Page 4 of One Jewel-tide Scandal (Singular Sensation #10.5)

“Ah, a baron.” Curiosity flared, for when she was truly bored, she studied Debrett’s Peerage.

Except, the last time she’d read it, the Tattingham title was held by a man in his sixties.

Interest twisted down her spine. Was this man young?

Was he unattached? Was he handsome? Then she tempered those immediate reactions by reminding herself that she wasn’t looking for a new romance.

“Did he ask to specifically see me?” As she spoke, Cleo batted at the fringe on her shawl.

“No, but I told him I would inquire to you as to whether he could stay here.” One of his thinning black eyebrows rose in question. “What would you have me do?”

Perhaps this would prove a good interlude and help chase away loneliness.

The ability to have a conversation with a human instead of her cat would be a lovely change.

Each time she tried to talk with her maid or housekeeper or butler on things not pertaining to the household, they became nervous and offered excuses to dash away.

“Bring the poor man tea as well as a tray of things to eat. No doubt he’ll be frozen and hungry, and since I grow tired of eating dinner alone, have the kitchen put enough for two on both. ”

“Of course, Your Ladyship.”

“Oh, and make certain his driver has the same. If they were stranded on the road, no doubt they have both been out in the weather for a long time. That wind can be horrid out here.”

“I will see that it’s taken care of.”

She nodded. “And you said he brought a dog with him?”

“Yes, Your Ladyship. A beagle which he took out of his coat, no doubt to protect the canine from the elements.”

Her heart trembled. Any man who was kind to animals was of good character. “Have someone from the kitchens bring up some lukewarm broth with shredded chicken and mashed vegetables for the dog. He’ll need nourishment too.”

“I will, of course.”

“Thank you.” With another glance at the dark window, she sighed and made her way back down the corridor. “Both the baron and his man can stay until the storm abates, the roads clear and repairs are made. I am not a monster who would send them away in such foul weather.”

“Very good, my lady.” The butler almost smiled. Almost . “No one has ever thought you a monster, least of all now.”

“Not a monster, perhaps, but I certainly feel like a wraith, drifting about the house with no discernable purpose.” Then she waved the butler off.

As the man retreated, she turned to her cat with a sigh.

“We’d best go down and introduce ourselves to our unexpected guests.

” She had no idea how Cleo would react to a dog, or even a strange man, but a visitor meant someone to talk to, and if she were lucky, perhaps he might have brought books.

There were only so many interesting volumes in the earl’s library that she hadn’t already read at least four times.

After settling Cleo against her shoulder, Charlotte made her way through the drafty corridors until she arrived at the drawing room. A footman was within, talking with the baron.

“Lady Charlotte asked that you have both tea and dinner. She will join you presently to share the meal. Do you require anything else, sir?”

“I can’t imagine that I will. This is already a bounty I wasn’t expecting.” The deep timbre of his voice sent a host of tingles down her spine. “Quite frankly, I’m grateful to have this fire, if you want the truth. I absolutely abhor the snow.”

A definitive bark followed the statement.

In the corridor, Charlotte tamped down on the urge to snicker.

“It isn’t nearly as lovely as the sun, this is true,” the footman said, “But there’s good in all the seasons. With the snow, you can see more of the wildlife, and the berries look like jewels against the white.”

“I shall take your word for it, seeing as how I don’t intend to find out for myself.”

Charlotte stood back when a second footman arrived. He gave her a quizzical glance before going in, and it was he who delivered the dog’s chicken, vegetables, and broth.

“On the countess’ orders, sir. She wanted to make certain your dog was fed and given the chance for warmth in his belly.”

Resisting the urge to peer into the room, she waited for his reply, and while she did, Cleo squirmed out of her arms, for the cat was quite nosy. Though she entered the room, the cat stayed close to the wall, but she stared at the dog.

“That is much appreciated,” the baron said. “Old Charlie will be spoiled on such service, I fear.” Then he laughed when the dog barked, and there was no mistaking the joy in either sound.

“If you should need anything else, please ring,” the first footman said.

“I will. Thank you.”

Then both footmen exited the room. They glanced at her on their way out and nodded at her.

“Thank you both for the promptness of delivering the food.” When they grinned, she took a deep breath, smoothed her hands along the front of the dove gray gown she’d donned earlier for tea—she rarely dressed for dinner anymore—and then she entered the drawing room.

“Ah, you must be our unexpected visitor,” she said with far more cheer and enthusiasm in her voice than she felt.

Of course, it wouldn’t do to show a visitor how discomfited or wary she was, even if she was curious.

He scrambled to his feet so quickly, the linen napkin on his lap fluttered to the floor. The dog ignored everyone as he happily ate the food in the silver bowl. “I am. Sir Alexander Tattingham. You must be Lady Spencerford, er Charlotte.”

“Yes, and yes. I married an earl but am also an earl’s daughter.” She nodded. “Please, sit and eat. You must have had quite the ordeal out there.”

“Luckily, my driver and I were able to ride the carriage horses over the countryside until we came upon the manor here.” But he didn’t sit, and then she realized he had too many manners to do so before she did.

With a tiny smile, Charlotte made her way to a chair near his location, and as soon as she settled, he did so as well and retrieved his napkin. “Don’t delay on my account. Please help yourself to whatever you want.”

“Thank you.” As he poured out a cup of tea then proceeded to put cream and sugar into the cup, she studied him.

Tall, perhaps nearing six feet, he still managed to make her average height seem short and petite.

Chestnut hair curled at his collar and his ears, and she wondered why he hadn’t had it cut before embarking on his travels.

His clothing spoke of a good tailor and decent coin, while his boots had probably been shined at some point before he’d had to trudge through the snow.

His manners and bearing were such that she was sure they had been ingrained into him since birth, and if she had to guess, he was part of a large family due to the way he’d deferred to her to guide the tea.

Though he was of the beau monde, his hands were large and held more than enough scratches that he might work at a trade for a living.

To say nothing of the fact that he smelled of pine and how the air smelled before it rained, so fresh and clean.

But it was the brandy-colored eyes that caught and held her attention. Those soulful depths held secrets and dreams. Did it make her a ninny to possibly want to ask about both?

“Since it seems that you will be in residence here at Spencerford Hall for a bit, may I ask where you were going before the storm caught up to you?”