Alex had hired Lucy when one of the chambermaids married and moved away. Lucy was a buxom brunette with a lively glint in her eye. Bobbing a curtsy, the maid quickly set to work dressing her mistress, chattering away as she buttoned the back of Alexandra's morning gown of yellow muslin.
After splashing cool water on her face and combing her hair, Alex felt refreshed. She hesitated, then went in search of Rochdale.
She looked in the library and then the picture gallery. At the foot of the stairs, she met the butler. "Sterling, do you know where Lord Rochdale is?"
"An undergroom saw his lordship heading in the direction of the observatory, Miss. Shall I send a footman to fetch him?"
"No, I'll go myself," she said. "Please tell Mrs. Tolles we'll have breakfast in half an hour."
"Certainly, Miss."
Alexandra walked slowly to the observatory. She wasn't sure she wanted to be alone with Rochdale, especially there. Lifting her chin slightly, she walked with more confident strides. This was nonsense. She would not let one kiss rule her entire life. Rochdale was a rakehell, he had proven that when he'd betrayed their special friendship. He was a gambler, a libertine, and a dangerous man to cross.
She had trusted Rochdale when she was a child, but he had turned on her and shown his true colors--she still didn't know the reason.
Just as she still didn't know the reason why she had responded to his embrace. Granted, it had been her first kiss. Yet she had never experienced that sensational molten pleasure since then. What would it feel like if Rochdale kissed her again? She quickly pushed the treacherous thought aside and proceeded on her way.
She'd decided she would marry Carlisle, hadn't she? He was faithful, good, and trustworthy. She would live a comfortable life and find happiness in her children and her work. Alexandra shrugged away any misgivings as she entered the observatory.
Rochdale sat at her workbench, engrossed in her journals. He stood up when she came in. "Was Robert glad to see you?" he asked.
For one splendid moment, Alex felt warmed by his intense golden-brown eyes; just as if the years had never passed, as if their friendship was still intact. He'd always been ruggedly good looking with hard chiseled features, the embodiment of every woman's dream.
At thirty-five years of age, Rochdale was in prime physical condition. He had the muscular build of a born athlete. His sandy-colored hair was swept into the Brutus style. His face was molded like a statue's with a straight patrician nose, a long jaw bone, a hint of a cleft in his strong chin and those sculpted lips that had claimed her own in this very room many years ago. Best not to think of that now.
"Alexandra?" Rochdale's deep voice broke her reverie.
She blinked and shook her head. "Yes, he was glad to see me and I was very glad to see him," she replied. "I haven't thanked you for all you've done for him."
"I did nothing he wouldn't have done in return," he said harshly. The warmth left his eyes and Alexandra wondered why.
"How is he doing this morning?" Rochdale said, after a short pause.
"Better than I expected." She forced herself to speak cheerfully, trying to ignore the awkwardness that lay between them. "Now that he's home, I hope he will get well quickly."
"I'm sure he will." He sat down again, seemingly dismissing Robert from his mind. "I've been reading your journals. You've got an extraordinary amount of data here. I didn't know you were so dedicated in continuing your father's work." He tapped the journal he was holding with one long finger. "So, you believe there is an eighth planet beyond the George. When did you discover George's erratic orbital pattern?"
Alexandra walked over to the table and sat down, forgetting to ask why he sounded hesitant about Robert's recovery. "You know Papa was always fascinated with the new planet. He never let us forget he was visiting Mr. Herschel when the great discovery was made."
She began to search systematically through the vast stack of records. In a few moments, she found what she was looking for. "This is when Papa first became aware something was pulling the George out of its regular elliptical orbit. And yes, he believed it was another planet." She handed the journal to Damien. He sat back as he examined the data.
Alexandra straightened the papers and covertly studied Rochdale's strong profile and tried not to sigh. She'd enjoyed working alongside her father and this man when she was a child. The three of them had spent many happy hours studying the heavens together. What had happened? Why had Rochdale withdrawn his friendship? Would she ever understand?
"Papa continued his observations, but fell ill shortly after his discovery," she said, pushing away the sad thoughts. "He made me promise on his deathbed to continue the search for the eighth planet."
Rockdale shot her one inscrutable glance before continuing his examination of her charts.
Standing up, Alex adjusted her skirts. "If you're truly interested, I'll be happy to tell you about it. I don't know about you, but I'm famished. I came to inform you breakfast is ready to be served."
As she led the way downstairs, she heard Rochdale mumble something under his breath. "I beg your pardon, my lord?" she asked, over her shoulder.
The viscount shook his head. "I was just thinking you are full of surprises, Miss Turlington." Alexandra could see the thought didn't please him at all.
****
The breakfast parlor was resplendent with sunshine as light streamed in through the mullioned windows. At the side-board, Alex and Damien helped themselves to a breakfast of eggs, kippers, beefsteak, fresh baked scones with marmalade, and hot coffee. Damien held a chair for Alexandra, then took his place opposite. Alex applied herself to her food.
As he spread butter on a hot scone, he asked, "Are you satisfied that Robert is on the mend?"
"Yes, though I'm vexed to death with him," she said. "I don't see why he couldn't have sent word to me. I've been sick with worry."
Damien shrugged his shoulders. "That was bad of him, but understandable."
"I don't understand."
"You wouldn't, of course," he murmured, biting into the scone.
"Excuse me, my lord?" She stared at him across the table. "Just why wouldn't I understand?"
"Because you're a woman," he remarked cryptically.
"I see," she said.
"Have you sent for the doctor yet?" Damien asked.
"As a matter of fact, I have. Robert's eyes are over-bright and I suspect he'll be in a high fever by this evening. I do understand some things, my lord." Alexandra stirred her coffee. "Dr. Heron will come as soon as he is able. He's taken care of Robert and me for years and will know what to do to make him more comfortable." Alex took a bite of kipper.
Damien waited for her to continue. He watched as she raised her eyes questioningly. "How do you think Robert is coping with his injury?" he asked suddenly.
Alexandra laid her fork beside her plate. "I'm not sure. He seems despondent, which is natural, of course. I'm afraid it's going to take time and patience before he heals emotionally," she said slowly. "Robert will have to learn to accept the loss of his arm. He'll need all of our support and help in order to feel competent again."
Damien nodded. "I agree with you. He's lost much of his self-confidence. It will take hard work and determination to set him right." He sipped his coffee, studying her over the cup rim. "He'll have to learn to ride all over again. For that matter, he must learn to do many things differently in order to compensate for the lack of his right arm."
Alexandra toyed with her napkin, folding it into pleats. "Yes," she said, obviously thinking the matter over. "And he'll need someone to help him, someone who won't show pity or feel sorry for him."
"If you don't mind, Miss Turlington, I should like to stay and help Robert."
Alexandra gaped at him as if he'd grown horns. Damien could understand her amazement. He had challenged her notions about him. He knew how much she despised his reputation.
After she recovered her composure, he saw a mixture of surprise and relief on her face. "
Yes--of course," she replied. "Naturally, you'd be the very one. Robert's fortunate to have you for a friend."
Damien eyed her curiously. Was she glad or appalled that he was staying? Perhaps she felt a combination of both. Was there a hint of regret in her voice? Did she miss the loss of the easy camaraderie they once shared? "Tell me about your research," he said, abruptly changing the subject.
"Are you truly interested or merely being polite?" she asked.
"I'm never polite, my dear, or have you forgotten?" He grinned as her eyes widened. "Tell me about the George; I find I'm fascinated with the theory. Surprised, Miss Turlington?"
Alexandra lifted her chin, a dangerous glint in her eye. "Yes, I'm surprised. I didn't think you were such a serious astronomer."
"I'm a mere dabbler in the field. Your father taught me an appreciation of the stars, and I've never lost interest."
He stepped to the sideboard and helped himself to more beefsteak. "Believe it or not," he continued over his shoulder, "I built an observatory at Avenall Abbey. It's similar to your father's and the telescope lens was ground to his specifications."
Alexandra stared at him again. As he resumed his place, he smiled sardonically. "A man can enjoy a variety of interests, Miss Turlington. People may call me Demon, but I don't waste all my time in decadent amusements, I assure you."
Damien waited for her response. Would she recognize her own words? Words that had cut through his jaded heart, words he knew even then to be true?
Alexandra rose from the table, her cheeks flushed. "Years ago, I said some unkind things to you. I'm sorry, but you must admit the provocation was great."
Quickly, Damien pushed back his chair and leaned across the table. Placing a finger under her chin, he stared at her full, moist lips, then into her eyes. "I admit nothing, my dear. And I refuse to apologize for something which--if I remember correctly--I found extremely pleasurable."
Jerking her chin from his grasp, Alex stepped back. "You forget yourself, Rochdale. I'm no longer an impressionable schoolgirl. Try for once to act with gentlemanly decorum, especially if you intend to stay at Willowmede. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall go see about Robert."
"Certainly, Miss Turlington." He frowned as he watched her retreating form. Alexandra was correct in saying she was no longer a schoolgirl. She was a beautiful woman, and much too desirable for his peace of mind.
CHAPTER FOUR
After checking on Robert, Alexandra left him in the care of his devoted valet and spent an hour consulting the housekeeper and cook about what could be prepared to help tempt her brother's appetite. Mrs. Tolles and Mrs. Abernathy were happily discussing the benefits of chicken broth over barley soup when she retired to the library.
Alex sat curled in a window embrasure, a copy of Walter Scott's Marmion opened, but unread on her lap. The window seat was one of her favorite places at Willowmede. She gazed across the green lawns. The carefully tended gardens in the foreground merged with verdant pastures that spread out toward the Valley of the Avon. The serene landscape always made her feel a sense of peace and contentment.
Except peace and contentment seemed far away today. She was extremely worried about Robert. His fever was rising, and she was anxious for Dr. Heron's arrival. Once he gave his prognosis on Robert's condition, she would know better how to go on.
The shifts would have to be divided, of course. Alex was sure Jenny would insist on helping in the sickroom. Jenny had a soothing personality and would be good with the patient.
Closing her book, Alex laid it beside her and drew her legs toward her, leaning her chin on her knees. She stared unseeing out the window, her thoughts turning to Rochdale. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed the viscount.
She'd always liked Robert's friend and Rochdale had treated her with all the familiarity of an older brother. Alex had been vaguely aware of his horrible reputation with women, but it had nothing to do with her and she'd never thought much about it. She knew she had her own special niche in the viscount's life.
As she grew older, Rochdale teased and flirted with her, never overstepping the boundaries of what was proper. Her favorite times had been when he had worked in the observatory with her and Papa.
All of that changed on Rochdale's last visit to Willowmede ten years ago. Alex remembered how glad she'd been to see him when he'd arrived. But he hadn't seemed glad to see her. The golden eyes stared at her with anger and something else vaguely disturbing.
The visit was a disaster from the very beginning. The special friendship they'd shared had somehow disappeared. Rochdale was a cold, aloof stranger. He no longer called her by her first name. He was rigidly formal, almost mocking, when he addressed her as Miss Turlington. Alex constantly fought back hot tears whenever they conversed.
And worst of all, he seemed to want something more than friendship from her. All of the old rumors came back to haunt her: Rochdale, the dangerous rake. Demon Avenall, the hard drinking, heavy gambling libertine.
Her life changed forever the night Rochdale found her alone in the observatory.
At first, Rochdale was like his old self--kind, helpful, friendly. The hateful look was gone, replaced with a warmth that left her tingling inside. When he helped adjust the telescope, she could feel his strong body close behind her. Turning to whisper her thanks, Alex was caught in a tantalizing spell.
For some reason, it had seemed the most natural thing in the world when Damien had kissed her. Gently at first, then deeply, passionately. He had kissed her like a thirsty man drinks--as if he couldn't get enough.
Reality hit when he deepened the caress. The intensity of his kiss and the feel of his hands on her breast had frightened her. He'd gone too fast; she wasn't ready for such unleashed passion.
Alex recalled flaying him with hateful words--trying to cover up her own confused feelings and her lustful response to him. She was angry at Rochdale, but more than that, she was angry at herself. Alex had thought she loved Rochdale as she loved Robert; she thought he'd felt the same.
How could he have betrayed their friendship? He was wicked to take advantage of her innocence. He'd been so cool when he'd stepped back and sipped his brandy. It was only a kiss, he'd said.
Alexandra jumped up from the window seat in the library and paced around the room. She had assumed Rochdale had forgotten about that kiss. Her cheeks grew warm as she recalled what had happened this morning in the breakfast parlor. She had been surprised with his offer to stay and help during Robert's convalescence. Rochdale had not been to Willowmede since that visit long ago.
Talking to him over breakfast, she thought maybe she had misjudged him. Perhaps they could be friends again. Yet the reference to that dreadful kiss and the cruel words she'd flung at his head was unmistakable. She'd tried to apologize when suddenly he was gazing intently into her eyes with a burning passion. The intimate touch of his fingers on her chin brought back the memory of his kiss. No, she had not misjudged him. He was not a gentleman.
Alexandra sighed. Rochdale wasn't the only guilty one. She still blushed when she remembered her response as he held her in his arms that night in the observatory and ravished her mouth. Alex couldn't deny the pleasure she'd felt in his embrace. She had wanted the kiss to last forever.
Straightening the ribbons on her dress, Alex lifted her chin. She would take one day at a time. Robert needed Rochdale's support and help in order to make a full recovery, and that was of the utmost importance right now.
She wouldn't think about how he'd thrown their friendship away--how he'd betrayed her trust in him. She decided to ignore the passion she'd seen blazing in his eyes this morning. Best to keep in mind how courteous and friendly he'd been in his dealings with her, especially when breaking the news about Robert and riding with her to Willowmede. Even if he was a libertine, the man was truly devoted to Robert.
Alex smiled when she remembered his enthusiasm over her journals in the observatory. Maybe they could work together again. Rochdale could be charming when h
e wished. It would be enjoyable to discuss her theories with a fellow star-gazer. She missed the lively discussions she used to have with her papa.
Hearing a commotion in the entry hall, Alexandra breathed a sigh of relief and hurried from the room. Thank goodness, Dr. Heron had finally arrived. As she descended the stairs, she saw a profusion of baggage and bandboxes piled in the hall before the massive front door. Not the doctor, obviously.
Aunt Haygood entered the house leaning heavily on the butler's arm. Jenny followed immediately behind, directing a footman to be careful with a large dressing case. When Miss Haygood spied her niece, she almost wept with relief. "Thank God you're safe, Alexandra! I haven't had a moment's peace since you left this morning in Lord Rochdale's company. I'm surprised you weren't ravished!"
She looked around to where Jenny was talking to the footman. "David, you may carry my case of teas to my chamber." Disengaging herself from the butler, she straightened her shoulders and adjusted her cap, looking ready to do battle. "I shall brew some yarrow tea immediately for poor, dear Robert. Goldenrod is also effective in reducing fevers. I wonder if I have any goldenrod or perhaps some feverfew?" She started up the stairs giving orders over her shoulder. "Sterling, please have some water put to boil. Tell Mrs. Tolles I'll be using the blue china tea service today. Robert has always been partial to blue."
Miss Haygood stopped halfway up the staircase and smiled down at her niece. "I'm so glad you were not ravished, dearest. I don't think I could have handled that on top of everything else. Too much to do, you know. I must devote myself to finding just the right tea to help poor Robert make a speedy recovery. I know my work is cut out for me, but I will not shirk my responsibilities." She kept up a lively monologue as she continued up the stairs.
Alex turned dancing eyes toward Jenny. "Poor Jenny! You must be exhausted if you've had to endure that all the way from Bath. Come to the Blue Saloon and I'll ring for tea." When Jenny chuckled, Alex smiled. "Yes, I know. Aunt Haygood is not the only one who relies on tea to cure all ills."
Midnight My Love Page 4
