“It’s all set, then,” Lady Sheffield said. “We’ll examine your mother’s works after breakfast tomorrow morning.” She looked to Natalie for confirmation.
Natalie looked up after a moment. “Oh, yes, of course.” Her mind was elsewhere; Garrett could tell by the distracted tone of her voice.
Lady Sheffield looked from one to the other before standing and excusing herself. “I’ll see you both at this garden party, then. Enjoy your breakfast, dears.” And with that, she left the two of them alone together.
Garrett folded his arms across his chest and observed the contrary woman before him. She puzzled him. “You are well this morning?” he asked.
The minx set her coffee down and met Garrett’s unwavering gaze for the first time since entering the room. “Why would I not be? I’m not going to fall into some grand decline merely becauseyoudecided I am not worthy of your amorous attentions.”
Ah, the spark was back. But what of the wailing he’d overheard the previous night? Good God, the crying had gone on forever! He’d not realized women could carry on so. He was also more than a little surprised that Lady Natalie would carry on so. She seemed to be made of sterner stuff.
Setting aside any semblance of formality, Garrett rested his elbows upon the table and leaned toward her. “Sweetheart, it has nothing whatsoever to do with you beingworthy.Perhaps it isIwho am not worthy of burdeningyouwith my, as you say, amorous attentions.”
“If it’s all the same to you, I prefer not to be on the receiving end of your…gallantry! The result is the same.” A shadow crossed her face. She would brazen through what she’d obviously decided had been rejection. In an obvious attempt to dismiss him, she lifted her cup and turned her attention to the window. Outside, a great deal of hugging and unloading of luggage was going on. “If you’ll excuse me,my lord, I must assist my mother in welcoming our guests.”
She took one last drink of her coffee before slamming, yes,slamming, it down on the linen-covered table and standing abruptly.
Garrett watched her swaying hips as she flounced off, leaving nothing but a hint of perfume behind her. What was it about a woman walking away from him that made him want her all the more?
Natalie leftthe breakfast room before she did anything stupid, like giving in to the strange attraction that constantly compelled her to make a fool of herself over Garrett Castleton. She did not feel like being sociable with Miss Crone and her cousin. Baby Bear hadn’t allowed her more than thirty minutes of sleep at a time throughout the night. Who knew a pup could be so demanding?
In between hourly trips downstairs and outside, Baby Bear protested vehemently about being separated from his mama—that was what Natalie presumed, anyhow. For she’d provided every possible luxury a pup could hope for, including all manner of canine snacks, a warm blanket, and one of her favorite slippers for teething. The poor thing had cried long and often.
The lack of sleep left her exhausted. But not so much that she ever considered giving up on Baby Bear. Just the opposite,in fact. Feeling the need to peek in on the little pup, Natalie had a strong urge to return to her chamber. She did not wish to return to find aromatic droppings. Especially after traipsing outside every few hours to prevent just such an occurrence throughout the night.
But her mother would seek her out if she did not welcome the two ladies. And she was not yet ready to share her new pet with her parents. Her father was not one for allowing animals of any kind within the house, and she must show them that the pup could mind his manners.
She first needed to show herself the same.
If it was even possible.
Twisting her mouth into a weary smile, she joined the welcoming party in the front foyer.
Penelope Crone was easily recognizable with her emerald green eyes and blondish-red hair twisted into a tight coil behind her head. She was taller and slimmer than Natalie. Some might consider her sticklike, if inclined to be unkind. She strode forward and offered Natalie a sympathetic smile. “My lady, I amso pleasedto see you this summer. I have been thinking about youoftensince the Season ended.” And then came the sympathetic eyes. “Howareyou?”
Natalie knew the question to be sincere but wished everybody would forget about her broken engagement. Her heart remained fully intact.
Trying not to roll her eyes heavenward, she responded with equal warmth. “I am well, and you? How was your journey?” Without waiting for an answer, Natalie turned to the lady at Penelope’s side. “This must be your cousin?”
Miss Penelope Crone nodded and introduced the other lady. Miss Abigail Wright could not be more different from her cousin in looks. She was barely five feet tall, curvy and soft-looking, with dark hair knotted severely behind her head. She wasn’t plump. She was…voluptuous. She reminded Natalie of some actresses she’d viewed on occasion. Except that she dressed primly and properly—as did Penelope. Not quite spinsterish but not in the lighthearted manner of young debutantes either. No lace, no flounces, not much color.
Natalie’s mother joined them and asked Natalie to show the ladies to their quarters so they might freshen up. As all the regular guest rooms were appropriated already, they were given some of the nicer rooms set aside for servants on the top floor. Lady Ravensdale apologized as Natalie led them away. Two footmen were already carrying their trunks up the long flights of stairs.
Miss Wright climbed the steps beside Natalie and Penelope followed effortlessly. “I hope our presence is not an inconvenience.” Miss Wright’s entire manner carried her apology. “Even though your mother assured Aunt Emily it was not. My mother was out of sorts with herself for her inability to overcome her injury so she could chaperone us adequately. We both told her it was not necessary, but being confined to her suite, she felt we would be subject to all manner of indiscretions. She has an extensive imagination.”
“A bunch of tripe,” Penelope inserted. “Your mama saw the opportunity to put us in the way of a few bachelors and fabricated the most transparent of excuses.” Miss Penelope Crone, as Natalie already knew, had long ago dispatched with the notion of minding her tongue when she was of an opinion.
Natalie stopped and stared back at the taller girl. Surely they would not be setting their sights on Lord Hawthorne? The thought gave rise to an ugly feeling inside her. “But there are no bachelors here, really.”
At Miss Crone’s dubious raised eyebrows and tilted head, Natalie caught on to who those bachelors were. Not Lord Hawthorne. “My brothers?” Her relief was greater than she ought to have experienced. She had no claim to him. Except for a few kisses…
“You have no need to worry, my lady,” Miss Wright inserted. “They are perfectly safe—as I am sure you can gather on your own.”
Natalie glanced between the two ladies. Contrary to their spinsterish clothing and lack of style, they sparkled with a vibrant energy. Both were far too clever to overlook. In fact, she thought that if either of them, notwithstanding their advanced age, took it into their heads to chase one of her brothers, the outcome would in no way be preordained.
“Nonetheless, I am glad of your company.” She turned and began ascending the stairs again. “As much as I enjoy my mother’s friends, it will be a pleasure to have the companionship of a few ladies closer to me in age.” As she arrived at the landing, she gestured them along. “There is to be a garden party this afternoon; the staff is busy with preparations, but please ask a maid if you have need of anything at all—or if you need directions. The house isn’t massive, but it is possible to get turned around if one isn’t familiar.” Natalie felt guilty for not offering them a tour herself, but she knew Baby Bear might now be awake and restless. To smooth over her lack of hospitality, she added, “I truly am glad to have both of you here.”
The two ladies entered the door to the single room with two twin beds and turned back to Natalie. With a quick curtsey they thanked her, and Natalie made her escape.
