Page 6 of An Impulsive Kiss (Captivating Kisses #2)

L ucy appeared at breakfast, finding her brother and father present. Mama always took the meal in her room, rarely seeing anyone in the family before noon. She had told Lucy that she, too, would breakfast in her own bedchamber once the Season began, mentioning the late nights and how it was simply easier to take tea and toast in private before dressing. As it was, Mama had told Lucy she would change gowns numerous times a day, due to needing to wear different gowns to receive guests, as well as for various social events.

She wondered if she would have suitors call upon her. Con had explained anyone interested in her would call the next afternoon and stay for a quarter-hour, and Ariadne had confirmed that brief visit. If the gentleman truly had an interest in her, then he would send flowers, as well. When she had asked Con if he ever sent flowers to anyone, he only gave her a mysterious smile. She suspected he had a mistress, but it wasn’t something she cared to broach with him.

As she accepted her tea from a footman and another brought her a breakfast plate with a poached egg and toast points, she wished she could ask her brother what he had thought of Lord Huntsberry. Lucy had been quite taken with him. The man stood a couple of inches over six feet, and his muscular frame was revealed by the fit of his finely tailored clothes. His hair was a rich brown, but it was his emerald eyes that had drawn her in.

She had thought Mama far too obvious in looking over the marquess as a potential suitor for Lucy and asking him questions. Would all mothers behave so boldly when it came to their daughters? Lucy would need to ask Ariadne about it. Mama had been almost gleeful after her own brother’s death since it meant Lia and Tia returned to the country. She couldn’t understand a competition so fierce that even families would turn upon one another, trying to find suitable husbands for their daughters.

Lucy wished it could be her choice, but Mama had already told her that she was young and inexperienced, and that while Con might advise the two of them on the suitability of a gentleman, Mama would make the decision in the end.

That was why Lucy did not even consider a love match. Her mother would have thought that to be the height of foolishness. What Mama was most interested in included a lofty title and an immense amount of wealth. It was what she had gained for herself when she had wed many Seasons ago, and it was what she expected for her older daughter. Lucy knew she would prove to be as meek as usual and let Mama have her way. It was simply easier than arguing with her.

Dru was different. Her sister continually stood up to Mama, expressing her opinions, which Mama never looked favorably upon. Dru constantly challenged Mama. She had even told Lucy she was not even slightly interested in a Season for herself, because she did not want to wed. When Lucy expressed shock at the idea, Dru had informed her that she would never allow any man to tell her what to do. As much as she loved her sister, Lucy hoped she would be wed before next Season, for she did not want to be anywhere near the clashes which would result between Dru and Mama.

Once she finished her breakfast, Con told her they would be leaving soon. Julian and Ariadne would stop and pick them up on the way to the orphanage. She didn’t know if Lord Huntsberry would be present or if he would make his way separately to Oakbrooke Orphanage. She hoped he would be in the carriage and that they might sit next to one another as they had at tea. The spice of his cologne had teased her unmercifully.

“Stop,” she murmured under her breath as she went upstairs to fetch her spencer and bonnet. Lord Huntsberry was a sophisticated man and one far too handsome to be interested in someone such as herself.

When she came down to the foyer, Con awaited her. A fresh wave of love washed over her. She had always been close to both her siblings, and she was happy Con would look out for her this Season.

He looked far too serious, though, as he said, “We must talk, Lucy.”

Dread knotted in her belly. “Have I done something wrong, Con? Did I pour out wrong yesterday? Or—”

“No, nothing such as that,” he assured her. “It is about Lord Huntsberry.”

“Oh.”

“You are unworldly, Lucy. Unsophisticated. I do not say that disparagingly. I adore your gentle spirit and nurturing ways. Because of your lack of experience, that is why I wish to evaluate your suitors.”

He paused, and she asked, trying to mask her disappointment, “And you believe the marquess is unsuitable for me.”

Frowning, Con said, “It isn’t that. I find it hard to explain. Yes, he is a marquess, so naturally, his title alone allows him entrance into the finest residences and social affairs held in London.” He hesitated. “Lord Huntsberry has a reputation as a loner. I never see him with friends. Frankly, I do not think he has a single one.”

“But I thought you were friends with him,” she protested. “At least, it sounded that way to me at tea yesterday.”

“We have never been friends. Or even acquaintances. He is older than I am, so I never had any classes with him. We went to different universities. And since my time in town, I do not see him with anyone at social affairs. True, he dances upon occasion and spends time in the card room, where he wins with alarming regularity, but I never see him talking with anyone else. He did sit with Julian and me at White’s, but that is the very first time I have ever witnessed him sit with another gentleman and engage in conversation at the club. Frankly, I was astonished when he accepted Julian’s invitation to tea.”

Con raked a hand through his hair. “You are a wonderful girl, Lucy. You have a brightness about you that I am afraid someone such as Huntsberry would dim. He’s a brooding sort. What I am saying is that I think you can do much better than him.”

She snorted. “Tell Mama that. Did you see how intently she watched him yesterday? I thought she might gobble him up and spit him out, chewed into pieces to her liking.”

Her brother laughed. “I did notice she inspected him with care. I know she thinks to choose your husband for you. I have already spoken to Papa, though, about it. He and I agree that it should be your choice. With our input, of course.”

“Truly?” she said, excitement pouring through her. “I have lived in fear of Mama rejecting every gentleman under thirty and marrying me off to some elderly duke.”

Con’s lips pursed. “If left up to her, she would do exactly that. Mama is all about a man’s title.”

“And his money,” she added, giggling.

Her brother pretended to slap himself. “Egad, how could I forget that? But seriously, I know most of the eligible bachelors, especially after looking so closely at them last Season for Ariadne. I will keep away the rakes and fortune hunters and do my best to steer men with good reputations your way, Lucy.”

“But not Huntsberry,” she pointed out.

Con shrugged. “I would not necessarily keep him from you. I just do not see him being the man for you.” He slipped her arm through his. “If he asks you to dance, you may do so. Unless I find out some dark, deep secret he is hiding from Polite Society. In truth, he never dances more than once with any girl. He has never seemed to be serious about marriage. I do not recall anyone mentioning him even calling upon a young lady as a suitor. Huntsberry may be one of those men who wait until they are forty, enjoying his bachelorhood, and then wedding because he requires an heir.”

“Thank you for the warning,” Lucy told her brother. “If he approaches me, I will be polite, but at least I know he is not to be given serious consideration.”

Adams informed them that the Aldridge carriage had arrived, and they stepped out into a cool, overcast day. A footman laid the stairs for them, and Con handed her up. Immediately, Lucy saw Ariadne and Julian sitting together, with Lord Huntsberry opposite them. Her dilemma was whether she should sit next to the marquess or her cousin.

Lord Huntsberry made the decision for her. He moved toward the window, making room for her, so Lucy took a seat next to him. Con climbed into the vehicle and sat next to her. She found her shoulder pressing against the marquess’. Once more, she caught a whiff of his cologne. At least she wasn’t sitting opposite him. She had discovered her tendency to blush around him, and if she had to look at him the entire way to the orphanage, she feared her face would be flaming by the time they arrived.

They talked briefly about the weather, and then Ariadne mentioned the first ball of the Season, which would take place tomorrow evening.

“Have you decided which ballgown you will wear to the opening night?” her cousin asked.

“Mama has said she will choose for me,” Lucy said, hating how that sounded even to her own ears. It wasn’t as if she were four years of age and needed to be told what to wear.

“I would think pale yellow would suit you well, Lady Lucy,” Lord Huntsberry said. “It would be a nice contrast to your eyes, and your tawny hair might pick up shades of the gown, which would be most flattering.”

“You think so?” she asked, amazed that a man would know anything about fashion and suitable colors.

“I agree,” Ariadne said. “I will mention something to Aunt Charlotte. I know she can have rather strong opinions about things.”

“No,” Lucy said firmly. “I will decide which gown to wear. After all, it is my come-out and not Mama’s. If I am old enough to wed, then certainly I should be able to choose a gown without her advice.”

“Bravo, my lady,” Lord Huntsberry said, causing Lucy’s cheeks to warm considerably.

“And I will do my best to deflect Mama’s wrath,” Con said lightly.

Her mother did have quite a temper, especially when someone went against her. Dru had suffered the most of the three siblings because she was so bent on being stubborn herself. Lucy hoped Ariadne would speak to Mama, despite the fact she had protested against it. Her cousin’s word would carry more weight than Lucy’s, especially since Ariadne had only recently made her own come-out, and she was now a marchioness, outranking Mama.

They arrived at the school, and as Con handed her down, she saw a wagon bearing the name of Gunter’s on it.

“Is that the same Gunter’s where we ate our ices?” she asked.

“The very one,” Ariadne said. “They have a catering business beyond their tearoom. Since Julian and I have not been to the orphanage these past six weeks, we wanted to surprise the children with not only our presence but also with some treats.”

A woman stepped from the building and headed toward them. “Ah, Lord and Lady Aldridge. It is so good to see you once more. I see you have brought visitors with you.”

“Miss Darnell, this is my cousin, Lady Lucy Alington, and her brother, Viscount Dyer. And Lord Huntsberry, our neighbor in Surrey. They are most interested in seeing the facilities and meeting the children.” Turning to the others, Ariadne added, “Miss Darnell serves as headmistress for Oakbrooke Orphanage and also teaches a few classes.”

They exchanged greetings and then Miss Darnell smiled. “I see Gunter’s is here again.”

“Yes,” Julian said. “They have brought biscuits and cakes for the children. To celebrate our return to town.”

“They will be most appreciative, my lord,” the headmistress said. “Won’t you all come in?”

Miss Darnell led them on a tour of the school. Lucy was touched when a few of the children in the halls hugged Ariadne and Julian, telling them how much they had been missed.

One boy, whose name was Joseph, said, “I have been working on my geography, my lord, as well as long division. You said both would be helpful to me.”

“Yes, Joseph,” Julian replied. “I hope your marks have been good since we last spoke.”

“They have been excellent,” Miss Darnell declared. “Joseph is the top student here at Oakbrooke.”

As they moved on, Julian told the group, “I plan for Joseph to come and work for us. He is a bright lad. At first, I had thought to have him start as a footman, but I think he would be happier working with Mr. Ross, our steward.” He glanced about the group. “My goal is to eventually help every child here find gainful employment. That may include calling upon my friends to see if they have any positions open in their households.”

“I would have to have my own household before I could take anyone on,” Con joked. “But Lucy will soon wed. Perhaps you could convince your new husband he needs additional staff.”

Julian looked at Lord Huntsberry. “Do not think you will get off easily, my lord. When the time comes, I may come knocking at your door. I can guarantee you that these children are learning to master reading, writing, and maths. They also are being trained to go into service or work for shopkeepers. A few have expressed interest in farming and animals, so I may be bringing some of them to Aldridge Manor so that they might become tenants or work with my livestock.”

“I would have to speak with my steward, my lord,” the marquess said. “As for town, I only have a skeleton staff of servants. Since I am the only one in the house, my needs are simple. In fact, I do no entertaining, so my drawing room furniture is covered in sheets, as is most of the furniture in the house. I take all my meals in the breakfast room since it is cozy. The rest of the time, I am in my study or bedchamber.”

Ariadne laughed. “That will change when you take on a wife, Lord Huntsberry. You will need to open up the entire house. Lady Huntsberry might also prefer country living, and you must open it, too. We would be happy to see you in Surrey.”

He shrugged. “When I wed, my marchioness is welcome to live in the country. I prefer town and will always remain here. My future wife will be allowed to live wherever she chooses. If she wishes me to open up my country house, I will do so for her and our children.”

Ariadne looked at him oddly. “I see.”

Con was right. Lord Huntsberry was not for her. While Lucy knew many couples of the ton led separate lives, she would want her husband to at least reside with her and their children some of the year. She wondered why the marquess was so solitary.

“Do you have brothers or sisters, my lord?” she asked as they continued on their tour.

“Neither, my lady. I am not much for family since I have none.”

“No one?” she inquired. “No aunts and uncles? No cousins?”

His jaw tightened. “An uncle. We are estranged, however.”

She did not question him further, realizing the topic was sensitive to him. Mama had drilled into her that Lucy was not to ask personal questions, and now she could see why.

They watched some of the lessons going on, and Ariadne encouraged them to walk about and help the children. She found herself enjoying herself immensely.

Miss Darnell appeared. “It is time for assembly,” she said, and the children in the room scrambled to put away their books and slates and form a line, which moved from the classroom once every child was in place. The others began to follow. She and Lord Huntsberry were the last in the classroom.

“You seemed to become a different person around these orphans,” he said. “At tea yesterday, you were very quiet. But you opened up and were laughing often.”

“I have always been drawn to children,” Lucy admitted. “It is the reason I am eager to make my come-out. Once I find a husband, starting our family will be next. It is all I have ever wanted. I cannot wait to manage my own household.”

“Out from your mother’s thumb.”

She nodded. “Mama is very domineering. She is a lot like my late Uncle Charles, who recently passed. Extremely opinionated.”

“And always right?” he asked lightly.

Lucy giggled. “They think so. Oh, Mama is not so bad. She just has firm ideas of how things should be.”

“I think she was considering me as a future son-in-law yesterday at tea,” he said bluntly.

Heat rose in her cheeks. “I am sorry for that, my lord. I fear Mama will be assessing every unwed man, seeing if he might serve as a potential husband for me. Have no fear, though. I understand you are not interested in marriage at this time.”

He cocked his head, studying her. “Why do you say that, Lady Lucy?”

She felt her face go hot. “Con told me you are not often in the company of others. That you have never called upon a young lady.”

The marquess nodded his head slowly. “Lord Dyer is correct. I have never chosen to woo another.” He paused. “I do worry about you, though, my lady.”

“Worry? About me?” she squeaked.

“You are a breath of fresh air,” he declared. “And very, very innocent. There are horrible gossips in the ton who would tear a lovely creature like you into shreds. And rakehells who might take advantage of your extreme innocence.”

She bit her lip. “Might you be one of those rakehells, Lord Huntsberry?”

“No,” he quickly assured her. “But you never want to be alone with one. That is a hard and fast rule.”

Lucy looked around. “But we are alone together now,” she pointed out.

“And we shouldn’t be. Because something like this might happen.”

Before she could ask what, Lord Huntsberry’s arms came about her.

And his mouth pressed softly against hers.