Before she spoke, she reminded herself not to wander. “I feel that it is a moot point, as I know that Lady Sommerset is an expert in identifying forgeries. The piece simply is not a forgery based upon her assertion it is authentic. However, if that were not the situation, I would still bow to her better judgment. But if she were not present, I would examine it further as she taught us at school and mostly likely come to the same conclusion she has. So in essence, I would agree with you because you were correct according to my own knowledge on the matter. However, if my knowledge were faulty, I might as easily disagree with you because Lord Sommerset was quite correct. Despite your assertion there is a wall beneath the greenery, there mostcertainly is not.” She gave a small nod, pleased that she’d stayed on the subject.
His gaze softened. “I am very pleased that I’m not the only person who appears to talk in circles.”
At the appreciation in his eyes, she felt her cheeks heat. “Actually, I prefer to think of it as squiggly lines, like a meandering river with its tributaries, but since in this case I did remain on topic, I would agree it appears to be a circle, though perhaps a wobbly one?”
This time, the earl laughed.
Immediately, she felt the eyes of everyone in the room upon them despite the fact that her back was to most of them.
“Felton, what do you find so humorous?” His mother did not sound pleased.
How odd. Wouldn’t a mother enjoy her son’s laughter? Unless, of course, she found it offensive in mixed company.
“Nothing of great import, Mother. I was simply comparing thought processes with Lady Dorothea and I found her description rather droll.”
“‘Thought processes’? Really, Felton, do leave that for your club. I’m sure Lady Dorothea has little use for such conversation.”
He gave her a quick wink before responding to his mother. “I’m sure you are correct. I apologize for bringing such an inane subject to your parlor.”
If he hadn’t winked at her first, she would have taken offense, but it was obvious he was humoring his mother. She had thought her family odd, but the Ambroses were far more complicated.
“Lady Dorothea, do ignore my brother and come sit. I would very much enjoy your opinion on a contest I have devised.”
Happy to be of service to Rose, she moved back to the settee both pleased and a little disappointed to leave the earl’s company. Lord Harewood was proving to be an interestingstudy. Unfortunately, as such, he was a great distraction and if she wasn’t careful, she would make one too many missteps and find herself in a coach headed for home.
Chapter Seven
Jumping down fromNyx, Felton gave his tar-black thoroughbred a couple of pats. “Well done this morning.” Then he turned to the approaching stable hand. “Give him a good rub down and extra oats. He earned them.”
At the man’s nod, assuring him his orders would be followed, he strode from the stable and across the side yard. Bounding up the few steps to the library doors, he opened them and continued through the room, his intention to steal a few rout cakes from Cook before seeking out their guests.
“You seem particularly cheerful this morning.”
At his father’s voice, he turned. “I believe it was the ride. The air is crystal clear and there is not a cloud in the sky.” Adjusting his direction, he sat in the armchair on the other side of the small table, which boasted a plate of rout cakes. Snatching one up, he took a bite, the slight orange flavor mixing with the currant inside forcing him to pause before continuing. “I must have Cook teach my cook how to make these in just this way.”
His father put down his newspaper and shook his head. “She’ll never tell. She enjoys sending you off with a basket of them far too much. Last I heard, your mother wanted to use them as a way to make you visit.”
He hmphed at that as he chewed on his second bite, though he couldn’t deny his mother’s plans could possibly work. “It looks like the grounds are ready for the deluge of guests Motheris expecting. I noticed the gardener was just finishing a few places on the hedge in the gardens.”
His father sighed. “As to that, she has something planned out there for this morning with the ladies. I must thank Andrew again for coming early. Brilliant idea, that. It has definitely distracted your mother and allowed me some peace before the coming onslaught. I’m grateful also to you for suggesting that.”
As he had just taken another bite of his rout cake, he simply nodded, pleased with both his father’s acknowledgment of his superior idea and the deliciousness in his mouth.
“Rose’s friend seems a bit unusual, don’t you think?”
A need to defend Lady Dorothea caught him unawares as he swallowed before answering. “Do you mean in the fact that she can speak upon subjects other than the latest fashion and gossip?”
“Yes, I suppose that’s it. It’s rather refreshing.”
Pleased that his father wasn’t being critical, he quickly explained. “I believe it’s because she attends the Belinda School for Curious Ladies.”
His father’s eyes widened at that before his gaze moved to the cold fireplace before them. “That’s the school Rose wishes to attend, is it not?”
“Yes.” He didn’t want to sway his father either way. He didn’t like the fact that his sister’s only two options were getting married or going to that particular school.
“You should know Rose is set on going. Your mother is facing a serious challenge, and I told her as much.” His father steepled his hands. “The Duke of Northwick oversees it, and I have been impressed by his intellect, but I’m not convinced how that relates to women. Then again, the duchess, our former neighbor, has always been a proponent of education. What do you think of this school?”
Now that was a topic he wasn’t in a hurry to discuss, so he rose. “Having learned of Rose’s interest in it only last week, I’ve just started my inquiries, but I assure you, sir, that I will give you my full opinion by the end of this fete.”
