by Abby Ayles
* * *
It was also beginning to roll into the most fashionable hour when anyone who wanted to be seen would also be riding a gig around the grounds of the park. He had considered all these facts before picking up Lady Charlotte this day. Though he wanted to do his promise to his aunt justice, he still wasn’t sure he was ready for such a public showing of their acquaintances.
* * *
After all, Raven had danced two whole sets with the lady at the ball. That was a questionable action in itself. It had fulfilled its purpose to both his aunt and Lady Charlotte’s mother that he was considering courting Lady Charlotte seriously this season.
* * *
To be seen only days later in a gig along the cobbled roads of Hyde Park was inevitably the next step in showing his serious bid for courtship. As much as he wanted to do so for his aunt’s sake, he was not ready to make that step just yet.
* * *
“I know it is slightly on the warm side today, and perhaps too strenuous for a walk,” Raven started as they made their way down the street. “But I am aware of some very beautiful flowers that have come to bloom recently in Kingston and thought you might enjoy them.”
* * *
“That does sound very lovely,” Lady Charlotte agreed. “Though I must confess I do worry some for the hem of my dress,” she added with honesty.
* * *
Raven stole a look at the lady before returning it to the road before him. She had undoubtedly chosen a gown to be seen in not walk in. The paths of Kensington Gardens were clean and fine ones for the most part, but he couldn’t in all honesty promise she wouldn’t soil her hem if they did walk it.
* * *
Raven told himself that he should agree with the lady and just take her on a carriage ride around Hyde Park. Though he knew it was right, he did honestly have a desire to walk the flora of Kingston. It would be a great enjoyment to experience some greenery inside the confines of the city. He also had a desire to share this passion with Lady Charlotte. After all, if she were to be his wife in the future wouldn’t they want to have shared interest, or at least the ability to discuss each other’s likes and dislikes?
* * *
Though all of this was true, Raven couldn’t help but confess to himself that the real reason for going to Kensington Gardens was so that the end of their walk would result at the natural museum. He would have liked to examine it again after his interaction with Lady Alexandra and found an outing with Lady Charlotte a perfect excuse for it.
* * *
“I am sure with this warm weather the path will be dry and not damage the hem of your fine gown too much. However, if you would rather not, I understand,” Raven replied as they crept closer to the two neighboring parks.
* * *
“A walk does sound very fine,” Lady Charlotte replied. “I am sure you are right that I will find the beautiful flowers most enjoyable. They are sure to be most inspiring.”
* * *
Raven couldn’t tell if she was telling the truth or just merely being polite, but either way, he accepted the offering and circled round Hyde to park next to the entrance of Kensington Gardens.
* * *
“What type of inspiration are you seeking?” Raven asked.
* * *
“I enjoy painting, though I don’t profess to be very good at it. Landscapes are my current passion.”
* * *
“If I may judge your work by your parasol, it looks wonderful to me already,” Raven complimented.
* * *
“You are very kind, Your Grace. They are, in fact, my handiwork. I am honored to say I have had some excellent tutors who have guided me all my life.”
* * *
Raven parked at the main entrance to the garden and walked around to help the lady down. He could hear the excitement and merriment coming from Hyde Park just across the way from them. He was sure that along with the conversations, cantering horses, and chirping birds he could already hear the start of a horse race. It was yet early in the day for such, but a necessity for young lords out to prove themselves to the ton.
* * *
Raven smiled affectionately at the thought. Both he and his good friend Charles Whitehall Jr., now Viscount Bembury, had taken their chances on the back of steeds along those dangerous rows. Though Raven had an affinity for riding, and had almost never lost a race, he had little interest in the act of horse racing, or gambling on such. It was just as well as such action, though often done by young pups and watched by many of the ton, were not exactly a proper past time for a duke.
* * *
Kensington Gardens in stark contrast was more open without the rows of towering trees that lined the streets of Hyde Park. Instead were winding garden paths surrounded by well-manicured bushes. Fountains could be heard bubbling from within its gates, and Raven could only imagine the glorious natural sanctuary that must lay in wait within. To him, it was a heavenly paradise compared to the loud, smoky business of the city.
* * *
He took a long intake of breath as they paused before the gates. It was a slice of heaven that almost reminded him of the wilds of America that he wished so dearly to return to. Even the rolling hills of the English countryside would be satisfactory compared to the cramped living quarters, yelling hackneys, and constant action in London. He let out his elbow which Lady Charlotte took with the softest touch.
* * *
“It does look quite lovely here today,” she said softly as they entered the gate. “I can already see many pops of color. You were right to guess this was a prime time of year to see the natural beauty.”
* * *
There were very few couples in the garden, and many were simply passing through on their way to Hyde. Of course, Raven and Lady Charlotte greeted them all politely, but as they delved deeper into the waving paths of the Garden, they soon found themselves to be far away from any others.
* * *
“My mother tells me that you are a great adventurer,” Lady Charlotte said after some time.
* * *
“That is very right of her to surmise,” Raven agreed. “In fact, in honesty, I would have to say I rather detest London.”
* * *
“Oh, I couldn’t imagine not enjoying such a wonderful, enterprising city,” Lady Charlotte countered.
* * *
He liked that though she was certainly polite, she also was willing to disagree with him. Raven often found that people simply said things to please him whether it was true or not.
* * *
“Well, perhaps you will take the time to point out some of its good qualities to me. Perhaps with your suggestions, I will change my mind,” Raven said leading the conversation to something easily discussed at length.
* * *
“Well, there is the theater of course. I dare say there is no opera house, save Paris of course, that could come close to the Haymarket.”
* * *
“Do you attend these often then?” Raven asked with a slight bristling remembering his conversation with Lady Eagleton only the day before.
* * *
“Oh yes. I dare say I am a very eager student of all the arts. Painting, music, and theater are very fond pastimes to me.”
* * *
“I see,” Raven said.
* * *
“I would guess by your words that you don’t share in this opinion,” Lady Charlotte said looking up at him with a soft smile playing on her lips.
* * *
“No, not my favorite past times. I can already tell that I would enjoy your artwork, however,” Raven said nudging to the parasol. “Your roses are most exquisite.”
* * *
She modestly looked away blushing.
* * *
“Roses are the easiest for me because we have so many in the garden behind our manor. I often sit out there for long periods just practicing sketches with my notebook. I do wish I had better skills at other arrangements of flowers, but
as of yet I find I lack the skill.”
* * *
Raven led Lady Charlotte to a particular portion of the garden at the back end that he knew would be presently filled with wild snowdrops along the path. He was sure she would enjoy their simple, delicate beauty.
* * *
“Oh, they are so wonderful,” Lady Charlotte said releasing her hold on Raven to lean down and study the low hanging flowers better.
* * *
He took a moment to relax his arm. The day was turning out to be much hotter than even he had initially intended. Without the shade of trees, they were under the full exposure of the sun. It was probably improper of him to expect her to walk in such a climate.
* * *
To his great pleasure, however, they were very near the back entrance of the Garden that was directly across from the natural museum.
* * *
Though the bushes were quite tall in this portion of the Garden, he was still tall enough to make out the roof of the building. Surely it would be open and much cooler inside than their current situation. It would be a perfect excuse to lead her to venture inside with him.
* * *
“I fear that I have exposed you to this warm climate far too long,” Raven said doing his best to act casual despite the growing anticipation to enter the museum again.
* * *
Though he knew it was a silly notion, he had the deepest desire to enter the edifice as if it would somehow give him more information on the once mysterious lady of the ball.
* * *
“I know of a museum of wonders just yonder. Would you like to walk it with me? It will be much cooler inside, and they even have a butterfly terrarium where you might find inspiration for future works.”
* * *
“That does sound lovely,” Lady Charlotte said coming to stand and linking her arm within his again. “I only wish I had thought to bring my tracing pad.”
* * *
“Well, if you find it as interesting as I hope you will, then I would be happy to escort you for a second trip.”
* * *
Raven smiled down at the lady. Though his mind seemed filled continuously with another, there was no reason that he shouldn’t have thought of Lady Charlotte . She was turning out to be a most enjoyable companion, and at the very least their union would be one of comfortable friendship, if it was determined by their experiences thus far.
* * *
As they came around the bend, Lady Charlotte gave a little giggle, “You can’t mean that museum?”
* * *
“Yes, I did,” Raven said looking down at her with an embarrassed chuckle of his own.
* * *
“It is so silly, everyone says so,” she said though not forcing him to turn away from the Garden exit.
* * *
“I know. I must confess I am of the same opinion. As a child I was quite fond of the place, the safari room in particular,” he added with a lopsided smile. “I suppose it is nostalgia that made me think of it. We don’t have to go inside if you would rather not,” he suggested though he hoped she wouldn’t take the opportunity to turn around.
* * *
At that very moment, Raven looked out at the museum with much longing. It was then that he noticed the figure at its steps for the first time. It was a woman standing along with a child in a pram. If a fine lady without a maid on a London street wasn’t strange enough, it was even more so when he realized it was Lady Alexandra.
* * *
For all his might he couldn’t fathom why the lady would be standing thus with a child. Even more shocking was the fact that within the moment he recognized her, she began the impossible task of hulling the child up the steps of the museum alone.
Chapter Eleven
Lady Alexandra should have known that her rash actions would have only drawn the Duke closer to her. But in the moment of great embarrassment, she had not stopped to think a single action through. Her only thought was to get the blasted beast in the building and run for the safety of her own home.
* * *
It was a stupid notion, to say the least. Before she even got the old carriage up the first step, she could already see the Duke hurrying closer. In fact, he had left his walking companion behind him in his haste to come to her aid.
* * *
Beyond him, Lady Alexandra could make out the figure of the very fine Lady Charlotte. If things couldn’t have been more disastrous, it was she who was walking quickly to catch up to her companion. Lady Alexandra did not doubt by evening time the entire ton would hear of her walk with a porcupine in a carriage. Lady Charlotte may have been a fine lady, but she was not above gossip, and at the moment had the ear of every fashionable lady of the season.
* * *
Lady Alexandra had just struggled to get the back wheels up the first step, with the front wheels balancing precariously on the tip of the second when her next backward motion ended in stepping on her own walking dress hem.
* * *
Losing her balance, her eyes shot up just in time to see the Duke of Raven reach her in three bounding steps. The shock of it all made her let go of the pram to go careening towards him. Effortlessly he sidestepped the falling basket, twisted around, and grabbed the handle with his hands.
* * *
“Oh, my goodness,” Lady Charlotte cried, fearing for a child inside no doubt.
* * *
She lifted her skirts just enough to walk faster and reach the pram herself.
* * *
Lady Alexandra found herself seated on the steps of her father’s blasted museum staring up at the Duke of Raven.
* * *
Once Raven was sure that the basket wouldn't travel further, he turned to the lady’s aid. Reaching down he quickly scooped her off the stone steps before rereleasing her. It was just a moment’s connection but one that sent excitement surging through his body.
* * *
“Is the child alright,” Lady Charlotte called out desperate to see into the carriage. It was no doubt most confusing to her that no cry had come from the tumble down the two steps.
* * *
“Please don’t bother yourself, Your Grace, Lady Charlotte,” Lady Alexandra said with two quick curtseys.
* * *
Lady Alexandra was desperately trying to get around the wall that the Duke of Raven was creating between her and the most embarrassing contents of the basket. He refused to move, however, instead grabbing her elbow to catch her attention.
* * *
“Are you quite alright, Lady Alexandra,” he said staring at her with a most sincere gaze.
* * *
“I can assure you I am not injured,” Lady Alexandra said again trying to sidestep the man.
* * *
“Where is your maid?” he said not releasing his hold despite her apparent wish to be removed from him. Raven looked around the street certain that no well-bred lady would ever be caught walking the streets of London alone with a baby.
* * *
“She is just inside, Your Grace. Polly went to get assistance for the pram.”
* * *
“Well then why didn’t you wait for such assistance? You could have seriously injured yourself and the child,” he scolded down at her.
* * *
“My goodness,” Lady Charlotte said again but now at a high squeak. “What on earth is that thing!”
* * *
She had a handkerchief in her hand as she took several steps back from the small carriage. Lady Alexandra would have liked to crumple to the ground right there on the spot. At the noise, the Duke of Raven turned to see what was wrong.
* * *
“Why on earth would you be pushing a hideous creature around in a baby’s carriage,” Lady Charlotte said weakly with shock.
* * *
Lady Alexandra prayed she didn’t faint. That was sure to make this disaster worse. Raven reached out and pulled the carriage to him again. Removing the small blan
ket entirely, he exposed the whole of the creature. Lady Charlotte gave a little shriek at its fully exposed form, long yellow teeth and all.
