“You must keep the appropriate amount of distance,” Charles said. “Better yet, forget her completely and find someone else. I’m sure Mama has a list of suitable young ladies lying about somewhere.”
William bristled. “I have no interest in courtship or marriage.”
“Then all the more reason for you to leave Mrs. Lamont alone,” James said. He shared a cryptic look with Charles, who answered with a nod, then quickly added, “Perhaps telling us what you’ve been up to this past year will help.”
“I did write,” William grumbled. The brilliant mood he’d been in all morning had dimmed significantly during the course of the last hour.
“Yes,” Charles said, “but you never gave a descriptive image of Lisbon or a detailed account of the people you associated with during your stay there. Surely you must have made friends.”
“I did. And the town itself was a marvelous experience.” Thinking back, William described the colorful buildings and narrow streets, the plazas lined with orange trees and the fresh ocean breeze.
As the conversation progressed and turned toward his brothers and the birth of James’ first child six months earlier, William relaxed. His initial reaction to what they’d said with regard to Mrs. Lamont had been outrage. He’d gotten defensive. But the truth was they were probably right. What sort of relationship could he possible hope to pursue with her besides one in which she would be ruined? So maybe the right thing to do would be to stay above stairs from now on and keep his distance. It was what he’d planned to do on his own before he’d happened upon her this morning.
Charles and James weren’t wrong. She was from a different social class, and if he showed an interest in her, people would start to wonder about the nature of their relationship.
Perhaps if he kept himself busy, he could forget about her all together.
“Do you still box and fence?” he asked, the question so sudden his brothers both blinked.
“I gave up boxing a few months ago but I still fence,” Charles said.
“I do both,” James said. He offered a wry smile. “Want to join me one day?”
“Yes.” William snatched up a biscuit and took a bite. “When I was in Lisbon, I swam almost every morning, and when the weather didn’t allow for that, I rode. The exercise was invigorating – much better than all this sitting about.”
“We could head over to Gentleman Jackson’s this afternoon if you like,” James said.
“I would,” William said. “Very much so.”
“And I’m happy to spar with you tomorrow and Thursday,” Charles said.
William appreciated the offer. “Maybe we can also meet for luncheon one day at Mivart’s?”
“Sorry,” Charles said. “Bethany and I have something of a luncheon ritual with the children. You’re welcome to join us if you like.”
“Thank you.” William glanced at James. “How about you?”
“I haven’t eaten at Mivart’s in a while,” James said. “Name the day and the hour and I’ll be there.”
A schedule was confirmed and by the time William headed home to collect his boxing equipment, he was satisfied with his increasingly full schedule. Tonight he’d go to White’s in the hope of meeting some of his friends. Hopefully, he’d be able to convince them to go fishing, take a ride out of the City, or meet for a game of cards.
If all went well he’d be mostly away from home for the next week, after which he’d simply have to repeat the process.
Yes. This could work quite well. He had no doubt about it, and as it turned out he was right. His brothers and friends kept his mind away from Mrs. Lamont. They joined him for breakfast, luncheon, and dinner at various restaurants and clubs, ensuring that not even food would tempt him with thoughts of the lovely French cook. His parents and sisters were naturally perplexed by his insistence to stay away from the house, and he was equally reluctant to offer an explanation.
But when he arrived home one afternoon for a quick change of clothes and the smell of baked goods wafted toward him, William’s resolve wavered. Someone – a servant most likely – had forgotten to close the door to the stairs leading down to the kitchen. The temptation the sweet scent offered was overwhelming as it swirled around his nostrils.
Unable to resist the pull, he advanced. He reached the door and paused with his hand on the handle.
Just close the door and step away. Right now.
His body leaned forward until the aroma engulfed him. His feet moved. The top step creaked beneath his weight. William’s mouth began to water and before he knew how it had happened, he’d arrived in the kitchen where servants hurried to and fro while doing chores.
The scullery maid’s eyes widened the moment she saw him. She almost tripped over her feet as she hurried past, barely managing a curtsey before she ducked inside the larder. One of the grooms who’d been taking a break in a corner leapt to his feet. He set the cup he’d been drinking from down so quickly, its contents spilled over the side. Offering a hasty nod he fled before William had a chance to stop him.
Ludicrous.
William shook his head. One would think he had the plague, considering the speed with which he was able to clear the room. Allowing his gaze to wander, it slid across the hot bread rolls resting on the work table, and toward the woman who’d made them.
