Sweet Summer Kisses

by Erin Knightley

  “I-I know.” She found words difficult with him touching her.

  “I was taken by surprise, is all.”

  Suddenly he seemed to realise he was half-clothed near her and in his bed chamber. He stepped back and hastily donned his dressing gown. “We can discuss this further in the morning. I'm sure you are exhausted from your journey.”

  “As are you, sir. I have disturbed your much-needed sleep. I am in the next room, should you need me during the night.”

  She turned to leave and he stepped near her again. He had lit a taper and walked her to her room. “Miss Foster, thank you. It does mean a great deal that you would be willing to care for Lucy.”

  She nodded and closed the door to her chamber. She stood behind the door, mortified at her behaviour. Her cheeks still burned with embarrassment. How could she have been so bold? But what else could she have done when she needed to ask after the child? She shook her head in disbelief. She was too tired to consider the matter fully tonight. She would ask that Lady Rutherford find her a maid to travel back to Amberley on the morrow.

  ~*~

  The morrow arrived too soon. When Helena stirred, she felt something warm in the small of her back. Had a cat made its way into the room? That's odd, she thought. Did I leave the door open? No, she was sure she'd closed the door. She inhaled a deep breath and remembered she was at Reston as the smell of the sea permeated the air.

  She looked around the room as the light shone through the window she had left ajar for a breeze. The chamber was large and elegant, a bit ostentatious. It was a feminine shade of light blue and fine—much too fine for a mere guest chamber. Only her mother's room was such at Amberley. She must have come to the wrong room! She must be in the Countess's apartment. She looked up and there, wide open as the Red Sea, stood a door leading to the master's chambers. She made an indeterminate noise of horror. How wanton he must think her! Not only had she entered his chamber last night, but she had slept in the mistress’s chamber! She must have gone to the wrong room. She groaned and buried her face in her hands and suddenly recalled there had been a warm body next to her. She was afraid to look. Please Lord, let it be a four-legged warm body.

  She finally turned over and found two stunning moss green eyes staring at her in confusion.

  “Higgy?” It sounded like the little girl was asking.

  Is she asking for Miss Higgins? Helena wondered.

  “Are you looking for your nurse, darling?”

  The tiny head of black hair bobbed up and down as she clung to her blanket and doll. “Higgy!”

  “I believe Miss Higgins is not feeling well.” She reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Where is your papa?”

  “Pa-pa, ni, ni” she said around the thumb she had placed in her mouth.

  “Night, night? Papa’s asleep?” Helena asked, saying a quick prayer of things for her experience interpreting small children. Thankfully, Lucy was quite verbal for a three-year-old, and not afraid of a stranger.

  The little girl nodded and crawled nearer Helena to snuggle. She wrapped her arms around the child and squeezed. This poor little thing must be afraid with everything amuck the past few days.

  “How are you feeling, Lucy? Do you feel better now?”

  The little face that was cosy on her chest popped up and smiled at her. It was covered in spots that had faded to brown. Helena ran a hand across her forehead and it felt cool. Lucy snuggled her face into the hand as if the touch comforted her. Helena felt a softening in her heart for this child. She also realised how much she had missed her siblings during her time away.

  She could not help but return that child's smile. “My name is Helena.”

  “Ne-na?” Lucy tried to repeat.

  Helena laughed. “That's perfect darling.” She unconsciously kissed the girl on the cheek and snuggled her again.

  Suddenly a voice cleared his throat from the doorway and she jumped.

  “Pa-pa!” Lucy exclaimed, but curiously stayed in Helena’s arms.

  Helena willed her cheeks to return to a normal colour, but she was humiliated at being caught in such a state.

  “Good morning, love. Good morning, Miss Foster,” he said, but remained in the doorway.

  “Good morning, Lord Rutherford.”

  “I trust you slept well?” he asked uncomfortably.

  “Very well, thank you,” she replied as if she were having a normal breakfast conversation in the dining parlour.

  “I apologise that Lucy disturbed you. She must have been unable to wake me and ventured in here.”

  “Not at all. At Amberley, there is often a sibling in my bed by morning, especially the two youngest. We were just becoming acquainted.”

  “Yes, I can see that,” he said with a strange look in his eye. Was he offended?

  “Sir, I apologise. I did not realise this was the mistress’s chamber. I shall remove myself at once.”

  “That is not necessary, Miss Foster. There is a lock on the door. Had I been thinking straight last night, I would have thought to turn the key.”

  “I intend to be away as soon as I might. I am not needed here after all.”

  “Again, there is no need to rush off, Miss Foster. I trust my mother accompanied you?”

  She nodded.

  “Then there is no need to hurry away. You might as well enjoy yourself for a few days before your return. We will leave you to dress. The cook is still here, thankfully, so would you prefer to join us for breakfast or shall I bring a tray?”

  “I will be down directly, thank you.”

  “Very good. Come now, Lucy, let us leave Miss Foster alone so she may ready herself.”

  Helena tried to pick up the little girl to set her down from the bed, but Lucy unexpectedly clung to her.

  “No, Ne-na.”

  “Lucy, come. Let Miss Foster be.”

  “No, Ne-na.”

  “It is all right, sir. I am very used to having my siblings around. I do not mind her presence.”

  “Are you certain?” he asked in disbelief..

  “I assure you, I am quite certain,” she managed a smile.

  He hesitated, but agreed. “Lucy, be a good girl for Miss Foster. I will see you downstairs.”

  “Bye-bye,” the little girl waved.

  When the door closed, Helena hurried from the bed and found a simple gown she could fasten on her own. She brushed out her hair with Lucy’s ‘help’ and put it into a loose plait. She also brushed out Lucy’s hair and found a ribbon to tie into it, to the child’s delight. They found the nursery again, and selected some clothing for Lucy, then made their way downstairs in search of breakfast.

  Chapter 5

  Geoffrey closed the door, unable to believe what he had just witnessed. His resolve had melted when he had seen Miss Foster and his daughter talking and playing together in the bed. He could never have envisioned his first wife giving their daughter that much attention—or affection. Lucy never usually took to people so easily. He heard giggles coming from the next room and shook his head.

  Could Miss Foster be real? A beauty with brains, and a natural mother? Was it even possible those traits could coexist in one person? He had never considered whether his suit would be acceptable or not, and suddenly he was filled with uncertainty as he reflected on their interactions. He might have been chased by Society, but Miss Foster was no typical Society miss.

  She had been afraid of him last night, he was certain. She was trembling when he had touched her. She’d also insisted she would leave at first chance when they spoke that morning.

  He knew he would never find another such as her. At this point, his needs were moot. Seeing Miss Foster with Lucy was enough to convince him that she was the one. He could bear a bit of a spoiled miss if it meant happiness for his child. He must find a way to convince Helena while she was here. First, he had to find a way to persuade her to stay. He heard more laughter coming from the next room. He had never considered using Lucy to woo a wife before, but he sus
pected she was the key to bringing them together.

  He dressed quickly and stopped by his mother’s room to greet her. He knocked softly in case she was still abed after their journey.

  “Enter. Ah, there you are, Geoffrey. Have you no servants here at all? I have been ringing the bell for an age.”

  “Good morning, Mother.” He went over to bestow a kiss on her cheek. “Has your maid not travelled with you?” he asked good-humouredly.

  “She should arrive today. I gather Lucy is better?”

  “Yes, her fever broke yesterday before you arrived.”

  “Thank heavens. So you have discovered our guest already?” she asked with nonchalance.

  “What possessed you to bring her here alone? Surely you cannot expect me to believe it was for Lucy’s care?” he asked suspiciously.

  She looked sheepish. “It is partially for Lucy’s sake.”

  His eyes twinkled. “I suppose you did warn me that you would bring them here if I did not find someone on my own.”

  “Are you terribly angry with me?” She almost accomplished a sheepish look. Almost.

  “I confess I was none too pleased last night, but seeing Miss Foster playing with Lucy this morning has convinced me.”

  “Oh, Geoffrey! Can you mean it?” she asked with unbridled excitement.

  “I do, but convincing her might be another matter altogether,” he said with a frown that made his forehead crease.

  “It would be simple enough to arrange a situation, though I doubt her father would be appreciative.”

  “No, Mother. This will happen because she wants it to happen, and for no other reason. I would not have her forced into anything.” He would not mention they had already been in a situation last night.

  “What do you propose to do?”

  “Let nature take its course. With a little help from a green-eyed angel.”

  He made his way to the breakfast room with a new spring in his step, forming plans for how they could spend their time together as a family. Geoffrey entered the breakfast room and went to the window, which had an excellent view over the water. He had missed this view, the sounds and the smells, while in London, even though he was only away a short while. Perhaps Miss Foster would enjoy seeing the sea today, or a ride and a picnic.

  “Pa-pa!” Lucy pulled Miss Foster’s hand to lead her over to him. He picked Lucy up and tossed her into the air, eliciting gurgles of laughter.

  “Shall I fill a plate for her, Lord Rutherford?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  He sat down with his daughter in his lap until Miss Foster brought her a plate.

  “Have you heard how her nurse is doing, my lord?”

  “I have not. I was planning on visiting her today to let her know Lucy is recovered. I've sent some of the staff to inform the others that they may return if they are well.”

  She nodded. “That will be a relief to them, I'm sure.”

  Helena tossed some food about her plate.

  “Miss Foster, I know you plan to return home promptly, but might I impose on you to stay until Miss Higgins has recovered? I've never seen Lucy take to someone so quickly.”

  “I am astonished! I assumed it was her nature.”

  “Once she knows you, she warms quickly enough, but never have I seen her as she is with you.”

  Miss Foster looked away. Had he said the wrong thing?

  “Thank you, my lord. She is a beautiful child.”

  “Would you care to accompany us today? We can make a day of it with a ride by the sea and picnic, after visiting Miss Higgins.”

  “Higgy?” Lucy yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes.

  “Perhaps after Lucy has her nap. Are you tired, darling? Poor thing, you are still recovering.”

  Lucy responded by holding out her arms to Helena. “Ne-na.”

  He laughed, “You must have the magic touch, Miss Foster.”

  “No, only lots of siblings.” She smiled sweetly as Lucy put her head down against her shoulder. She carried her up the stairs to put her down in her bed.

  Geoffrey watched them leave. His heart was overflowing. He only hoped Lucy would be enough to make her stay.

  ~*~

  After putting Lucy down for a nap, Helena decided to check on Lady Rutherford. She knocked and entered at her bidding, and was surprised to find the Dowager sitting at her dressing table brushing her hair.

  “Good morning, Miss Foster.”

  “Good morning, Lady Rutherford. May I help you with that?”

  “Yes, indeed. I was about to plait my hair as if I were decades younger. But it is all I know how to do.”

  Helena began to dress the Dowager’s hair, and discovered her gown haphazardly fastened underneath. She tried not to giggle, but the image of this grand lady parading about with a long plait and her gown partly together was too much. She looked much younger than her years, and certainly not old enough to be a grandmother.

  “I was going to find you for help before I went downstairs.” She grinned. “I am a hopeless case without my maid.”

  “Not at all. These dresses were hardly designed to be managed by one’s self.”

  “True. I am grateful for your help. How are things in the house? Geoffrey told me Lucy is out of danger.”

  “I believe so. You would never know she had been ill if the spots did not remain. Lord Rutherford is not yet out of danger. If I recall correctly, it may be several days before we know if he will contract the disease.”

  “Oh, dear. I believe you may be right. We had best consult the doctor.”

  Helena finished the last of the tapes on the dress and pondered how she should bring up leaving.

  “Ma'am, I wanted to discuss returning to Amberley since Lucy is no longer ill.”

  “Why ever should you leave already? No, your family is to come soon and will return you then.”

  Helena knew there was little point in arguing. “May I at least remove to the nursery with Lucy until her nurse returns? The footmen put me in the Countess's apartment by mistake last night.”

  “Oh, no.” She shook her head. “The nursery would be dreadful without servants to attend you.

  We can bring whatever you need for Lucy downstairs. It is doubtful there are any other rooms prepared anyhow. They are not kept ready unless visitors are expected.”

  Lady Rutherford had a ready answer for every protest. Helena decided to hold her tongue for now as she completed her toilette.

  “What do you think of Reston Park?”

  “The little I have seen thus far is beautiful, ma'am.”

  “Yes, but it wants for a mistress again.”

  Helena nearly choked.

  “I won't mince words, Helena. I think you and Geoffrey are suited perfectly, and I have done for some time. I watched you being bored to tears in London. And, he told me how wonderful you were with Lucy when he found you this morning. I haven't seen him so happy in years. I've made you blush. I won't say anymore for now, dear. But I do hope you will consider his suit. I should be delighted to call you daughter.”

  “Thank you, ma'am.” Helena gave a brief curtsy and made for the door. She was unable to form any other coherent reply.

  She decided to avail herself of the garden she had seen from her window that morning. Lucy was sleeping in her bed and she was not ready to face Lord Rutherford yet. She opened the door and immediately inhaled the deepest breath of sea air she could. Her insides were a jumble of emotions as she walked the pebbled path to the garden. She had seen the way Lord Rutherford had looked at her that morning with Lucy, and it had transformed him. He did look years younger, happy.

  His love for his daughter was clear. But could he love her as much? Or did he only want her as a surrogate mother? Many would not share her scruples. It was obvious Lord Rutherford was a kind master—she was certain he would be kind to her. The house was incredible and the views breathtaking. But should she consider a marriage such as this? True, she wanted children, and there were no other men who
remotely appealed to her. She could live on her own eventually, but that would not allow her to be a mother. Perhaps she did read too many novels, if that meant she wanted a deeper level of relationship. But would Christine always come between them?

  She entered the garden through an old iron gate. It was beautiful in a natural way, not planted in manicured rows as many were these days. Gardening was one of her hobbies at Amberley, and as she wandered through the paths, she could not help but tend to the plants in need as she walked along. Lord Rutherford must have sent the gardener away as well, for it was obvious the garden was used to tender, loving care. She found a bag of bulbs and a recently tilled patch of earth that was calling out to her. She found the gardener’s shed and helped herself to some tools. Once she had soil running through her fingers she felt herself relax, and tried to ponder her dilemma.

  She would have to choose: an older experienced man, or an immature pup who would have to grow up while they were married—something she had not considered before. Lord Rutherford was older, though not by any means decrepit. She wouldn't be his first love. Of course he had loved before. Why did that rankle? That was a whole other conversation with herself, one she should not be having right now, as thoughts of seeing him the night before kept invading her thoughts.

  She laughed out loud as she thought about Lucy. Her main reservation about Lord Rutherford had been his child. Now she could see herself easily loving the child, but she wanted more from Lord Rutherford than he might be able to give. How fickle she was! Perhaps she should name herself.

  Ishtar? She was certainly a fickle goddess, but she was also cruel. Helena was not cruel, but she could certainly see how fickleness within one’s feelings could become cruel if you were not careful. Perhaps she was more chameleon. Yes, she preferred that moniker. She was changing her colours like the lizard, or even a flower.

  “Miss Foster, I do employ a gardener. It is not necessary for you to take over all the servants’ duties.” She stood and looked into his twinkling eyes, and brushed the soil from her hands.

  “That is obvious, my lord. I assumed he had also been sent away. I hope you do not mind,” she indicated the earth. “I fancy myself a recreational botanist from time to time. I find soil therapeutic.”