Lucinda looked at Marianne before she replied. “That would be lovely. I will check with the dowager duchess when we return.”
He smiled and looked at her companion. “Lady Marianne, you must come also. Do you draw?”
“My sister is quite proficient with watercolors, my lord,” Tony said.
“What about you, Ashton?”
“I am better at the admiring than the practical aspects, I’m afraid.”
“Ah, well every artist must have admirers, don’t you agree, Lady Ashton?”
“I haven’t really shown anybody my work before, so I am not sure it is worth admiring at all.”
“Do not say such a thing. Every artist must start somewhere, and I already know you are a consummate admirer ofgoodart.”
Of course, Marianne had picked his painting as her favorite at the exhibition and Dunstan had obviously not forgotten. Lucinda watched Marianne blush. She should have felt some sort of jealousy, but she did not.
“We shall have a merry party. Perhaps a picnic also?”
Marianne nodded and Lucinda smiled warmly. It was so nice to do something other than sitting in the parlor or attending yet another ball. “A wonderful idea, my lord.”
Dunstan smiled and Lucinda was struck by how a smile could change one’s features from fine to rather handsome.
He would be a good husband, she thought. No doubt he would spend most of his time painting. The earl did not appear to be interested in the more manly pursuits. She had heard him in the parlor just this afternoon declining an invitation to Tattersalls and declaring he loved a good long walk and to be in nature. Inspiration for his art of course.
How would she spend her days if she were married to him? She would have to run his house, but would it be a large town house like Warrington House or would he prefer to live in the country at a sprawling country house surrounded by tenant farmers and villagers with his mother? She was not sure what she would prefer.
In town, she would have to socialize and throw luncheons and soirees and maybe even a ball. In the country, one would only be expected to run the house, go to church on Sunday, and visit the poor. So much of her future felt uncertain. Lucinda was more convinced than ever that she would never be good enough for anyone. Why was she trying to be someone she was not? She may have been a gentleman’s daughter, and she certainlyshowed all the manners of a genteel woman, but she was no society lady. So maybe she had no business trying to become one simply to obtain a family. Could she not be happy just living with Marianne and her mother for a time instead of rushing into marriage?
They had arrived back at the house, and she had not even noticed. Lord Dunstan took his leave, and the coach pulled up in the mews behind the house. Doubts and concerns furrowed her brow.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Tony asked, helping her down.
“Oh, I was miles away.”
“They did not seem like happy thoughts. You were frowning.”
“It is nothing, I assure you.”
“I have something for you,” he whispered. “But I must give it to you in private. I hope that it will cheer you. Will you come to me tonight?”
“In your study?”
He laughed. “I think that would be very unwise. In the parlor.”
She hoped he could not see the disappointment in her face. It had been days since they had kissed, and it was all she could think about. “When?”
“After you return from the musicale.”
“Will you be attending?”
“I’m not sure yet. Do not be concerned if I do not make it.”
Inclining her head she asked, “Where do you go? What do you do?”
“I wish I could explain. Just know I will make every effort to be there.”
“It is not me you should be concerned about; your mother is quite put out when you disappear.”
