Page 21 of An Enchanting Kiss (Captivating Kisses #5)

L ia decided to wait and share her news about looking after Celia until she and her family sat down to tea in the drawing room.

She went straight to the pianoforte in the music room and practiced for an hour after they returned home from Kidsgrove.

She had always found comfort in playing, and today was no exception.

Steeling herself, she made her way to the drawing room, knowing Mama would be the biggest obstacle to her plans. She found everyone had already arrived and slipped into a seat next to Tray as the teacart was rolled into the room. She had a feeling if Tray came to her defense, Mama might not object.

“So, how did you find Kidsgrove?” Tray asked, placing a sandwich and two tarts on his plate.

“It is certainly smaller than our local village,” Tia said. “I liked it, though. Everyone was quite friendly. And Mrs. Shaft’s cake was outstanding.”

“What kind did you try?” Aunt Agnes asked.

“I had lemon crème,” Tia said. “But I took a bite of Verina’s baked apple pudding and also one of Justina’s mince pie. All were delicious.”

“I had a slice of pound cake,” Lia shared. “It was so rich and buttery. In fact, I may only drink tea now since I am still full.”

“What of Celia’s gowns?” Mama asked. “Tell us what you chose.”

Her mother was interested in fashion and had spent hours with Tia and her as they looked at designs for gowns and various materials for their come-out gowns. Lia only hoped the wardrobes they’d had made up for their debuts could be worn, even if they were a year old.

They took turns discussing what Mrs. Penny would create for Celia, and Justina told them about the girl’s boots and slippers.

“Lord Cressley is supposed to return with Celia in a week,” Justina concluded. “I think one of us should go with him to make certain things fit Celia properly.”

“I would be happy to do so,” she said, ready to lead into her new duties. “I have volunteered to help Lord Cressley look after Celia until her governess arrives.”

Immediately, she felt Mama’s gaze upon her. “Why on earth would you do something like that, Cornelia? You are here to visit your cousins, not play nursemaid to some child.”

“You know I am terribly fond of children, Mama. Lord Cressley is in a bit of a pickle, having dismissed Celia’s worthless nursemaid.

We have compromised regarding her care. Celia will come to Traywick Manor every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while I will go to Crestbrook on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

I will still get to see my cousins plenty, and I know they, too, will enjoy being around Celia. ”

As she had expected, Tia leaped to her defense.

“Yes, Mama. We all adore Celia. It will be good to have her around. She has had no guidance in her life. It will be good for her to be in the company of us all. The viscount has worried about her manners, and we can all take time to help teach her the things a young girl her age needs to know.”

Before Mama could complain further, Verina and Justina also echoed the same sentiments, assuring their aunt of how much they like Celia.

“It will be good practice for all of us when we have children of our own,” Lia concluded. “If we had made our come-outs as planned, Tia and I both might already be wed—and with child. Having the four of us watch over Celia a few days a week will give us a better idea about how to raise a child.”

“And what of you going to Crestbrook?” Mama asked. “You are an unwed lady, Cornelia. It is not the done thing for someone in your position to traipse about a viscount’s house.”

Lia stifled a giggle. “The only traipsing might be about the country, Mama. It is only for a few weeks, until a governess arrives at Crestbrook. I will spend a good portion of the day with Celia in the schoolroom. We can also enjoy playing outside. She enjoys the gardens, so we can stroll through them. And I asked Lord Cressley if I might teach her how to ride, as well. Tia and I sat our first ponies when we were only three or four. As a viscount’s daughter being raised in the country, riding is definitely a skill Celia should master.

I would love to get her started on that path. ”

“It sounds as if Lia will not even encounter Lord Cressley during her days at Crestbrook, Aunt Alice,” Tray said, contributing to the conversation. “As a man in a similar position, I can tell you he will be busy and away from the house much of the day.”

She flashed Tray a grateful smile.

Mama sighed. “It seems your mind is already made up, Cornelia. You would think you might have discussed the matter with me beforehand. But what do I know? I am only your mother.”

Aunt Agnes chuckled. “Oh, Alice, do not be so put out. I think it is lovely that Lia has been kind enough to offer to help our neighbor. And you admitted to me that Celia is an enchanting child.”

“True,” Mama said grudgingly. “I suppose we shall see since the two of us are supposed to watch over her tomorrow.” She looked to Tray. “How long will you be out riding, Traywick?”

“Most of the day, Aunt Alice. There is much to see. I wish I had more time at home. I would take you all down to Grasmere. That is where Wordsworth lived and wrote about.”

“Is it too far to ride to tomorrow?” Lia asked. “I so enjoy Mr. Wordsworth’s poems. ”

“I am keeping us closer to home,” he replied.

“I planned for us to see Derwentwater, which is a beautiful lake, and have us walk a bit around Buttermere. That valley is surrounded by mountains, and the views are stunning. And I know Mama would be up to taking you by carriage to Kenwick. It is the most northern town in the Lake District. It is but five miles from Traywick Manor.”

“It does sound exciting. Perhaps we can see Grasmere at another time,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment, knowing her cousin was already taking valuable time to take them out tomorrow when he was so close to leaving for his final year of study.

“Mama, you could take everyone to Grasmere while I am gone,” Tray suggested. “You are familiar with the area.”

“Not as much as you, Traywick,” her aunt said. “But it is a thought. We could go down by carriage early one morning and see the sights along the way. It’s a lovely town, and I know exactly where we could stay overnight.”

“We could even rent horses to ride and see Mr. Wordsworth’s former cottage,” Justina said with enthusiasm.

“Under no circumstances will I allow my daughters to roam the wilds of northern England without proper supervision,” Mama said, dampening the spirits of everyone in the room.

“What if Lord Cressley went with you?” Tray mused. “He could help in hiring the horses and ride out with all the young ladies. They would be safe in his care.”

Mama harumphed. “That would be quite a bit to ask of someone we barely know.”

Tray smiled at Mama, and Lia knew just how susceptible her mother was to male charm.

“But he is our neighbor, Aunt Alice. Yes, he has been gone a good while, but he will be next door to us for decades to come. He might enjoy such an outing, and I know my sisters and cousins would, too. And Mama would also be going.”

“Would you go with them, Agnes?” Mama said .

“In the carriage,” Aunt Agnes said. “I would be happy to take you all about the shops in Keswick. Riding is not for me, however. Alice, you and I could stay at the inn while the young people had a bit of fun on their own.”

Before Mama agreed, Tray said, “I will tell Cressley about this future outing to Grasmere tomorrow during our ride. See if he would be amenable to accompanying all of you in my absence.”

The matter seemed settled, and Lia was grateful her mother did not turn the conversation back to Lia keeping Celia for the next several weeks.

Because she was determined to do what she wished to do, and that meant spending more time with Celia—and her uncle.

*

Why on earth had he agreed to allow Lady Lia to watch over Celia?

Rupert and his niece now rode in his carriage toward Traywick Manor. He looked at the small girl sitting next to him, her hand in his. A new burst of love for this child filled him. She was the reason he had agreed to Lady Lia’s generous proposal.

His growing attraction to her would only spell disaster for the two of them, and he vowed to keep his distance from her. His days would be tied up on his estate anyway, while she would be spending hers with Celia.

Rupert leaned down and kissed the top of his niece’s head.

She glanced up. “Why did you kiss me?”

“Because I love you,” he declared, causing her to say, “I love you, too, Uncle Rupert.”

He had sent a message to Lord Traywick when he realized he had no horse to ride on today’s tour.

Because his brother never came to Crestbrook, the only horse in the stables beyond the carriage horses Rupert had brought was the one his steward used.

Williamson had graciously given the horse over to Rupert to use the times he had ridden out on the property.

He had taken Celia with him, and his niece seemed to enjoy riding.

Now that he would live in the country a majority of the time, he would need to add a few riding horses to the Crestbrook stables.

In the meantime, the earl had returned his message, saying that he had a good mount which Rupert could borrow.

He looked forward to today’s outing. It had been so many years since he had taken in the beauty of the surrounding area. He knew he would not only enjoy seeing it—but seeing it through Lady Lia’s eyes, as she was exposed to the true beauty of Cumberland.

They arrived at Traywick Manor, and he dismissed his coachman, telling him to return by six o’clock that evening, the time the earl had previously recommended.

Rupert took Celia to the door and was greeted by the butler before he even knocked.

“Good morning, Lord Cressley, Miss Celia,” Larsen said. “Lady Traywick and Her Grace have just gone to the parlor if you will allow me to escort you to them.”