He set his glass down slowly. “Dear God, was it?”
Delia had the strangest feeling they could be speaking of something else. Their kiss, for example, or the way he made her tingle whenever he was near. Or how she thought about her first swiving, yet to come. Probably on her marital bed if she ever had one. This past week, she had started to picture him in that bed with her.
“Why, then, you are the bravest woman I have ever known,” he announced.
Peering at him, Delia realized he meant it. She warmed from deep inside all the way up to her cheeks.
“Thank you. But I am not sure I know why.”
“Most of us start riding when young, getting used to being on horseback on a pony. Then we graduate to a horse after gaining our seat and learning the gaits. You jumped right in and you did it by riding aside. Although I’ve never done it, I understand it can be awkward at first. Ladies who start by riding astride as youngsters and then learn the skill of the sidesaddle say it is harder and that you have less control. Thus, I applaud you sincerely.”
“Thank you.” Instead of shame, she was now pleased by her attempt. At least she hadn’t fallen off.
“If you wish to mount up again,” he said, “I will teach you to ride.” He was so enthusiastic he had forgotten the basic facts.
“We do not have many days left. Despite how we both felt at the beginning of this fortnight, thinking a house party to be an interminable confinement, the time has passed quickly.”
“Thanks to your exceedingly good company,” he said.
“You are in good spirits tonight, my lord.”
Glancing around the table, his gaze fell upon Lady Lillian, who was looking their way.
“In the presence of those here, I am content. This party has been thought-provoking, to say the least.”
Delia nodded. At the same time, her heart sank. He was pleased Lady Lillian had arrived. That was painfully clear.
“You and Lady Lillian are not strangers, I take it.” she ventured, hoping she wasn’t prying.
“We were previously introduced at a ball.”
Delia wanted to say, “And?” But she knew that would be beyond the pale.
“Back to the matter at hand,” he continued. “May I instruct you on riding for the time we have left?” He cocked his head. “Is that why you avoided me during the free hours of the day all last week?”
“Perhaps.”
He shook his head. “Only think how far along you would be in your instruction. Never mind. We still have the better part of six days.”
After dinner, Lady Osbourne gathered them in the drawing room, and the moment Delia had dreaded was upon her. Except she had no intention of going forward with a lecture on plants. A hostess ought never to make her guests feel uncomfortable, and thus, she would simply tell Lady Osbourne how ill-prepared she was to speak in public.
While Lord Devenport was arranging his pile of books for quotations — and references! — Delia caught her hostess to one side.
“Isn’t this exciting?” Lady Osbourne asked. “A tremendous way to open our minds to new information without having to go to a lecture hall. I love the possibilities of a salon discussion. When in London, I hold these gatherings weekly. But where is your sketch pad?”
“Upstairs,” Delia said. “But I am afraid I—”
“No, Lady Delia. Do not be in the least fearful. We have all become friends in a week. Only recall that you know more than we do upon this subject. Therefore, everything you say shall be fascinating.”
Delia greatly doubted that.
“I will be eternally indebted to you if you do this little talk. Besides, it is a small price to pay for enjoying a two-week country party, don’t you think?”
When Lady Osbourne put it that way, Delia could hardly turn her down. It would be churlish, no matter that it sounded as though she was expected to sing for her supper like Little Tommy Tucker. With dismay, she excused herself to retrieve her sketch pad.
By the time she returned, holding her pad in her shaking hand, Lord Devenport began in a sonorous tone. Delia took an empty chair by the window, noticing Lord Perish seated beside Lady Lillian. Her mood soured further.
To keep her nerves from overwhelming her, she paid attention to the interesting facts about a land she would probably never visit. Too soon, the guests broke out in applause. Lady Osbourne thanked him before saying, “Lady Miriam has agreed to discuss importing lace from the Continent.”
