“Thank you, Lexi.”
She did not reply and skittered from the room like a frightened rabbit. Only later, when she lay in bed and reviewed the scene for the umpteenth time, did she damn herself in forgetting to check for a mirror over his bed.
Chapter Seventeen
Julia was upset about something. He knew as sure as the sunshine warmed the back of his neck. The four friends were having a picnic, and even though Devlin never wagered, he’d bet Julia was unsettled about an incident occurring the night before.
Across the flannel blanket Lexi sat beside Julia, her mood convivial and friendly. The little ladybug unknowingly perched beside the angry sparrow. Devlin’s lips quirked with his imagery. Lord, he’d almost devoured her last night. Perhaps he shouldn’t have drawn the comparison.
Oh, she was a wily one, his ward. All innocence and perfection to the unsuspecting eye, but last night had Reeston not intervened, he knew what might have happened. No, he it was a certainty. He’d angled his body away for fear she’d discover how enticing she appeared and how instantly his body had reacted to her proximity, placed on the mattress edge as if a midnight snack. He couldn’t discern what she wore beneath her tightly tied lace robe, but just like the sweets he favoured, his fingers twitched with temptation to unwrap her and enjoy the treat.
And her hair. Glory, what a head of hair. It shone in the sunlight with every shade of yellow imaginable. Last night, when her hair was free, flowing across her shoulders and down her back, he yearned to slip his fingers through the lengths, wrap them around his fist and wind forward to kiss her senseless.
He suspected she felt smug this afternoon having drawn back her hair with the blue velvet ribbon. She fairly skipped past him in an effort to catch his notice, the little minx. How she managed to recover it he’d no idea, but he’d get it back even if he needed to slip it from those golden waves. He readjusted himself on the blanket.
No, he needed to change his view and rose to walk where Phineas angled, intent on catching a fish in the wishing-well pond. Ridiculous thought. Devlin hadn’t seen a fish in there his entire life.
“Catch anything?” Devlin picked up a stone and skipped it across the surface. It landed with a definitive plop.
“Not likely I will if you continue to disturb the surface.”
“That’s a rather testy retort, my friend. What’s the matter?” Devlin tossed another stone upward and snatched it in his fist as it arced in the air. He repeated the action, although he itched to skim it across the pond.
“It’s something Julia told me earlier. Last night at our social, there was a bit of gossip even from those we consider close to the family. I’m disappointed and Julia is beside herself that the talk will interfere with her effort to find Alexandra a suitor. You would think the poorly based rumours would be exhausted by now.” Phin paused and adjusted his hold on the fishing rod before he continued. “And it wasn’t just the old ton. Finding Lexi a match may prove harder than we ever imagined.”
Phineas avoided his eyes when he turned and finished the sentence.
“Out with it. Don’t delude yourself in thinking you’ll reveal something I haven’t already entertained.” Devlin’s words possessed a hard edge, and he sought to soften his reply. “Although I appreciate the consideration.”
Phineas did not hesitate. “As we noticed, Julia was quick to dance with each of Lexi’s partners. She meant to arrange an evening of parlour games or some other type of nonsense to assist the gentlemen in becoming better acquainted with Alexandra, but while they admitted to finding your ward enchanting, no one wanted to tangle themselves …” His voice trailed off as he viewed Devlin’s stoic look of fury.
“I don’t want Julia to be on the end of any poor gossip with this agreement to help me. From here on, I will handle matters myself.” He donned a mask of conviviality. “I’ll tell her.”
“Wait. Neither one of us gives a damn about a misplaced word and my sister would be devastated if you suggested she should not spend time with your ward. It infuriates me, the way everyone colours things.”
Devlin couldn’t agree more. He shot the rock he held into the pond with a quick flick of his wrist, frustration overriding better judgement.
“Hey.” Phin whipped around, his own jostling of the fishing rod a deterrent in any honest attempt in catching a fish.
“Sorry. Merely trying to sort through this mess.”
Both men stood in silence until Devlin breeched the quiet with a tentative statement. “You know, Phin, I’ve been thinking.”
“Yup, I knew it was going to be this kind of day.” Phineas set the rod down and dropped to sit against the trunk of a tree near the water’s edge.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Devlin released a begrudged chuckle. He knew Phineas well and anticipated his response.
“This morning I bumped my head on the door frame. And I know what you’re thinking. So what, you bumped your head. But at that moment I realized it was going to be that sort of day. The kind of day when everything is just a little bit off.” Phineas considered the surface of the pond as if he contemplated the mysteries of the universe.
“All this from a bump on the head?” Devlin picked up a stone, delighted to be allowed the privilege of skipping it across the surface.
“No, not just that. I didn’t catch any fish.”
Devlin snorted at the complaint. “That’s because for twenty years I’ve told you there are no fish in this pond, but you persist on trying.”
Phineas did not so much as chuckle. “And now you’re thinking. And when you’re thinking and you say to me, ‘‘Phin, I’ve been thinking’, that inevitably means a plan is coming. And those plans usually land me on the wrong side of trouble.”
Devlin did not contradict. Phineas was right. Although it didn’t change his mind because he had been thinking and something needed to be done. Sooner, not later. Before anything adverse happened, but more importantly, before Lexi got hurt. He couldn’t bear that. She’d shown goodhearted kindness to his ailing aunt and had changed him in only a few short weeks, although he’d be hard put to label those changes. Nevertheless, they existed. Even Reeston smiled when he thought no one was looking. Because of her. Because of Lexi.
He eyed Phineas with a wry smile. Considering his friend’s mood, the discussion would keep for a different day. “Come on then, let’s see what the ladies are doing otherwise we’ll discover we’ve been recruited for some kind of folly.”
“As long as it is not charades. I despise charades.”
“As do I, my friend.”
On the blanket, Julia steered the conversation to her father’s party and the gentlemen with whom Alexandra had danced. Devlin interrupted twice, although in a well-formed habit, Julia was not deterred. She’d dedicated herself to the task of finding Alexandra a suitable match and wished to hear the results of her efforts.
“So, ” she paused and glanced in Devlin’s direction while he unpacked the picnic hamper, “have my efforts proved fruitful? Has anyone come to call? Sent flowers? Asked to see you again?”
She strove for a hopeful note, but Devlin was not fooled. His jaw tightened as he unwrapped their meal. He set plates of cold poached chicken and wild mushrooms on the blanket, pudding, fresh berries, crusty bread and an assortment of cheeses, along with thinly sliced venison spread with homemade mayonnaise.
At last, he glanced away from the basket. Alexandra appeared uncomfortable with Julia’s questions and he wished he hadn’t instigated their get-together. Julia meant to investigate if any of her prodding had proved successful, yet a gathering with her when she was in this persistent mood was worse than the Spanish Inquisition. Above all else, he didn’t want Lexi’s feelings hurt due to his disreputable past.
“No, not today.” Alexandra reached for her glass of lemonade.
Good for you, Lexi. Don’t let it rattle you.
“Surely someone must have shown interest. You looked beautiful.” Julia’s tone was so optimistic
it made Lexi’s answer much more anticipated. Devlin shot Phin a glare as he continued to set out the contents of the hamper.
Phin did not miss the mark. “Julia, with whom did you dance? You know Devlin and I think as long as Alexandra is husband shopping, we should get you hitched as well. Then we can all have a little peace and quiet.”
Julia smirked at her brother although the good humour proved short lived. She turned her gaze towards Devlin and fluttered her eyelashes in a coquettish ploy. “Do you feel the same way?”
“Peace and quiet always appeals to me.” He refused to disregard the picnic hamper and opened the napkins to reveal the food Cook wrapped.
“Perhaps we need a different tactic. I filled your dance card and selected every suitor from the list I gave you, but ...” Julia picked up her lemonade and took a sip.
“I thought the purpose of a dance card was so I could fill it with the names of gentlemen I chose for dancing and decline the others?”
One point for Lexi.
Julia put her glass down on the flannel with a little frown. Apparently she hadn’t expected to be questioned on her methods. “Ordinarily I suppose that’s true, but I thought you’d appreciate my effort. Not knowing anyone in attendance had to be a disadvantage. It seemed easier for you to meet gentlemen if I had them fill in your card before they promised all their dances to others.”
Smooth Julia, very smooth. But Lexi is a chess player. You might want to protect your king.
“True, but the same might have been accomplished if we discussed it beforehand. Or perhaps if you left a few spaces open at the bottom of the card. I never had a chance to dance with Devlin.”
Misplay, Lexi. Recover.
“I didn’t realize it mattered.” Julia’s face screwed tighter, as if her lemonade tasted sour. “I believed the purpose of the social was to introduce you to as many husband candidates as possible. A dance with Devlin shouldn’t make a difference.” Her agitated tone rose another octave while the word “difference” stuck to her tongue like honey.
Devlin was hard put not to intervene. He enjoyed Lexi’s clever rejoinders. She’d made a mistake with her last comment, but he knew she’d claim victory in the end. Sometimes mistakes offered the best pathways to success.
“You misunderstand. I wished to thank Devlin for the diamond pendant he gifted me earlier. I promised him a dance and you prevented me from keeping my promise.”
Checkmate. Nicely done, very nicely done.
Damn it, she was a surprise and a half. Where he sought to protect her, there was no need. He tried to catch her eye but she peered across the pond, her attention elsewhere.
“Well, I’m starved.” Phin reached for a sandwich and loaded his plate with cheese and vegetables.
“I don’t know how to proceed.” Julia glanced in Alexandra’s direction before her eyes flitted to Devlin. “And I don’t know what is wrong with people? I spoke to each of your dance partners and still not a single gentleman has paid you the least attention.”
Julia found it incredible no suitor had materialized on her command. The bluntness of her statement stunned everyone into silence until Phineas swallowed his mouthful and demanded his sister apologize.
Alexandra dismissed the words with a blithe wave. “I haven’t any callers, if that is what you seek to know. I don’t know how successful I was at impressing the ton.”
It killed Devlin to watch Alexandra contritely acquiesce to Julia’s questioning when it was his fault not one coward came courting.
“Make no mistake, Julia, Alexandra has a fervent suitor.” He had to intervene. Lexi was too lovely to lose this battle. “He called for her promptly on Saturday morning. He seemed over-eager, and it was too early to receive, so I turned him away. He mentioned he would call again tomorrow.” Without a doubt his mouth worked faster than his brain, but the look on Alexandra’s face was worth the cost of the falsehood. The look on Julia’s face was worth a bag of the king’s gold.
“I did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Lexi’s smile beamed brighter than the sun. She snatched a sugar biscuit and took a dainty bite. If he knew it only took a little lie to see that dimple, he would have told her dozens every day since she came to live with him.
“He left his calling card in the entryway. Didn’t you see it?” In for a penny, in for a pound. He would work it all out later. Besides, he knew Reeston cleared the entryway salver each evening and so did she.
“Don’t keep us in suspense, Devlin, what is his name?” Julia froze with anticipation.
“Mind your own business. If Alexandra wishes to introduce you, I’m sure she will.” Phineas interjected between mouthfuls. The man proved a bottomless pit when it came to putting away food.
“I see no harm in sharing his name. Let’s not forget I was the one who brought everyone together.” Julia ended on a high note, as if waiting for accolades of appreciation. None were forthcoming.
“I don’t think you know him.” Damned inquisitive female. If she continued to press him he would be forced to supply a name. His mind spun, but produced nothing.
“I insist you tell me all about him as soon as you’ve met.” Julia clasped her hands in front of her as if she barely contained her enthusiasm.
Meanwhile Devlin’s wish on the well was granted and a reprieve followed. How would he get himself out of the hole he had dug without hurting Lexi’s feelings? He had sought to prevent Julia from embarrassing his ward, but had created a situation that might produce the very same result.
There was an awkward moment, and then another, as everyone pondered the current conversation. Except Phineas, of course. He continued to eat with relish, only taking a breath to compliment Cook’s magic in the kitchen. Otherwise they portrayed the most silent picnic in history.
And then, as if on cue, Just Henry tore across the lawn in a bundle of white fur and high-pitched yelps. He headed straight towards the picnic and Alexandra’s face lit with a smile. One of the servants chased after the dog in a desperate attempt to catch him, but Devlin waved him back to the estate when Just Henry reached the blanket.
“Perhaps he smelled the sugar biscuits.” He caught Lexi’s eye and winked. He wanted her to know he supported her and that any gentleman who could dance with her, look into her exquisite blue eyes and not count the minutes until he called on her was a veritable fool in the truest sense of the word. And that if circumstances were different …
Just Henry’s constant yipping caused chaos across the flannel, not to mention the difficulty of keeping him out of the picnic food. Alexandra unwound the ribbon from her hair and wrapped it around the pup’s neck, lending him an air of royalty. When the dog stepped into the tray of pudding, Phineas objected with such vehemence, Devlin offered to escort Henry in a run around the pond so the pup could chase squirrels. It proved to be the only thing that kept him busy when King was not present. And it would provide the privacy needed for him to reclaim the ribbon.
Chapter Eighteen
Alexandra slid her rook forward and waited for Devlin’s advance. Upon her insistence they’d made a wager and as much as he’d tried to cry off, she’d hammered away until he’d agreed to her stakes. The winner of the match was allowed one question to be answered with complete truth. She contrived the preposterous stakes to satisfy her curiosity before the question badgering her day and night caused her to lose her mind. She spared no thought to the why of it. The risk of whatever he deemed to ask was worth the price of her satisfaction.
She flicked her eyes to his black ivory pieces lining the chessboard like obedient soldiers. He proved a skilful master. They were evenly matched, but the display on the chessboard looked grim. She unwrinkled her nose and feigned a confident smile, although she welcomed the diversion as Reeston bid entrance and Devlin called him forward.
“A delivery for Lady Alexandra,Your Grace. There is also a card.” Reeston placed a large arrangement of hothouse flowers on the sofa table nearest the window. The intense splash of red, ye
llow and orange against the otherwise wood-filled room presented a remarkable contrast.
“Flowers for me?” Alexandra rose from her chair in a rustle of silk. “They’re absolutely beautiful.”
Devlin watched as she opened the card, but she paid him no heed. Her heart sang at the sentiment someone wished she’d receive the lovely gift, never mind if he teased her later.
“Oh.” Her hand fell to her skirt in disappointment. “He’s been called away from London on a matter of utmost importance and will not be able to visit today.” She glanced towards the chess table and met Devlin’s speculative stare.
“Of whom are we speaking, Lexi? Is it the owner of the hothouse?”
“Very funny.” She’d expected teasing on his part and wandered back to the game with a disgruntled frown.
“The card is signed Stanley, Lord Bickerstaffe. That’s odd. I’m sure I would remember such an unusual name, but I can’t recall him. I will ask Julia on the morrow.” She sat down on her side of the chessboard and rested the card on the window sill.
“If I were you, I’d keep the extravagant flower sender’s name to yourself. I’m not sure Julia is in a congenial mood of late.” He moved his knight forward.
Alexandra learned his game through their nightly challenges. Devlin brought his knight to bear when preparing to end the game. She moved one of her pawns in its path and glanced at the note leaning against the window sill.
“I suppose you’re right. She has seemed distant the last few times we’ve been together.” Her eyes found the ivory calling card for the third time.
“Bickerstaffe, hmm?” Devlin spared her a quick glance. “I don’t recall him. Sounds like a stuffy fellow. There were far more people at the Fenhurst ensemble than we were led to believe. It was supposed to be an intimate gathering of friends, not the season’s last ball.” Devlin moved his knight to a position of attack, but his fingers lingered on the piece, hesitant to commit.
They were nice fingers really. Strong and slender. She remembered the feel of them as they cradled her face three nights before.
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