But, with every moment they'd spent together in the past few days, Lucy had come to the awareness of how very well-suited they were. He made her smile like no man had ever done, and cared for her well-being in his serious, responsible fashion. But alas, that wasn't enough to secure the kind of future she wanted, was it?
Then, there was no sweeping away the matter of the pocket watch that hung prominently in her mind. There was no denying that whoever it belonged to, or whoever had given it to Edmund, meant a great deal to him, judging by his evasiveness the first time she'd asked about it, and his strong reaction on the evening of the dance when she'd brought it up again. Although he'd apologized for his curt behavior by sending her roses the next morning, Lucy couldn't help but think about the pocket watch, and the mystery behind it.
Could it be possibly that she was jealous of someone else wielding a huge influence over Edmund—as the owner of the pocket watch obviously did?
It couldn't be jealousy she was feeling—or could it? Lucy had never felt such strong emotions before, except when growing up in Wilshire, when she accompanied her mother to the big manors where she'd taken laundry.
She'd been envious of the other well-dressed girls, and on several occasions, it graduated into full blown dislike, especially when they sneered disdainfully at her worn, barely serviceable gowns which had known many repairs.
Lucy meant to find out about the watch because she couldn't stop thinking about the initials. She was wary of asking Edmund about it again, because she had no claims over him.
Lucy sighed and turned to Lady Agnes, still uneasy about leaving her, especially after the doctor's diagnosis few days ago. No matter how hard she tried to block it from her mind by pretending it hadn't been real, she knew it was real. Lady Agnes had only a matter of months left to live.
The thought promptly made her burst into tears, covering her face with her palms as she sobbed.
"Oh dear child, what is wrong? Don't you want to spend some time on your own? Have I said something wrong? "
Lady Agnes's worried voice broke through Lucy's painful sobs and she shook her head and held on to the woman's hand.
"No, you haven't, My Lady. I don't want to leave because I need to spend time with you, and take care of you. The doctor said it could happen anytime and …"
"Hush, child!"
Lucy fell silent at the strong admonition and looked at her employer's face which had hardened considerably.
"There will be no tears, or change in personal interests, because of Doc Martinson's prognosis, which holds no water with me. It isn't new for these pesky physicians to come up with their balderdash. If it happens as he's predicted, then so be it. I've lived a good, enjoyable life and I refuse to go out in anything less than a grand style."
Lucy choked on a sob and tightened her grip on the amazing woman's hands. "But his predictions might be wrong, My Lady; they are sometimes wrong, aren't they?"
Lady Agnes gave her a sweet, reassuring smile. "Of course, my dear. They don't really know everything, as they claim to. But notwithstanding, when you return , I'd like you to draft a letter to my dear Ursula. We will have to take our trip to Bath earlier than we planned to. I am not missing out on flirting with some old coots before my time is up."
Lucy laughed through her tears. Lady Agnes was every bit as bad as her best friend Lady Fairfax and there was no surprise that they were as thick as thieves.
"Now, wipe those tears and go change your clothes , then return to see me. I might have something nice for you," the older woman said with a wink.
Lucy sat staring at her for several seconds with a smile, before declaring in a firm, reassuring tone (which was more to reassure herself), "You are going to be alright, despite Doc Martinson's prognosis. You are the strongest person I know, My Lady, and an inspiration to me. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't come to work for you."
"You would have done beautifully well, my dear," Lady Agnes told her with a smile. "You are a strong girl, who has gone through a lot, but it hasn't stopped you from persevering. I am proud of you, child."
The woman's words stayed with Lucy as she changed into a lilac muslin day gown, accentuating it with a dainty little feather hat she'd gotten for a cheap price from a haberdashery on Bond Street. They gave her confidence and hope, and by the time she was on her way out of the house, most of her initial anxieties about Lady Agnes had all but eased.
She was just walking out of the front door, with Caroline in tow, when a stagecoach made its way up the lined path, and stopped in front of the house. She was further surprised when she saw Edmund emerge from the vehicle and approach her with tenderness shining in his eyes. He looked undeniably handsome in a black frock coat, and gray pants tucked into brown top boots. There was such a masculine allure to him that always stirred up strange feelings in her body; just as looking at him right then was doing so. Fighting her distracting thoughts, she wondered what he was doing at the manor. He is meant to embark on the trip to his family home this morning, isn't he?"
"A fine morning to you, my lady. You look lovely, as always," he said with a charming smile and a bow. "Good morning, Edmund. You are most charming, as usual," Lucy replied with a smile, darting a confused look to the stagecoach.
Edmund followed her gaze and shook his head. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lucy. I'm sure you must be surprised to see me, but my dear sister, Amelia, was eager to meet you; she couldn't stop chattering about it so I thought we could make a detour."
"I do not chatter, dear brother. I am merely excited to meet this woman who has you thoroughly besotted," a lovely voice teased from inside the coach, and then emerged one of the most beautiful young women Lucy had ever seen.
Edmund's sister was a classical beauty with strong, captivating features: a straight, perfectly trim nose, full soft lips and big emerald green eyes just like her brother's; except hers shone with mischief and something akin to approval right then.
"I presume you are Miss Middleton. It's nice to finally meet you," she said with a warm smile, and reached out to hug Lucy, taking her by surprise.
Lucy's worries about meeting Edmund's sister evaporated into the air as she hugged the delightful girl back. "It's nice to meet you too, Amelia, and please call me Lucy," she said as they separated.
"Alright, Lucy." Amelia grinned, darting a glance at Edmund who stood grinning sheepishly. "I hope you aren't letting my brother's relative stuffiness rub off on you; he has been diagnosed with a no-fun condition ever since we were young and I hear it's quite contagious."
Lucy couldn't resist a laugh, and slapped a hand over her mouth as her eyes flew to Edmund's face.
He gave a heavy mock sigh." I suppose you couldn't wait for a few minutes more before sharing all my less-than-desirable traits with Lucy, sister."
"I've been keeping still, precisely for that reason, all morning," his sister gave a cheeky response before turning to whisper conspiratorially to Lucy, "He doesn't believe just how boring he can be, and I really do enjoy reminding him."
"That she does enjoy doing. Sometimes I think my own sister takes great pleasure in unsettling me in the strangest ways possible." Edmund's resigned reply showed no sign of annoyance but only fondness, which squeezed at Lucy's heart.
"Well, we best get going if we want to make it into Selville by evening. I can't wait to see you when I return, Lucy."
The endearing look on Edmund's face flooded Lucy's cheeks with color, and she looked away from him, slightly embarrassed with Amelia watching with interest.
"It was wonderful to meet you, Lucy," Amelia said, her face genuinely warm. "I can't wait for us to spend time together when I return."
Touched and overwhelmed by the girl's sweetness and immediate affection, Lucy smiled in return. " Thank you, Amelia. I'll be looking forward to spending time with you as well. I wish you both a wonderful, safe trip to the country."
Edmund bowed gallantly, before taking his sister's hand and helping her into the stagecoach.
Lucy watched them leave, suffused in warmth and a sense of being truly wanted. Edmund and his sister had extended a hand of friendship to her, and for the first time in her life, Lucy felt she was finally establishing a form of connection. She no longer felt as alone as she'd felt since the death of her mother.
A few minutes after the stagecoach rumbled down the lane and into the street, Lucy was distracted from her pleasant reverie by a grinning Caroline. The pair of them got into the Langford's family carriage, and headed for the park. It wasn't long before they passed the crowded, busy London streets and arrived in the park along a clean, cobblestoned path, devoid of heavy traffic. It was in the early hours of the afternoon, and Lucy hadn't been expecting the park to be crowded. Giddy with happiness from the pleasantly beautiful day, and the meeting with Edmund's sister, Lucy hurriedly alighted from the carriage and took in her surroundings. She caught Caroline's knowing smile, but ignored the maid as they walked through a narrow lane lined by oak, ash, and beech trees which cast lacy shade. Queen Anne's lace and pink foxgloves made splashes of color, and Lucy breathed in the clean, fresh air; a sharp contrast to the busier city streets, where the congestion and chimneys polluted the atmosphere.
Just past the clearing leading to the Serpentine, Lucy came face to face with a gentleman in a stark white dress shirt, paired with gray pantaloons tucked into high Hessian boots. She recognized him instantly from his cocksure grin, and lazy swagger. Lord Richard Rutherford; second son to the Earl of Richmond, stopped before her and bowed graciously. Lucy was beyond shocked and speechless. She'd seen him on different occasions at balls and soirees, but he scarcely paid her any mind; which wasn't surprising, seeing that there was always a flock of ladies trailing after him.
"Hello, Miss Middleton."
Lucy forced her tongue from the roof of her mouth. "Good afternoon… Lord Rutherford."
"I can't help but comment on the brilliant shade of your gown. You look beyond splendid. Purple does suit you most well."
Lucy blushed to the root of her hair, and lowered her gaze shyly. "Thank you, Lord Rutherford. Your words are kind."
"They are most deserved, and I've never been one to hold back my opinion on a beautiful lady, especially one as lovely as you," Lord Rutherford replied with a wink, his eyes flying over her in undisguised appreciation.
Lucy couldn't help basking in his praises, but her mind brewed with suspicion. Lord Rutherford had met her on many occasion, but apart from a perfunctory greeting, he never spoke long to her or flattered her with compliments, as he was doing now.
"I see you are enjoying a leisurely stroll, and I wouldn't want to detain you unnecessarily," he said, before she could fashion a response. "Would you mind if I paid you a house call some other time? Or perhaps I could invite you on an outing."
Lucy hadn't been expecting anything from the charming, handsome man, but the polite requests to spend more time together sent frissons of shock through her. "Truly?" she asked, berating herself right after. Now he is going to think you are nothing more than a desperate chit.
"Yes, Miss Middleton. I know, given the rigors of caring for the earl's aunt, you must yearn for something else." Lord Rutherford's tone was soft and caring.
"I don't deny the truth of your words," Lucy found herself admitting, flicking back a fallen lock of hair, and looking down shyly.
"Well, my dear lady. If it's agreeable, I'd like to call on you in three days' time. Would you permit me the honor?"
"Certainly, Lord Rutherford," Lucy replied almost immediately, still unable to believe the moment was happening.
"I'll bid you adieu now, Miss Middleton. Enjoy your stroll and keep me in mind." Lord Rutherford smiled, and with a wink, he swaggered away.
It took a little while for it to sink into Lucy's mind that she'd just gotten an offer from a gentleman. After countless failed attempts and numerous walks at the park, she'd finally caught the attention of someone. She barely knew Lord Rutherford, except for the occasional sightings at society events. She knew nothing of his character, but one good thing that looked to be very clear was his involvement with the Earl of Langford. Lucy had never seen him at the Langford's residence, and the knowledge brightened up the thought of spending time with the man. Anyone who wasn't directly involved with the despicable earl was good enough for her.
Accompanying the thoughts of the earl right then were thoughts of Edmund. Lucy suddenly felt uncomfortable for accepting Lord Rutherford's request to call. The image of Edmund's smiling face earlier at the house filled her with a strange sense of guilt and moroseness. It certainly was for the best if she began to keep company with Lord Rutherford. With his interest and attention now, she could speedily forget about the intense and unexplainable feelings Edmund awoke in her, and firmly see him as nothing more than a friend. Yet her heart stung at the thought. No matter how much she tried to deny it, Lucy knew she was strongly attracted to Edmund, and the sweet man felt exactly the same. That doesn't matter now, she thought. I must be steadfast in drawing the lines. I want him to be happy, and leading him on would result in him being devastated when he learns the truth of my plans and the extent of my façade.
Lucy had just walked into the house, with Caroline right behind, when she was confronted by the butler, Wilson, whose expression bore the usual irritation. She felt the discomfort, but no ill because this was the normal state of arrogance laced with displeasure that the butler conveyed. Knowing the state of affairs in the Langford's residence, Lucy thought it probably stemmed from new gossip about her from the housekeeper, or one of the maidservants who despised her, despite numerous attempts to extend an olive branch. "Lady Middleton, Mr. Swinton awaits you in the front room," Wilson said gruffly, his back ramrod straight as he allowed them into the hallway.
Lucy was surprised. She hadn't gotten any letter from Edmund for two days now, and wasn't aware he'd returned to London. Darting a glance at Caroline, whose expression remained blank, Lucy headed for the front room.
The sight of Edmund sitting on a brown upholstered sofa, consulting a pocketbook, sent a flutter of feelings through her body, and stopped her mid-track. She took a moment to observe him, drinking in his features, from the pristineness of his white dress shirt, to the glint of his black polished boots. I can't help myself around him. I think I'm in trouble, Lucy thought in silent despair.
Just then, Edmund looked up at her and a smile spread across his cheeks. "Hello, Miss Lucy. The sight of you is an absolute delight," he said, getting up immediately. " It's been just three days, but I can't hold back the truth. I have really missed you."
Lucy blushed hotly. The ardent expression on Edmund's face made her refrain from ruining the moment by making it seem insignificant. "Well, your company is hard not to miss as well," she replied shyly. " I trust the trip back home was pleasant and you found all well?"
Edmund's eyes burned with intensity. The force of his gaze was sharp and questioning, yet cushioned with softness. "Do you mean that, Lucy? Was I on your mind in the past few days?"
Lucy was shaken by the implications behind the question and the fervor in his tone. She'd missed him and it hadn't been mere lip service. No matter how much she tried to deny it, the truth remained.
"Yes, Edmund, I really did. Though I've been so busy taking care of Her Ladyship, that I've had no time to do anything else," she admitted.
"I'm sorry about that, dear Lucy. Lady Agnes, how does she fare now?" Edmund asked, looking concerned.
" She is feeling better now, thank heavens," Lucy told him with a grateful smile.
Edmund's eyes lit up and he spoke with gusto, "Well, that is good then, because I've come to escort you out to a picnic with my sister and best mate, Lord Shelbroke. Amelia has insisted, and made me promise to bring you."
"A picnic?" Lucy was surprised.
Edmund nodded with an uncomfortable smile. "Yes, a picnic at Green Park. Apparently, Shelbroke has developed a certain interest in my sister—the scapegrace! And she agreed to a picnic with him only
if it included you and I as chaperones."
"Oh!" Lucy couldn't help an amused smile.
"Tell me you'll honor the invitation, or she'll absolutely have my head," Edmund pleaded with a charming smile.
Lucy's smile grew shy. She had only attended one picnic in her entire life, and that was back in Wilshire with some village girls. She had no plans for the rest of the afternoon, and it sounded like fun. It would also be good to see Edmund's sister again. "Well, I have the entire day to pursue my interest, and a picnic with friends sounds like an absolute delight," she said finally, after a bit of thinking. "But first, I have to check on Her Ladyship and make sure she is alright. I feel uncomfortable leaving her, but it's obvious she's tired of my company—what with the way she booted me out of the door today."
Edmund laughed; the sound rich and endearing. "Take your time, dear Lucy. I'll wait right here till you're ready."
Lucy blushed becomingly at the way her name sounded on his lips. "Excuse me … Edmund," she said, flustered, as she beat a hasty retreat from the front room, grateful she didn't trip and fall on her face.
How can one man leave me so uncoordinated and flustered by merely a look? This is madness, truly.
Lucy couldn't help being bothered as she went upstairs to check on Lady Agnes.
"She's taken her medicines and fell asleep few minutes ago," Lizbeth told her as soon as she walked into the bedchamber.
Lucy walked quietly to the bed to see the woman's face slackened in sleep, and touched her forehead affectionately. Turning to Lizbeth she whispered quietly, "I'll be back soon, so don't take your eyes off her."
At the maid's nod, Lucy left the bedchamber for hers, where she picked up a sheer woven shawl in a light purple shade and draped it across her shoulders. She was just leaving when her lady's maid, Caroline, walked in.
"I've been invited out on a picnic by Edmund's sister. I'm slightly nervous about meeting her again," Lucy confessed.
"That is delightful, miss," Caroline's eyes were round with excitement as she hurried forward to adjust the feather hat resting atop Lucy's head.
To Catch the Candid Earl: Regency Historical Romance Page 16
