking part in luncheon today. And after retrieving her pelisse, bonnet and gloves, Lucinda set out to find Mr. Copeland again. She’d search the entire estate if necessary, but she would find him and hopefully learn if he was simply being polite or if he enjoyed her company as well.
* * *
When the HeadGamekeeper suggested that he may want to fish on the lake located at the back of the estate, Caleb quickly took him up on the offer. It was a favorite pastime and one of the less physical pursuits he enjoyed. It also placed him further away from the manor and less likely to encounter Lady Lucinda.
He’d dreamt of her last night. Caleb couldn’t remember when he’d ever dreamed of a woman, but he dreamed of her.
It was his own fault. Even though he tried to avoid all gatherings, he was sometimes present at a distance, where he could observe. When Lady Lucinda was annoyed, her smile was tight, and she developed a slight crease at the left side of her mouth. However, when she was genuinely happy, laughing, her smile was bright with a dimple on the right, and her grey eyes turned almost silver. But, as much as he’d like to be with her, he did not belong with the lords, and it was best that he avoid her. Once he was away from Forester Hall, he would then forget her.
“This is what you do all day, when not stuck with the rest of us.”
Caleb turned. “Lord I?” He still wasn’t certain which letter went with each lord. What he did know was that this gentleman held back and remained quiet as all the others tried to impress Lady Lucinda. Caleb assumed this lord simply waited until the rest were sent on their way and then he’d have her to himself. That is what Caleb would do.
“Camdyn Oaks, Earl of Irvine,” he introduced himself. “Do you have another pole?”
Caleb handed him one with a frown. “Shouldn’t you be courting Lady Lucinda?”
Irvine let out a sigh as he baited the hook. “To tell you the truth, I’m here because of my father.”
A father has so much power?
“He is the one who wants the match with Lady Lucinda. And as beautiful as she is, my heart belongs to a Scottish lass.”
“Then why are you here and not in Scotland?” Lady Lucinda asked.
They both turned then stood as she approached.
“My apologies. I meant no disrespect,” Irvine was quick to say.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for, Lord I…Irvine.” She smiled. “If you fear breaking my heart, you should know my father, most likely with the help of my grandmother, determined the guest list. I had no part in who was chosen.”
“I’d not realized.”
“It appears we are both doing what our fathers wish,” she acknowledged. “If your heart belongs elsewhere, why are you here?” she asked.
“She’s not the daughter of a duke,” Irvine answered honestly.
“Tell me about her.” Lady Lucinda settled down between Caleb and Irvine as if she were interested. “And while you do, Mr. Copeland will teach me how to fish.” She grinned, her silver eyes shining as a dimple peeked at him. Lady Lucinda was a joy, something he’d never thought about another woman in his life.
“I’ve a better idea.” Irvine stood. “I’ll tell you about Miss Sheena MacGregor another day.” He then handed his fishing pole to Lady Lucinda. “I think it’s more important that I return, and you take your time away from the others.”
Why would Irvine leave the two of them alone? Caleb was certain he’d given none of his feelings away, nor had Lady Lucinda indicated she cared for him other than perhaps as a companion who could teach her things.
“Unless you’d like me to pack my trunk and leave.”
