Instead of accepting his proffered arm she slid her hand in his, intertwining their fingers while enjoying the warmth of his gentle touch.
Together they made their way downstairs in a comfortable silence allowing her to study his expression. Relaxed.
Making their way down the hall, she heard deep male laughter, mixed with feminine titters, coming from the parlor. She tried to think back to the last time she’d heard her father laugh.
“I wonder what Father heard which has him chuckling.”
“I’d wager something Lord Cole said as he tends to act the fool at times,” Samuel said.
Entering, and with polite nods to her parents, Brittany released her hold on Samuel’s hand, stepped over to Lady Wallace, curtsied, then gave her a kiss on a proffered cheek. “It’s always a pleasure having you visit, especially at this time of year,” Brittany declared, before gracing Cole and Sally with smiles.
“Thank you, my dear. However, I do believe I should have left my wayward son home. He has been regaling us with certain antics Lord Samuel and he partook of while at Oxford. At least he had the decency to not go into great detail.” Lady Wallace finished with a mild scowl to her son.
Not sure if she should believe her godmother, but considering the lady had always cared for her, Brittany turned her attention to Samuel. The sheepish expression he wore told her everything Lady Wallace had said was correct.
“M’ lord, before you answer think what you’re going to say for your fate lies in the balance.” Not waiting for any form of acknowledgment she continued. “Granted, we don’t know what Lord Cole said, but mayhap is whatever he spoke true.”
To help drive her point home she refrained from looking to her parents. Crossing her arms over her breasts she settled a glare on Samuel as she’d never done before. To add intensity to her words and actions she started beating out a tattoo with her fingertips on her elbows.
“Well?”
“As you said, not being privy to what Lord Cole said, but from the expression my supposed friend is wearing I’m aware of the incident he referred to. I should point out Lord Cole not only joined me on the event but suggested we do it. Then, when the time came to execute the joke he seemed to have disappeared. However, Lady Brittany, I should point out the event happened in my youth and have led a rogues life until I met about you.
“I only pray you forgive me for my prior actions and accept me for the gentleman you have come to know over the past weeks. Some say change is impossible for a rakehell, such as myself, but I assure you it’s possible as you, with Lady Wallace and the earl along with the countess have witnessed. To that end and with His Lordship’s knowledge, I wish to ask for your hand in marriage.”
Stunned by his words, then seeing him withdraw a ruby ring from his vest pocket she could feel the vapors overtake her.
Chapter Sixteen
What hadn’t surprised Samuel was Brittany’s reaction. He replaced Lady Wallace on the settee then took Brittany in his arms.
“I knew my proposal would come as a shock to you. Alas, I couldn’t think of any easy way to request your hand. As Peter has arrived with champagne might I suggest you have a sip or two? It should help calm you so you can answer my question.”
A tap on Samuel’s shoulder brought his head around as a partially filled champagne coupe was handed to him. Looking up he saw a smiling Eli. With a nod he accepted it and pressed the glass’s edge to Brittany’s lips.
“Here, my dear. Take a taste. You’ll feel better,” he said softly.
He waited while she did as requested then moved the glass away, setting it on a table which had suddenly appeared at his elbow.
“Let me help you sit up. There are several who would wish you congratulations that is if you accept my offer?” he said.
“Of course my answer is yes. Why would you think otherwise?”
“I wasn’t sure, considering how we first met and the hostility between us,” he admitted sheepishly.
He then slipped it on her left ring finger.
Until now, Samuel noticed, the room had been silent but with her reply everyone started talking at once. He let Barbara step in since his duty for the moment was over. Standing, he glanced at the others, all wearing wide grins.
Before he could voice his request for something stronger, to calm his nerves, Eli handed him a glass of brandy.
“Well done, my boy, even if this did come as a bit of a surprise to a few here.” Eli said.
“I should point out the earl had given his approval,” Samuel proclaimed to everyone.
“My boy, you’d best take excellent care of my goddaughter or you’ll be answering to me. Do I make myself clear?” Lady Wallace, declared from the settee where she’d joined Brittany.
“Charlotte, you can have what’s left of Lord Samuel after I finish with him,” Barbara interjected.
Not amused, he watched Lady Wallace nod her understanding. Now, he had a reason to truly worry Brittany might learn of his original need to review the Hersey book. If she did then there would be three very angry ladies after his hide.
Turning his attention back to Brittany he stepped up and accepted her invitation to sit beside her, now that the space had been vacated by Lady Wallace. He wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled down at her upturned beautiful face.
“My dearest, if I may be so bold to use that term of endearment, as we’ll be here through Christmas I was wondering, how would you feel getting married on that day?”
“I believe that would be wonderful as the mansion will be filled with guests from the previous evening’s ball. Most of them I’m sure we’d be inviting anyway. But, with Christmas less than a week away how can the banns be read?”
With a wide smile he reached into his jacket and withdrew an ornate parchment. “With this. Before we left London, I visited with the Bishop, who is my oldest brother and obtained a special license. This way we may marry now but I know, or at least as I understand, ladies need a little time to get ready. Thus my recommendation for waiting a few more days.”
Samuel, then leaned in close for her hearing only, “And we have a mystery to solve.”
“Yes, we’ll wed on Christmas morn,” she announced.
“Daughter, we will need to hold the ceremony in the afternoon. The ballroom will still be decorated which will make the perfect venue then a lavish dinner,” Barbara suggested.
“Now, with that settled shall we celebrate this wonderful event? After which, retire to our suites in preparation for dinner,” Eli said, passing refilled coupes around.
Samuel stood, took the glass offered and handed it to Brittany. Once everyone had champagne he glanced down at her, smiled and raised his.
“To Lady Brittany Sexton soon to be Lady Brittany Palmer, Countess of Brockworth.”
Turning his attention to her parents and godmother he smiled.
“On my word as a gentleman I do hereby swear and promise no harm will ever befall Lady Brittany.”
****
A few minutes before the appointed hour Samuel stepped from his suite, head down, deep in thought. Earlier, he’d heard Cole slip from his room which had Samuel wondering if his friend might be seeking a little private time with Sally. Making his way down the hall he noticed a large footman guarding the corridor to the family wing. Samuel suspected to keep him and Cole from sneaking down to visit their respective ladies. Behind the man his eyes took in a vision of absolute beauty floating toward him.
As the ring he’d bestowed on Brittany had been a ruby, surrounded by diamonds, he was pleased she’d chosen a gown in a light red. Around her neck, a throat he couldn’t wait to kiss, she wore the ruby and emerald necklace he’d given her in London. Samuel noticed her maid had taken extra care with Brittany’s hair. He loved how a few tendrils hung loose framing her face and barely touched her shoulders.
“M’ lady, you are without a doubt the most beautiful lady in all of England,” he declared, giving her a sweeping bow. Straightening, he caught the las
t vestiges of a pinkening to her cheeks.
“Thank you, m’ lord. You are lucky that neither the countess nor Lady Wallace are within earshot or you would be answering to them. Of that I’m sure,” she answered, giving him a curtsey.
Offering his arm they started for the first floor.
“Before you mentioned about having a recommendation on how to trick the thief. When would you like to discuss your suggestion?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
“I’d originally planned on bringing it up earlier but something seemed to have distracted me.” She peered at the ring on her left hand. “Also with Sally here I’m not sure how much to reveal about the questions we have regarding the book.”
“I can assure you, as Lord Cole has more than a passing interest in Sally we can trust her implicitly. I know you enjoy reading and studying Africa, are you aware of her particular pursuit?”
“Yes. She finds all things to do with the sea fascinating, especially ships. Sometimes, I think she might have been a sailor in another life. Why, may I ask?”
“Simply put, I believe some of the margin notes might have something to do with the sea. As such, she could be of great assistance.”
“I’d suggest we ask father to adjourn to his office after dinner. This way we can better explain what our search is about,” she said with a soft smile.
“Agreed. If you wish I will make the request. Now, shall we join the others before a hue and cry is set upon us,” he teased.
Strolling into the parlor Samuel guided Brittany to Lady Wallace, who’d settled herself on a light brown settee. With Brittany comfortable, he turned to see Eli and Cole standing next to the fireplace.
With a nod to Brittany he stepped over to the men.
“Eli, earlier today your daughter mentioned she had an idea which might help protect the Hersey book. What exactly she has in mind I’ve no idea as she hasn’t informed me. After dinner she suggested we retire to your office where the tome is being kept and she’ll tell us her plan. As I know Cole has already evaluated Miss Crocker we can easily discuss our findings in her presence.”
“That would make sense. After which with the ladies permission I’ll bring out the brandy.”
Before Samuel could make a comment Peter stepped in and announced dinner.
After dinner and everyone settled comfortably in the earl’s office Samuel explained the purpose for meeting here rather than the sitting room.
“We’re all aware of the several attempts at breaking into the Sexton townhouse. Lady Brittany and I suspect they were after the book written by Lord Hersey. We came to this conclusion upon examining it and we have found undecipherable handwritten notes in the margins. To that we are calling on you Miss Crocker to assist us, but more on that later.
“Earlier, Lady Brittany told me she had a possible way to throw the thieves off. To explain the plan I defer to her,” Samuel said, in finishing with a bow to her.
“Thank you for laying the plan out partially. For some reason these people insist on obtaining this particular copy. From Mr. Winterbottom, I learned there have been many copies printed. Without returning to London, thus tipping our hand, the nearest book emporium which might have one is in Sheffield. I would recommend we send someone to collect an edition and return. Once back, we leave it out while hiding ours safely away.”
As she continued explaining her plan Samuel studied everyone’s expression, wondering if there might be a naysayer. Much to his pleasure no one indicated their disapproval. What he did find interesting, Cole and Sally seemed the most alert when Brittany mentioned a trip to Sheffield. Something told him they would request to make the journey to which he and Brittany would agree, accompanied by a chaperone.
“When will I be able to look at the book to see if I can make sense of these notes,” Sally asked eagerly.
Chapter Seventeen
“Good morning, gentlemen,” Samuel announced, as he strolled into the dining room.
Met by nods from Eli and Cole who were working their way through their meals Samuel stepped over to the sidebar and helped himself to several of the offerings. Satisfied with his selections he took his seat and started to break his fast.
“To answer your unasked question, m’ lord, the ladies ordered trays,” the butler said.
“Thank you.” Samuel directed his attention to Cole. “I commend you on being able to dissuade Miss Crocker from wishing to look at the book last night.”
“When I noticed an unladylike yawn my response was simple. As you well heard I suggested we collect a clean copy to which she readily agreed. I should warn you, upon our return she will want to examine both side by side.”
Samuel returned his attention, as did the other two, to their meal.
With a last sip of coffee, Samuel glanced over to Cole.
“Have you ordered up your coach for I’m sure Miss Crocker will want to be on your way once dressed?”
“I sincerely pray he did, since I wish to depart forthwith,” Sally announced from the doorway.
Beside her, Samuel noticed Brittany wore a simple day dress of light brown decorated with hollies embroidered around the collar. What made the picture even more fascinating, she wore her hair in a simple bun held in place by several sprigs of evergreen.
“Yes, Miss Crocker. Actually, if I’m not mistaken I hear it coming into the forecourt. If you have your pelisse we can be off,” Cole said, stepping from the table.
“I do and my maid should be awaiting us by the front door.”
“Cole, I’d not keep her waiting or she might leave without you,” Samuel declared, then watched him depart. Next he turned his attention to his betrothed.
“What do you have planned for today, Lady Brittany?” Samuel inquired.
“I said I’d assist with selecting the floral arrangements for the events. I know that’s not a normal activity for a gentleman but would you care to assist, Lord Samuel?”
“Lady Brittany, I believe this would be an interesting mental challenge for me, as I’m not well versed in properly selecting plants for a ball,” he answered.
“Your advice, m’ lord, will be more valuable than you can imagine.”
“Then, shall we start. Where would you prefer to visit first?” he asked, not sure what they had.
“Wonderful, the orangery. Mother has quite a few potted plants which can easily be transported to the ballroom. I brought foolscap and a pencil with which to make notes,” she declared, withdrawing them from a pocket in her dress.
With a nod to her father he joined Brittany, offered his arm but was pleased when she refused, preferring his hand instead. As before, when they touched a warmth slid up his arm. Something he enjoyed greatly.
He let her guide him toward the orangery which gave him a chance to study her. He found the calmness in her eyes and the relaxed expression on her face to be intriguing. It seemed she had nothing to worry about when with him, that she trusted him unequivocally.
“Samuel, do you have an orangery at your estate? I only ask as I do find relaxing and reading in ours comforting.”
“I most humbly apologize but I don’t. If you are desirous of one then I’ll have one built immediately.”
Before he knew what happened she had stopped and swung around, wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. In an attempt to collect his wits he lifted his head from her. He’d promised to treat her as a lady, thus not taking liberties but the feeling of her pressed against him was almost more than he could take.
He heard two people approaching.
“My dearest, I would suggest we resume this interlude later,” he whispered.
“I agree,” she answered, slipping her arms from his neck and taking up his hand again.
As luck would have it, this time at least, the people didn’t come toward them.
Safe for now he let her continue to guide him to their destination.
As he stood at the glass doors leading into the orangery he could feel his eyes wid
en at the sight before him. He saw flowers and plants. Now he understood the draw Brittany had for one. With her beside him he stepped through the door to be surrounded by moisture lingering in the air.
“Is it always like this?” he asked, walking over to a tall tree with interesting leaves.
“Yes. Without the humidity and warmth many of them would die. Now, shall we hunt out the perfect plants?”
Never having been in one before, except on occasion when attempting to seduce a young lady, he started by examining the physical structure itself. Three of the sides were framed glass with the forth being part of the mansion. Even the roof had glass paneling, but some along the sides had chains attached to them. Marching over to one he studied the mechanism closer.
“Those are used to regulate the heat and dampness in here. During the colder weather the ceiling windows are closed and just the opposite in the summer,” she explained.
“How is the room heated?”
“Pipes laid along the walls are connected to the ovens in the kitchen. If you’ll follow me I’ll show you how the humidity is created,” she said, reaching for his hand.
Easily letting himself be led they followed the twisting flagstone path to the center. There he saw two ornate cast iron well-padded benches on opposite sides of a small pond. He glanced down to see koi were swimming lazily in the water. In the center was a small statue of a cherub with a thin stream coming out of its mouth. How this happened he had no idea but would leave that up to the designer and builder.
Not one for too many frills, he began to understand the fascination with an orangery. Familiar fragrances tickled his nose—limes, lemons, oranges. But, that couldn’t be possible. He knew the plants needed a warm climate to grow. Pivoting on his heel he looked around, searching for the source.
No wait, he saw, that’s a small orange tree growing here in England and producing fruit in the winter.
“Isn’t this amazing,” she whispered.
“Not as wonderful as this.”
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