Lord Carnall and Miss Innocent (The Friendhip Series Book 7)

by Julia Donner

  A myriad of lesser issues had erupted, keeping her occupied and so weary at night that she slept the sleep of the dead. Problems usually kept her awake, but the last six days had produced more worries than the lack of funds that constantly plagued.

  Aunt Thisbe required calming. She’d discovered the extent of the financial difficulties and wept copious tears of sympathy on Ana’s shoulder. Her aunt worried more about Ana’s burdens than the loss of her only livelihood. The woman was a sweet-natured treasure but had no understanding of practical matters. Her world revolved around the arts, the romance of nature and life. Talk of finances brought instant trepidation and worry to her faded blue eyes. All she needed from life was an outlet for her finer feelings and adored venting them to students with discussions of romantic literary themes as she instructed watercolors, embroidery and sewing a neat stitch. Her placid and generous spirit lent itself to patience with students utterly lacking artistic talent. Somehow Aunt Thisbe managed to extract a portfolio of sketches and watercolors from every student, wringing a measure of pride for the families and validating the expenditure for the presentation of an accomplished girl into the competitive marriage mart.

  New students at Worth’s had a mentor assigned to them from their first day at the seminary. Their mentor was meant to guide and provide emotional support, answer all questions and gently steer the student onto the right paths. Aunt Thisbe’s gentle heart would match well with the St. Claire girls, who were sure to need direction, since they hailed from an Irish backwater. There would be work aplenty to refine two rough stones into gems meant for London society standards.

  The best tea was again used for the Wednesday appointment. Fresh biscuits and a lemon cake had been prepared that morning. Ana fussed with the arrangements, telling herself all must be done to prepare for the girls, when deep inside, she admitted that she was looking forward to seeing Carnall again. It hadn’t been easy to ignore the constant shadow of the impression he’d made on her during their last meeting, especially his restless virility.

  For a while, she fooled herself with the notion that she was more impressed by the flash of ebony eyes and the way he used his slim, elegantly arched eyebrows so eloquently. She rerouted her thoughts every time she recalled the intriguing curve of his sensual mouth, the outline of muscular shoulders in form-fitting garments. She doubted the marquis realized that he had an intimidating presence, not nervous, but vibrant. His personality filled a room, crowding out all else. At least that was how it felt to her, when she finally allowed herself to admit that she had difficulty suppressing her attraction. She had to constantly remind herself that there was only one possible connection for a woman of her social position and age to have with a man like Carnall, but knowing this had no effect on the persistent draw that overwhelmed, leaching away her will to resist.

  Muffled voices and footsteps became louder in the passageway. Elsie came through, holding the door open to announce, “His lordship, Marquis of Carnall. Miss St. Claire and Miss St. Claire.”

  Two young ladies in pastel-colored carriage dress entered, curtsied and stepped aside for Carnall to enter. He’d left his hat and gloves at the door. His hair gleamed as he tipped his head in a bow. The sisters immediately moved to latch on to his arms. They kept their gazes lowered. The elder, Mary Kathleen, had entered first, as was her place. Composed and pretty, she merely looked demure, but Charlotte clutched her brother’s sleeve and darted anxious glances his way, as if to judge his thoughts.

  The sisters St. Claire carried themselves well and had an air of otherworldliness, while looking refreshingly reticent. They possessed a natural shyness and modesty without the shrinking behavior of those unaccustomed to or overwhelmed by introduction to elevated society. Both had exquisite complexions, light brown hair, doe-like brown eyes and slender grace. They were the opposite of Carnall in appearance and temperament and nothing like what Ana had imagined. Country misses they may be, but they behaved in a well bred manner and were decked out in the most current styles.

  After introductions were exchanged, Carnall sat on the couch opposite Ana’s with a sister on either side. They remained silent while Ana and Carnall covered the polite topics. His reply surprised her when she asked how they fared on the journey down from London.

  “We haven’t traveled far. I’ve rented a house near Tunbridge Wells, Loverton Grange.”

  Ana stopped herself from blinking in surprise. “The Grange? That has been vacant for some years. I hadn’t heard that it was in any condition for habitation.”

  They paused while Elsie brought in the refreshment tray and placed it on a low table between the couches. Carnall gave his sisters’ preferences for tea and passed them their cups and saucers so that Ana would not have to reach across the tray. The girls responded with tiny shakes of their heads and whispered thanks when she offered biscuits and cake.

  After Carnall declined refreshment, he replied to her earlier question. “I’d heard about Loverton Grange from Lord Asterly. His brother, Sir Harry, knew a great deal about the property. The families were at one time well-acquainted when they were in residence and vouched for the house’s condition. I felt it necessary to acquire a residence nearby, since I plan to visit Mary Kathleen and Charlotte often.”

  Ana took that to mean that he didn’t want his sisters to feel stranded. Her previous notion that Carnall spoiled his sisters altered with the revelation of his remaining nearby. He would spoil them, for certain, but she now saw that his behavior toward his siblings was more protective than indulgent.

  She set aside her curiosity about the cause of his protectiveness with a question. “I am pleased that the Grange is now occupied. Vacant houses are somehow melancholy. It is never considered fortunate to have empty dwellings in one’s neighborhood.”

  “It has been well kept in the owner’s absence. Sir Harry mentioned that there has been a search for the heir for nearly a decade.”

  “Yes. The baron passed away when I was a girl visiting here. This house belonged to my uncle before it became a school. It was known as Worth Hall back then. When Lord Loverton died without direct issue, a search began. There is speculation that the heir is somewhere in the Colonies. The Grange is a fine dwelling. Lord Carnall, if you would not consider it presumptuous, I would ask that you consider a party of some sort to introduce yourself and your sisters to the county.”

  The sisters reacted to this suggestion, Mary Kathleen with a slight withdrawal, but Charlotte cringed. Ana hastened to say, “But of course, it isn’t necessary if the residence is merely for the duration of their stay with us.”

  Mary Kathleen actually drank her tea, whereas Charlotte had merely touched her lips to the cup rim. He took Charlotte’s cup and saucer and set it on the tray. Now that she’d freed her hands from the cup and saucer, she again took hold of her brother’s sleeve. Carnall placed his hand over hers as he spoke.

  “The estate manager said the property is temporarily for let, until the heir was found. I’m quite sensible of the neighborhood’s feeling of discomfort of having an important dwelling left vacant for so long. They’ve kept it up adequately. There was very little bother involved with moving in. May I ask if the horses arrived in good condition?”

  “Yes, and settled well. Horses often do when they come with a friend. It has been my experience that mares when paired with another female acclimate to different environments much easier.” She added with a smile, “And please do not associate that comment with my next suggestion. It has to do with acclimating to this establishment.”

  She accepted Mary Kathleen’s cup, extended by Carnall. Her thoughts skittered away when his fingertips grazed hers in the exchange. “May I offer more, Miss St. Claire?”

  After a slight, negative shake of her head, Mary Kathleen looked up at her brother with an adoring smile. Ana’s shoulders lifted from a startled inhale. The girl’s expression was one of extraordinary sweetness. Charlotte peeked up from under her bonnet’s brim and briefly showed the same enchanting f
eatures but with an underlying reticence that hinted at fearfulness.

  Ana reminded herself to release the teapot handle and fold her hands in her lap. “To continue, here at Worth’s we strive to encourage every pupil to consider this their home as much as a school. In order to facilitate that a mentor is assigned to every new student. We have four teachers here. Miss Elliott, who teaches languages. Then there are my three maternal aunts. Aunt Honoria Throckmorton teaches dance and outdoor pursuits, such as archery. Aunt Desdemona Throckmorton assists to refine all social graces, music, instrumental and vocal. Aunt Thisbe Throckmorton teaches drawing, all forms of sewing and embroidery, and she will be your mentor.” Ana glanced at the clock. “She will be joining us any moment. Her class has just finished.”

  The sisters shared a look at each other from under their hat brims. Carnall surveyed this exchange and gently asked his sisters, “There is a problem?”

  When they shook their heads and clasped their gloved hands in their laps, Ana hurried to explain, “Please let me assure you. Miss Throckmorton will suit. Her personality is much like your own, except—”

  When the girls dared to look up, Ana relaxed her lips from a pinched grin to say with feeling, “Aunt Thisbe is by nature a romantic. There, I’ve confessed the terrible truth and you will forgive her, I’m sure.”

  Even though Ana didn’t look directly at him, the fierceness of Carnall’s attention pierced through her being. She hoped he didn’t mind defusing the brittle atmosphere with mild humor. His concern for his sisters was a palpable presence, and Ana couldn’t think why meeting her aunt should cause this sort of consternation. The girls leaned toward their brother when the door opened without ceremony and a bird-like, fluttery matron flew through the opening. Everyone stood. Carnall escorted his sisters away from the couch to meet the new arrival.

  Ana stayed with the tea service. “I have the pleasure of introducing my maternal aunt, Miss Thisbe Throckmorton.”

  Aunt Thisbe didn’t wait for acknowledgment and interrupted the girls’ curtseys by rushing forward to take their hands. “How lovely you both are! Absolute beauties. Your brother, his lordship, must be so immensely proud of you. And look at those charming blushes, so very fetching. I vow we shall get along prodigiously well. How do you do, my lord? You must pardon my fervor. I have been that excited to meet your sisters.”

  Carnall tipped his head in a bow. “A pleasure, Miss Throckmorton.”

  Aunt Thisbe curtsied, more of an abbreviate bob and turned to the sisters, who stared, now intrigued more than frightened. “Oh, but you are treasures. I must draw the pair of you immediately, just as you are now in those charming bonnets. How clever of your maids to match up the colors and flowers. If Lord Carnall and my niece will excuse us, I would love to get you settled. Then we shall have a delightful tête-à-têtes and you may reveal all the interesting things about yourselves. You absolutely must tell me all about Ireland. I’ve always longed to travel there.” In a confidential whisper, she added, “They say there are fairies everywhere.”

  Amazed, as most people were when first introduced to her aunt, the girls exchanged glances, then beamed at Aunt Thisbe, who flew to Ana for a swift embrace. “My thanks, dearest niece. I had the most marvelous intuition about these young ladies. I positively knew they would be my favorites! Come along, girls. Bid your brother a proper farewell and we shall take the biscuits upstairs with us.”

  Aunt Thisbe snatched up the plate from the tray and flitted to the doorway, while Charlotte and Mary Kathleen went to Carnall. He had to lean down for them to place kiss on his cheek. They set aside their excitement to bestow graceful curtseys to Ana. After murmuring everything that was appropriate, the girls swiftly followed Aunt Thisbe out the door.

  In the silent aftermath of their wake, Carnall stared at the closed door. “How extraordinary.”

  “Yes, she is, and so are your sisters. I’ve quite fallen in love with them.”

  His attention shot back to her. The intensity of his ebony eyes stopped her breath and heart. He stood in front of the sun-glazed window. Bright light haloed his short black hair and imposing outline. His stance looked relaxed and yet she had the impression of a great cat readying to pounce.

  She suspected, no, she knew that he kept contained a terrible violence, while at the same time the marquis cherished his sisters with a tender regard Jasper would never extend to her. She wanted to feel resentment for the differences—her brother’s lack of feeling and Carnall’s keen sense of duty—but she couldn’t in all fairness resent a man who could so easily proffer his devotion.

  Under his fierce scrutiny, she became exquisitely aware of her plain gown, her unwomanly figure, her age and uninspiring self. Her physical attributes could be designated as little more than ordinary. She had colorless eyes, an overabundance of straight hair, no talents of any kind and had long ago resigned herself to the understanding that she occupied a spot on the matrimonial shelf that was never going to change.

  Then why struggle in vain against the normal response of a woman desired by a man—for what cause should she relinquish the delicious temptation? Her body shouted that Carnall wanted her, but why he did she couldn’t comprehend. For her part, every muscle and fiber quivered with the urge to fling herself across the room and into his arms. She yearned to experience the texture of that sensual mouth, its feel against her lips and flesh.

  The sudden recollection of the grocer bill that had arrived this morning intruded, bringing back the realities of her life—a return to rational thought that squelched the sweet, brief flight of imagining what lovemaking with Carnall might be. So much depended on the careful juggling of the school’s dire situation. Whispered truths and responsibilities reminded that she must keep her head. For a moment she’d allowed years of disappointment to get pushed aside, womanly yearnings she’d accepted would never be experienced. Any whiff of scandal would destroy her school, her livelihood and that of her aunts. And yet there was that seed of unfulfilled lust buried deep inside that rushed to the surface in this man’s presence.

  She clenched her teeth as he approached, dark eyes glittering, his body radiating tension. Gathering what was left of her concentration, she forced herself to relax when he took her hand. She didn’t know if she might weep, laugh or sigh with relief when he didn’t touch those lips to her skin. He merely bowed over her work-roughened knuckles.

  “My thanks, Mrs. Worth, for what you have done for my sisters.”

  She pulled her trembling hand free, hot with guilt for letting the misconception of her name and marital state to continue without clarification. His sharp-eyed study of her reaction to his touch withered her courage to make the correction. He looked askance, the frightening and exciting gleam from before now hidden behind a hooded gaze.

  “Forgive me for speaking with candor, ma’am, but I think your aunt might be fey.”

  “Sir, I…we here at Worth’s suspect the very same.” Her response had come out breathy, like a girl’s flustered reply.

  She quailed inside when he fully smiled. “Where I come from, that is a very fine thing indeed. May I wish you a very good day, ma’am.”

  She curtseyed when he nodded a farewell bow, then he surprised her when he halted at the door, keeping his back to her. His pausing there, his silence, set off a frantic pounding of her heart. She had the distinct impression that he struggled with some inner battle. Would he come back to her, accost her with a passionate embrace? She heard the foolishness of her own musings and her shoulders sagged. There was absolutely no future with this man, no hope of liaison with a gentleman of his rank and her lackluster self.

  She flinched when he spoke to the door panels, “Mrs. Worth, I will be checking on my sisters frequently until they are comfortable here. If you would not deem it an imposition or perhaps an inappropriate request, would you, after one of my visits, agree to a drive? Even though our stay may not be of long duration, I should like to become better acquainted with the neighborhood.”

 
She swallowed to relax the constriction in her throat. “Certainly, Lord Carnall.”

  He said nothing and flexed his fingers. The movements made her realize that he’d been fisting his hand instead of reaching for the door latch. Her brow furrowed as she watched him depart.

  The room returned to its usual serenity with his absence. Relief weakened her legs. She sank down onto the couch seat and pressed a trembling hand to her forehead, massaging away the frown. What was it about the man that made her melt inside and incapable of saying no? Agreeing to an outing with him, no matter how innocent on the surface, was rash, foolish in the extreme, but she knew not how to stop him or herself from acting on the attraction. She had no doubt that they were at the start of an affair that neither could resist but one that would not last for long. The conflagration would be fierce and brief. If she allowed this to progress, she would find temporary release and a memory to last a lifetime. Carnall would move on to another affair, leaving her behind, burnt up from the blaze.

  Chapter 5

  Carnall stepped up into the coach and pressed his back into the leather squabs. His hand trembled as he removed his hat. The woman had the most extraordinary effect on him, filled him with yearnings that bordered on savage. He vaguely registered the passage of road underneath the carriage, his vision still swamped with the flicker of suppressed passion he’d detected in Ana Worth’s smoke-blue eyes. She kept rigid control over her inner thoughts and feelings—with the exception of that startling response to hearing about Letty’s happiness with her recent marriage. He was delighted for Letty and Bainbridge, but he couldn’t imagine shared joy for a friend evoking so strong a response. Her lapse into exposing so much and the emotional depth of her reaction confirmed that she was a woman of passions well-concealed.