"You shouldn't be nervous. You hit it right off when you first met. I was there, remember? Don't fuss, Miss Lucy; you will have a great time, I'm sure."
Lucy nodded, feeling slightly better. Fuelled by the maid's confidence, she returned downstairs to see Edmund conversing with Fergus by the front door. He turned as she approached. "Are you ready, Miss Lucy?"
Lucy nodded with a small smile as she came to join him. Edmund took her hand right away and led her outside to a waiting hackney. On the ride to Green Park, Edmund told her all about his trip to the country, as well as the mishaps and adventures on the road.
Lucy's smile soon began to disappear, her thoughts racing back to the last time she'd been on these country lanes. She reflected upon the hard, arduous journey of arriving in London as a different person from whom she'd once been, and the close shave with trouble which she'd run into because of her naiveté and lack of experience.
"A penny for your thoughts, dear Lucy?" Edmund's voice suddenly interrupted her bittersweet reverie, and she turned to him with a smile.
"Why don't you make that two crowns, and I'll see about sharing them?" she teased, loving the way his eyes crinkled at the sides when he grinned suddenly.
"You drive a hard bargain, woman. Okay then, two crowns it is. What held you in its deep clutches just now, if you care to share?"
Lucy thought of what to tell Edmund for a few seconds before deciding to stick closer to the truth. It was always better than tripping over new lies at every turn. "I was just reminiscing about the last time I was on this same journey; and my arrival in London months ago. How time flies quietly yet steadily."
Edmund's countenance grew thoughtful. "Yes, indeed. We sometimes get caught in the rigors of our daily lives and forget to take a break and catch up with the little things."
Lucy nodded, admiring the profoundness and truth of Edmund's words. She had been so concerned with securing a better future since her arrival in London, that she hadn't taken time to make friends, or enjoy little things. Well, I'm correcting that right now, she vowed. I'm going to enjoy this picnic and not take things too seriously, at least for this short while.
Just then, the hackney arrived at Green Park, jolting Lucy from her thoughts. She peered outside as they drove in, admiring the impressive picturesque surroundings, and fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen on their afternoon stroll. This was her first time at the park, and Lucy couldn't help but notice how beautiful and peaceful it was, although smaller than Hyde.
Soon they passed a water fountain and went along a tarred lane lined by trimmed grasses and colorful flowers; they finally arrived at a small garden.
They alighted, with Edmund holding her hand, and walked along the walkway to join Amelia and an unfamiliar gentleman a short distance away on a thick blanket.
Amelia's eyes lit up when she saw them approach and got up to enfold her in a hug.
"Oh, Lucy, it's good to see you again. I'm glad you came."
Lucy felt her heart tighten as she hugged the dear girl. "I couldn't get Edmund in trouble, could I?" she teased as they separated, eliciting laughter from everyone.
Suddenly the grinning dark-haired gentleman beside Amelia came forward and bowed dramatically.
"Hello, Miss Lucy, I am Peter Shelbroke, in case Edmund is slow to introduce me; which if you ask me stems from jealousy and nothing more."
Lucy struggled between a blush and laughter as Edmund shook his head ruefully, while Amelia rolled her eyes. "It's nice to meet you, Lord Shelbroke. Edmund has told me about you." She curtseyed pleasantly in return.
"Anything he told you about me is liable for contemplation. I try my best to keep him from turning into a boring old man too soon. "
"Push me to an early grave, more like," Edmund interjected with an exasperated smile.
Lucy liked Edmund's friend instantly, and as the afternoon progressed, she understood the dynamics between the two men. Edmund was quiet, calm and stable, while Peter had a childlike mischievousness that was endearing, as much as it was exasperating. While she observed them, she couldn't help noticing the connection between him and Edmund's sister, Amelia. Although the sweet girl put on an uncaring and straitlaced front, Lucy couldn't help noticing how attracted she was to Peter.
Soon they were wrapped up in their own conversation, leaving Lucy and Edmund pretty much to themselves.
"I trust you're happy?" Edmund turned to her, his dark brown eyes soft with concern and affection.
Lucy's heart tightened for what seemed like the fourth time since she'd seen him sitting in the front room at the earl's residence. "Yes, I am, Edmund. The park is quite beautiful. It's my first time visiting, and I'm quite impressed." Was that her voice sounding like the wind rustling through the leaves outside her bedroom window on early evenings? She couldn't look away from his eyes, despite how much she tried.
Edmund smiled, his gaze shifting to peruse their surroundings. Slowly, he began to talk about the history of the park, his voice firm, yet gentle enough to keep her gaze fastened on his lips.
While he spoke, Lucy couldn't help marvelling at the snippets of wisdom and thought-provoking things he talked about, and was convinced it was one of the things she admired about him—his intelligence.
They chatted about everything after that; from the gradual advent of industrialization and how it would affect the present way of life, to politics and the war. Edmund was steadfast and logical in his reasoning, presenting facts to support everything he talked about. He was a true conversationalist in every sense of the word, and Lucy enjoyed bantering with him.
Finally they fell back into companionable silence, aware of each other's presence and indulging in long, lingering looks; Amelia teased her later that it felt like he was trying to discern her thoughts, and imprinting her appearance into his memory.
Lucy made some clear observations about Edmund which had endeared him to her. There was the sweet way he tilted his head whenever he listened to her speak, without glancing in her direction. She learnt that he had a fascination with butterflies and a great love for animals, and planned to own a couple of dogs when he began a family of his own.
Lucy loved animals too, and imagined herself owning different purebred horses, cats, dogs and even a parrot. There was a huge book of animals in the earl's library with colorful illustrations, and she had pored over the pages whenever she daydreamed of the perfect life and all it entailed.
There had been a moment, after their picnic lunch of cold roast beef, bread and honey, when their gazes had been deep and fraught with desire. Lucy had reined in her wandering thoughts, fighting to remain immune to the needs and questions in his eyes—for which she had no ready answer.
The hours flew by in a quick blur, and soon it was early evening. Flowers perfumed the air, and songbirds flitted through the trees. Lucy was laughing at a joke Edmund told, and he joined right along but stopped suddenly; the sharp gleam of desire returning to his eyes. He reached for her hand immediately, and Lucy drew a sharp intake of breath.
"Edmund, I completely forgot, silly me," Amelia's laughing voice broke through the intense connection. Lucy sighed with relief when Edmund dropped her hand and turned to his sister. Grateful for the interruption, Lucy couldn't help noticing the speculative look in Lord Shelbroke's eyes and blushed anew, turning away. I'm sure my face is aflame from all the blushing I've done this afternoon, she thought.
"Aunt Winifred expects everyone back home for dinner and right on time. She says she hasn't seen you since the trip, and misses you," Amelia announced, tucking a loose dark braid into her flower printed, lace bonnet.
"And you conveniently forgot to inform me till now. It's almost dinnertime." Edmund gave his sister a pointed look.
Amelia's response was a cheeky grin." I knew you'd find some excuse to disappear again, and she made me promise to get you home. She has spent the whole afternoon cooking, so you wouldn't want to disappoint our dear Aunt Winny now, would you?"
Lucy couldn't help
a smile. Amelia knew her brother quite well, and how to manipulate him to her will. It made her wish she had an older brother who'd have been a protector after the death of their parents. Perhaps then there wouldn't have been such uncertainty concerning her future.
"Lucy?"
Lucy was pulled from the depths of murky, unpleasant thoughts, and turned to Edmund who wore a long-suffering smile.
"Yes, Edmund?"
"We will be leaving for dinner at Aunt Winifred's, and I know it is too much to ask, seeing that I've monopolized the entirety of your afternoon, but I'd like your company at dinner at my aunt's. But it's perfectly alright if you can't honor it," he added quickly. "I've just been told myself."
Dinner at his aunt's? Lucy was suddenly besieged by a wave of anxiety. Amelia had accepted her pretty easily, it didn't mean his aunt might feel the same about her. Besides, meeting more of his family was definitely blurring the lines of friendship she was trying so hard to maintain, for both their sakes.
"Please come to dinner, Lucy," Amelia interjected, her face puckering up in a pleading fashion. "Aunt would simply be delighted. Besides, I told her all about you!"
Edmund groaned. "Oh, Amelia." He turned to Lucy whose blush was enough to light up a gas lamp, an embarrassed smile at the corner of his lips. "I'm sorry, Lucy. Amelia has a mind of her own. It doesn't mean you're obligated to attend. I know you have to take care of Her Ladyship. In fact, I can take you home right now, if that pleases you."
"No, no… It's alright, Edmund. I'll be honored to come for dinner," Lucy hastily told him with a smile, which blossomed into soft laughter at the excited cry from Amelia. Edmund's sister hurried over and threw her arms around her.
"Thank you, Lucy! Aunt Winny would be so honored."
When they separated, Edmund perused her face intensely. "Are you really sure about this, dear?"
Lucy darted a quick glance at Amelia and Lord Shelbroke's face, before returning to Edmund's. She nodded with a small smile, ignoring the doubts fluttering in her head.
It's only dinner with a friend's family and nothing more. What is the worst that could occur?
Chapter Nineteen
Lucy couldn't help feeling nervous as they arrived at the home of Edmund's aunt; it was a modest place consisting of three rooms, excluding the kitchen connected to a small yard out back. It was small, but efficient, and she noticed how neat and well taken care of it was as they walked through the hallway.
Candles lent light, illuminating the pots of flowers that sat on handmade wooden stands, and Lucy didn't fail to notice the bright yellow curtains hanging at the windows.
Following the sound of voices, they arrived at a small parlor where Aunt Winifred bustled around setting a table in a corner.
She looked up as they approached and gave a small excited cry, hurrying forward to pull Edmund into a hug. Edmund's aunt was a beautiful, dark-haired woman with intuitive green eyes who took one look at Lucy, drew her close, and insisted Lucy call her Winifred; laying to rest her anxiety and earlier fears of not being accepted. Lucy watched her fuss tirelessly over Edmund and Lord Shelbroke, whose relaxed grin told just how accustomed he was to the affectionate display.
They were joined soon enough by Aunt Winifred's husband, Mr. George Mortimer; a stocky man with thick, reddish-brown hair, whose height and build contrasted heavily with that of his petite wife. But contrary to appearances, he was soft spoken and knew the right words to set one at ease; much like his wife. Lucy liked him instantly, just as she'd done Aunt Winifred.
While the seating arrangements were being sorted, Amelia excused herself, disappearing out of the parlor, only to return with a young lady of not more than sixteen. Lucy didn't need a clearer look to see the striking resemblance between her and both parents; from the thick reddish-brown curls tucked haphazardly under a bonnet, to the dancing green of her eyes. Lucy made a prediction right then. Aunt Winifred's daughter, Bridget, would be a great beauty, and soon men would be tripping over themselves for her attention.
At the moment, the girl was completely taken up with Edmund, whom she seemed to be quite fond of, after giving Lucy a warm welcome and a hug.
Dinner commenced shortly after, with a generous spread of ham and steamed vegetables, complemented by fruit pies and tarts for dessert. Throughout the meal, conversation flowed with heartwarming stories and laughter; in contrast to the cold, stilted dinner parties of aristocratic society.
Lucy listened and learnt about Edmund's little sister, Mary Josephine, whose impossibly hilarious antics were legendary, and his brother, Robert, a miniature version of him from the polite reserve, to the deep well of intellect he exhibited in different topics of discussion, except for the slight mischievousness that peeked out occasionally and rivalled his little sister's.
The entire family was the embodiment of what Lucy believed families were supposed to be, from what she'd observed so far. It was beyond obvious the love and concern they had for each other. Lucy couldn't resist smiling as tears stung her eyes at the warm scene before her. A bittersweet feeling tugged at her heart as she remembered her own mother and the beautiful times they'd shared together, amid the drudgery.
I might not act like I do, but I miss you, Mother. I miss you more than I ever let on.
After dinner, the men retired to a section of the parlor, demarcated by a tall bookshelf, affording them some privacy. Lucy sought Amelia out immediately for assistance to mend a sudden tear at the hem of her gown. She was taken quickly to the girl's bedchamber, provided with a pincushion, and proceeded to get to work immediately while Amelia left to assist in the kitchen.
A few minutes later, Lucy examined her work by a low burning candle nearby. Satisfied the stitches were tightly done, she left the bedchamber only to run into Edmund by the door.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Lucy," he apologized hastily, reaching out to steady her.
The warmth from his hands seeped straight into her skin, and her thoughts began to run amok. What would it feel like to be held lovingly in his arms? I bet it would feel like heaven, or something close.
One look in his eyes and Lucy discovered her thoughts must have been plain on her face, from the awareness and heat she suddenly found in their green depths.
"You look exceptionally lovely, Lucy. Right from the moment you walked into the front room, I've been struggling to hold my feelings at bay."
Lucy felt color suffuse her cheeks as she smiled. His words were bold and possessive, and they made her feel undeniably wanted.
Stunned by the admiration and unspoken promise in his eyes, Lucy was grossly unprepared when he bent and brushed his lips against hers.
Before she could regain her scattered equilibrium, he gathered her close, moving them into the shadow of Amelia and Bridget's bedchamber, before seizing her lips in another heated kiss.
Fiery sparks exploded in her chest as he deepened the kiss, teasing the seam of her lips apart with his. It was over just as fast as it began, leaving Lucy strangely bereft and wanting.
Desire and heat warred in Edmund's eyes as he stepped away quickly, visibly shaken from the meeting of their lips.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have done that, but I couldn't resist. I find myself drowning every single time you're this close to me."
His words only made her heart considerably warmer, and Lucy let herself savor his desire, which mirrored her own.
Despite all the reasons why she knew she couldn't have him, she wanted him desperately.
I can't possibly be so brazen as to want him to kiss me again, can I? Anyone could happen upon us, and what kind of woman would they think that I am?
"We should return to the parlor now, I think," was all she managed to squeak out of her passion-clogged throat.
Hissing under his breath, Edmund shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Lucy. I seem to lose my train of thought with you."
Lucy knew how that felt, and perfectly too. Whenever she was near Edmund, it seemed something asleep was awakened inside her. He affected her in mo
re ways than she'd imagined possible. Swallowing against the roughness in her throat, she tried for a smile before preceding him to the parlor; hoping against all odds that her face wasn't flaming up and bearing evidence to what had just transpired.
For the next minutes, Lucy spent time in the company of Amelia and Aunt Winifred, trying and failing to keep the feel and memory of Edmund's lips out of her mind with great difficulty.
Remembering the pocket watch and the initials on the back, she decided to distract herself from the mind-numbing kiss by asking Amelia about it, taking care to keep her voice lightly speculative.
"Excuse me, Amelia, if you don't mind my asking. I've been quite curious about Edmund's pocket watch for a little while now."
Amelia smiled at her. "It's a beautiful timepiece, isn't it? Exquisitely designed too."
"Yes I agree, it's one of a kind. But the design isn't the reason I'm curious about it, rather the initials behind it. Do you happen to know who gave him such a precious gift? He seems quite fond of it."
Was it her imagination or did Amelia's expression suddenly grow somewhat guarded?
"Well, it was a gift, I think. I can't really remember details about it," the other woman said, and promptly began digging in her reticule, avoiding Lucy's eyes.
It was strange—and meant she knew more than she was telling.
Lucy refused to be deterred. "Do you know whose initials are on it? I don't want to ask Edmund, in case it belongs to an old love. I would hate to make him uncomfortable," she said sincerely. If it belonged to a previous sweetheart, she didn't want to open an old wound and make him unhappy, but she couldn't quite stop thinking about it either. She had to know who K.C was.
Amelia finally said, "The only thing I can tell you is that it belonged to an old intended who'd grown up with us. That's all I know about it." Amelia shrugged and added bitterly, "I think you should tread gently when inquiring about the watch. Edmund gets quite testy and upset when asked about it."
To Catch the Candid Earl: Regency Historical Romance Page 17
