And the duke’s shirttail had been partially untucked from his breeches.
“You are wiser than your years, my dear.” Aunt Eleanor shook her head. “As to your astute observation regarding the duke and Lilly, I am impressed. I spent a great deal of time with both of them and was certain they were over past affections.” The older lady crossed her utensils on her plate and sat up straight. “Anyhow, I am glad you realized the truth and found the courage to do something about it. And how are you faring now? Trapped in the country with a bunch of folks twice, three times your age?”
Natalie didn’t have the opportunity to answer, for just then her mother entered the room. Seeing Natalie, Lady Ravensdale smiled affectionately. “I see you have finally decided to join ustoday. You haven’t slept this late since we left London. You’re not ill, are you, dear?” The countess rested her hands on the back of an empty chair and regarded her daughter with concern.
“Oh, I’m fine, Mother.” Natalie couldn’t truthfully explain why she’d been unable to fall asleep. Kisses like she’d experienced the night before, long, hot, and wet, did something to a girl’s ability to sleep. Kisses…and touches…and the feel of his hot breath on her neck… “The nights are turning warm already, and I”—she shrugged—“just couldn’t fall asleep.” Even to herself she sounded breathless.
Lady Ravensdale blinked a moment as she looked at her daughter. Natalie could almost read her mother’s mind. In actuality, the night had been cool. “Well, then. Be that as it might, I wanted to inform you that Lady Riverton received a missive from her daughter, Penelope—Miss Crone—do you remember her? Well, she was planning on spending several weeks at her aunt’s home near Bristol—she has a cousin of like age who is still living with her parents. Both the girls are on the shelf, so to speak. Anyhow, Penelope’s aunt has injured an ankle or something…I cannot remember exactly. But that’s of no matter. Lady Riverton asked if the two young women could join us here instead of returning to Helmsley Manor. I agreed, of course. I thought it would be nice for you to have some ladies here closer to your own age.”
Natalie had met Penelope Crone during her first season and found her a stimulating companion. Miss Crone entertained quite scandalous notions as to how females ought to behave and be treated in society. She provoked intriguing conversations, indeed.
Natalie could not recall having met the cousin, however. “Who is this cousin, Mother?”
Her mother paused as though counting the years. “Miss Abigail Wright. I believe she is similar in age to Miss Crone. Iam not certain. From what I hear, she is something of a bluestocking. In any case, I thought it would be nice for you. You haven’t been yourself, and I thought that perhaps…” Tilting her head, she regarded her daughter. “Does that sound agreeable, then?”
Natalie sighed. Itwouldbe diverting to have some younger ladies about. And Penelope could prove to be entertaining. Her ideas about how a woman ought to manage her own life were revolutionary. Natalie wondered what her mother would think if she realized this. “I’d like that, Mother.” Summoning more enthusiasm, she smiled warmly. “You look lovely today, by the way. Did you arise early to send off the expedition?”
When Natalie came out in society two years earlier, she’d realized how lucky she was to have such a youthful-looking mother. Today her mother appeared bright and cheerful in a peach cotton morning gown with a crisp white apron. She’d styled her hair in her usual simple knot, pulled up prettily, with tendrils escaping about her nape.
Lady Ravensdale fluffed her skirts and then smoothed them again. “That’s sweet of you, darling. And yes, I woke early to see your father off with all the gentlemen. They are touring the estate’s irrigation systems, I believe. I don’t expect we’ll see them before supper.”
Oh. Natalie fought her disappointment. She hadn’t thought the expedition would last all day.Had all the gentlemen ridden out?
“Did Stone go as well?” she asked.
“Yes, as well as Darly and Peter. Most of the gentlemen, I believe.”
Well then. Not that she needed to see the estate, but it was vexing not to have been invited.
Her mother went on talking. “Perhaps we ladies might make a trip into Bath to do some shopping. Just as you suggested, Eleanor.” She smiled at her longtime friend. “Theweather is gorgeous, and the days have already gotten longer. Would you care to join us, Natalie?”
“I suppose. Have I time to change?” At the very least she could leave the estate. And shopping? Always a satisfying pastime!
Her mother glanced at the clock. “The carriages will be brought around at one, so you have barely an hour. Meanwhile, I must locate Lady Riverton to reassure her again of the girls’ welcome.”
“When will they be arriving?”
“Oh, they don’t have far to travel, sometime tomorrow, I imagine.” Her mother headed for the door but then turned around quickly. “One hour, Natalie,” she reminded. And with that, the countess disappeared as quickly as she arrived.
Setting down her cup, Lady Sheffield spoke first. “Miss Penelope Crone is an…interesting young lady. She is a good friend of Lilly’s.”
Natalie smiled. “Yes, I know. I don’t think Mother knows of her liberal tendencies, nor of her political ideas. She will likely liven things up. Are you acquainted with the cousin?”
Squinting slightly, as though doing so might jog her memory, Aunt Eleanor took a moment to answer. “I do believe I’ve met her on a few occasions. Miss Abigail something or other. She made her come out the year before Lilly. She was cheerful, but slightly plump. I don’t think she took very well. I suppose that would be likely as she is as yet unmarried. Seems to me she was entangled in some sort of scandal…it has been a while…”
“Or she has been spending too much time with Penelope,” Natalie suggested.
Lady Sheffield nodded. “Yes, or that.” In a change of subject, she tilted her head and surprised Natalie with her candidness by asking, “Your parents aren’t setting their sights on Monfortfor you, are they?” Lady Sheffield’s observational skills were obviously not diminished by age.
Natalie groaned. “Dear God, I hope not. But it does appear they are pushing me in that direction.”
The duke’s attentions, or lack thereof, suggested to Natalie that she need not be concerned. No woman alive could bring that emotionless man up to scratch. If only her father would desist with his manipulation regarding her personal affairs. Natalie found it disconcerting that she had more faith in her father’s ability to bring the man up to scratch than she had in her own.
Lady Sheffield’s voice interrupted her absurd train of thought. “A more likely husband, I should think, would be that darned handsome rascal, the new Earl of Hawthorne. He’d be a fine catch.” The woman looked pleased with herself. Were all women of thetonmatchmakers?
Natalie choked on her coffee. Aunt Eleanor was very astute. Keeping her eyes fixed firmly upon her food, Natalie tried not to imagine what it would be like to wake up with Lord Hawthorne beside her. It would not do for her godmother to catch wind of Natalie’s inclinations toward…that man!
“You know what they say about reformed rakes…They?—”
