“Not at all,” he smiled, walking to the head of the table and holding out her chair before moving to the one beside her and holding it for Lenore. “You are right on time. It was I who was impatient and took to wandering the halls early.” He made his way to his own seat and joined them, with Lily signaling that the meal could be served.
“Restless as th’ sea,” Lily clucked her tongue, her words a mirror of his own thoughts of a moment before. “But Ah suppose you’re all ‘at way,” she murmured before looking up with a smile. “Yer father an’ brothers too. But we’re fairly used tae ‘at about here,” she continued as a footman set a fine plate of venison before her, and she draped her napkin lightly across her lap.
“Yes, I imagine we are not the easiest type of man to have on hand,” he took the opportunity as his own plate settled in front of him to glance across at Lenore, taking in her features and wondering at her feelings from earlier that day. He shouldn’t wonder, he understood that. But a boyish sense of curiosity and anticipation accompanied the process. He resisted shaking his head again. Yet another foreign emotion this visit brought out in him.
“But luckily,” he continued, “if the information Lenore found today suffices, neither of you need suffer my presence too much longer.”
Lenore’s chin shot up at his jest, something akin to distress in her eyes. “Dae ye mean tae leave sae soon, then?”
Daniel hesitated, knowing from prior experience in visits home to his family that his peaceful run here wasn’t likely to last much longer. On the other hand, something inside him begged him to reconsider, tried to convince him things were different here. “You’re not likely to need my assistance once proof of ownership of your estate is established, and as to my own reasons for visiting...”
All at once those reasons came crashing back to his memory, snuffing out any burgeoning images of time spent walking garden pathways with Lenore... or perhaps finding a way to win another kiss. “I think it would be best for everyone if I didn’t linger. I am greatly appreciative of your hospitality, but don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Lenore’s brows tucked into their classic sparring pose, preparing for an argument, and Daniel braced himself for the tirade.
“But,” Lily cut off the storm before it began. “’At day has nae yet come, an’ in th’ interim, Aam sure we can work toward both accomplishin’ goals an’ celebratin’ small victories.”
He turned his head toward Lily with curiosity, noting from the corner of his eye that Lenore did the same.
“It sae happens,” she continued, “’at Ah received an invitation this afternoon tae an event at th’ family home ay an old friend ay mine. We huvnae seen each other in ages, she married intae the navy an’ went tae sea wi’ her husband, Ah, as ye ken, moved tae France.” She paused to sip her wine, a knot of dread forming in Daniel’s stomach at what he feared her next words would be.
“I’ve written back ‘at Ah will be happy tae come an’ th’ two ay ye will be mah companions.”
The floor fell out from under him and his head swam. Clearing his throat, he attempted a polite rebuttal, crushing his napkin between damp palms. “That’s very kind of you, Lily, but I couldn’t impose on—”
“Nonsense,” she insisted. “Ah enjoy more freedom than a young, unmarried lass, especially in these surrounds, but havin’ a man in tow is always preferable.”
“Lily,” Daniel’s lungs worked against an unseen vice, but proved unequal to the task as his breaths shortened to whispered wheezes. “I really don’t think—”
“Ye needn’t worry about havin’ tae keep up appearances,” she soothed. Her face took on the soft set of a cooing mother. The compassion in her eyes acknowledged her choice of words as merely polite; she understood his true concerns. “It will be a small gatherin’, this sleepy little village doesnae hae nearly th’ inhabitants an’ th’ prestige ay th’ English countryside.” She reached over and patted his hand.
“An’ besides,” she took up a brighter tone as she sat back in her chair. “Since you’re workin’ under th’ auspices ay bein’ engaged,” she slid her gaze over to encompass Lenore as well, “bein’ seen together at least once or twice while you’re here is beneficial frae th’ standpoint ay nae giving th’ Baron ammunition.”
“’At will dae, Eileen, I’ll help her wi’ th’ rest.
Lenore noted her aunt’s reflection in the mirror from where she sat at her vanity, watching as she ushered out the maid and closed the door behind her. Lily walked up behind her and took over the pinning of her hair, brushing and pinning with the deftness of years of practice as a girl and young woman with multiple sisters.
“What are ye about, aunt?” Lenore questioned, “Ah cannae recall th’ last time ye fixed mah hair. It must’ve been back when Ah still wore it in plaits down mah back.”
“Aye, it’s been a while,” her aunt smiled in the mirror. “But ne’er fear, I’ve been known tae dae quite a job arrangin’ tresses in mah day.”
“Ah dinnae ken if ‘at sounds reassurin’ or nae.” Lenore grinned back at her. “Truly though, you’ve got some other motive on yer mind, admit it.”
“True,” her aunt shrugged. “Ah want tae ken how you’re feelin’ about tonight,” she stated.
“Perfectly fine,” Lenore furled her brow. “Should Ah nae?” The night of the house party had arrived and in actuality Lenore experienced some trepidation about it. Mention of the event put Daniel out of sorts the other night at dinner and her anxiety bloomed more for his sake than hers.
“Aam sorry, Ah was unclear. Ah wasnae asking specifically about tonight, but about Captain Langdon.”
Lenore stiffened as her aunt maneuvered a handful of pins into her carefully arranged tresses, the woman’s words echoing her thoughts. “Should Ah feel any particular way about him?”
“Should is ne’er useful word on these occasions,” her aunt mumbled, taking a moment to step back and look at her artwork, tilting her head and then returning to re-fasten a coil of Lenore’s hair. “Ye ken why the Captain’s here, are ye sure ye want tae open up yer heart tae potential disappointment?”
Lenore started. “Mah heart? Surely you’re nae suggestin’—”
“Och come now,” Lily shot her a glance in the mirror. “Dinnae try tae tell tales, Ah saw ye in th’ clerk’s office, remember? You’re a grown woman, an’ Aam nae yer mother, but in her stead Aam obliged tae ascertain if ye ken what you’re gettin’ intae.”
A flush crept into Lenore’s cheeks. “’At was a momentary lapse, Ah care fur th’ Captain ay course, an’ perhaps Gavin suggested—”
“Gavin hasnae suggested anything. He’s hinted a time or two about ye bein lovelorn, but ye must remember he’s a man, an’ men are dense in these things. On th’ other hand, Ah am nae man an’ Ah hae a bit more life experience at mah disposal than either ay ye. It was obvious th’ moment ye laid eyes on Captain Langdon you’ve been pining fur him. Is ‘at why ye came up here in such a flurry? Didnae ye come here nae too long after he returned home?”
Lenore resisted the urge to shift in her chair. “Mah motives, whatever they may hae been, hae nae bearin’ on th’ current situation.”
“Dinnae they?” Her aunt challenged. “Aam nae decryin’ yer heart’s choice,” she continued in a softer tone, “but Ah feel it mah duty tae reiterate th’ Captain is a changed man. An’ nae necessarily fur th’ better. Are ye sure ye want tae shackle yerself tae ‘at?”
Spinning around on her stool, Lenore glared at her aunt with more anger than she’d ever directed at a family member. “Daniel is a fine man, an’ always has been. Whatever his experiences at sea, he is equal tae th’ task ay resolvin’ them.” Losing a bit of her internal fire, she heaved a sigh, continuing almost as to herself. “If he would allow himself tae realize it.”
A genuine smile broke out across Lily’s face. “Exactly. Ye hae th’ benefit ay knowin’ both men. Th’ Daniel ye knew growin’ up, an’ th’ man he is now. The man he is now is difficul
t tae say th’ least. I’d wager he’s feelin’ isolated because his family only cares tae acknowledge th’ Daniel who came before an’ any new acquaintances only ken th’ man ay today. But th’ person who can see both, an’ accept both, is th’ most likely tae help him heal.” Lily paused to take Lenore by the shoulders. “Promise me, before ye allow any more ‘momentary lapses,’ ye tak’ th’ time tae ken fur certain you’re willin’ tae be ‘at person. It’s vital fur both yer sakes.”
Lenore stared back at her aunt, unable to utter a response. Her stubborn pride demanded she instantly affirm her dedication to Daniel, but her reason reminded her Aunt Lily’s words rang true. The game of love often ends in heartache, but in this case far worse damage might occur. Swallowing, she nodded. Lily debated the acknowledgment another moment before straightening.
“An’ one more thing,” she added. Ye might nae realize it, but you’re here fur a reason too.”
“What dae ye mean?” Lenore sent a questioning glance toward her aunt.
“Ah mean, Dailemor is where we MacAllisters come when we’re seekin’ solace an’ healin’,” She gave a half grin. “Huvnae ye wondered what brought me back here? Yer home called tae ye. Th’ fact th’ Captain’s here at th’ same time may be coincidence, but Ah dinnae believe in coincidences.”
Blinking, Lenore let those words linger. She’d never believed in anything other than simple coincidence, but the thought of some greater meaning accompanying this odd arrangement between herself and Daniel sparked a hopeful thrill in her heart.
It must have shown on her features.
“Nae dinnae gae creatin’ delusions ay magically repairin’ all th’ wrongs in Captain Langdon’s life an’ buildin’ a fairy tale,” her aunt warned. “All Aam suggestin’ is things could turn out well if th’ two ay ye work together. An equal chance exists ay nothin’ changin’, or his disposition worsenin’,” Lily shook her head and tossed her hands in the air. “Och, Aam confusin’ ye now, arnae Ah?”
Shaking her head, Lenore pursed her lips. “Ah think Ah understand, Aunt.”
With an abbreviated, somewhat hesitant nod, Lily stepped back. “I’ll let ye finish gettin’ ready then.” She bobbed her mouth open and closed once more before settling on her decision to go.
Once her aunt left, Lenore blinked at the closed door, thoughts straying to Daniel in the context of what her aunt had said. She did understand what Lily tried to instill in her. Inherent dangers accompanied allowing herself to love Daniel, and she was no besotted schoolgirl charging forward in ignorance of them. Knowing Daniel since childhood created part of the problem. Back then, an older and wiser self-sure boy caught her imagination, a wise and daring knight of sorts, the ringleader of his siblings, in command by default and taking claim of that role. He grew into a self-sure man, confident and unyielding. Intimidating.
That familiar confidence wavered now, and she recognized in his uncertainty an opportunity for herself. For the first time in knowing him, he seemed approachable. That chink in his armor allowed her just enough space to possibly squeeze through and gain his recognition. But should she?
She shut her eyes, opening them again slowly and turning to look at her reflection in the mirror. Straightening, she appealed to reason. None of it made a difference if Daniel didn’t care for her. No sense in putting the cart before the horse. Pulling back her shoulders, she resolved to find the answer to the first question before moving on to the second. Did Daniel Langdon care for her?
Chapter 8
Daniel stood beside Lily, attempting to concentrate on the polite prattle she and the others around him made. As promised, the gathering lacked the crush of a London town event, however, it wasn’t sparse. For all her assurances that the Scottish countryside suffered in population when compared to that of the English, the Scots appeared doubly inclined to avail themselves of events on hand.
The home, reasonably modest, shrank considerably with the influx of neighbors from far and wide. Daniel shifted his stance and his untouched drink rather than tug at his cravat. He also took a mental inventory from head to toe, something Gavin suggested, reminding himself to release the tension from his jaw and his brow, then relax his hands, which tended to ball into fists, and loosen the tension in his legs, remembering he was not on a ship and would have no reason to dart into action at any point during the event.
Repeating these rounds of observations in an unending cycle served to distract him for a time but seemed for the most part ineffectual. His eyes roamed the setting yet again, darting over the heads of the well-dressed occupants and ignoring the fine tapestries and tables in search of a particular couple on the small dance floor. A pale, simpering sort of dandy looking completely at odds with the element-hardened soil which bore him snatched Lenore away from him upon their arrival, insisting on a dance. On one hand, Daniel found it exceedingly rude, but on the other, he could understand the young man’s eagerness.
Within moments of entering, it was obvious Lenore’s beauty far outshone that of the other ladies present. Aunt Lily likewise commanded a good deal more attention than the majority of the younger women, having retained much of the vitality and beauty of her youth.
“What dae ye think, Captain Langdon?”
Daniel blinked and returned his attention to the group around him, attempting in vain to recall or decipher what question he’d been asked. With nothing but a sea of expectant faces surrounding him, he opened his mouth to deliver what he hoped would be a sufficiently general response to satisfy whatever the question had been but was not afforded the opportunity.
“Damme,” a jovial and booming voice rang out. “Is that you, Langdon?”
As a whole each member of the group turned to take in the approaching figure of a large and imposing man with a shock of red hair struck through with white, ruddy cheeks, and sporting a naval uniform with the rank insignia of Admiral.
Daniel blinked a moment at the specter from his past, but one did not forget such a figure, and as he recognized the man, a smile broke out across his face.
“Admiral Robertson, it’s been an age,” He reached out to clasp the man’s hand. “What are you doing here?”
“I might ask you the very same,” the Admiral responded. “But you’ve apparently forgotten that I hail from these parts. Our hostess is my sister-in-law.”
Daniel thought back through his remembrance. It had been several years since he last saw the Admiral, but the acquaintance now came flooding back to him, and he remembered a conversation in which he mentioned this region. “Indeed sir,” Daniel nodded. “I had forgotten, but it’s coming back to me now.”
“As well it ought. For all your country boasts of its talented seafaring men,” the Admiral winked at his fellow Scotsmen, “I’ll not have it forgotten that this land has its own fair share of formidable seamen.” The others in the group all barked in enthusiastic agreement. “As well this lovely lady would know,” he added, bowing to Lily. “Yours is also a face I have lamentably not seen in many years, Countess Dubois.”
“You’re too kind, Admiral,” Lily smiled.
“Nonsense,” he admonished before leaning toward Daniel, a conspiratorial gleam in his eye. “The Countess and her sisters were the belles of the county in their day. With a penchant for the sea no less! All of us sailors and every lad with half a mind to consider the trade preened like wool-headed peacocks whenever they walked by.” The man ended his recitation with a chuckle. “Came as quite the shock, then, when you married that Frenchman.”
Lily’s smile faded a fraction, her color draining. Daniel became concerned, but before he could change the theme of the conversation, the Admiral continued. “We were all convinced you had your cap set at that MacLeod lad, what was his name...?”
“Jack.” She whispered.
Daniel blinked in astonishment, turning his attention to Lily, but she fastened her eyes securely on one of the Admiral’s lapel buttons.
“Jack! That’s it! Yes, there’s another specter from the past
I haven’t seen in an age, don’t know the last time he made port here.”
Aware of Lily’s discomfort, Daniel took pains to overcome his own unease to divert the conversation. “Three encounters with long estranged acquaintances would be a stretch even for you, sir, I dare say.”
The admiral regarded Daniel with a laugh. “Yes, I think you have the right of it. Even so, What remarkable luck tonight. Were I a wagering man, I’d take to the card table.” A round of laughter followed his comment.
“I hope you will have time during your visit, Captain Langdon, to call at my home. I have quite an interest in hearing how the remainder of the war played out for you.”
Daniel struggled to maintain a jovial expression but was saved any more questioning when Lily tapped her fan on the man’s sleeve, catching his attention. “An’ Ah must call on yer wife,” she asserted. Is she here tonight? Ah thought fur certain she would be, but huvnae seen her.”
“Unfortunately not,” the admiral informed her with a shake of his head. She took ill yesterday with a bit of a sinus complaint and although she’s feeling much improved today, she didn’t want to risk recurrence. Insisted that I come though,” he added with a roll of his eyes. “Couldn’t stand the thought of missing any potential gossip. I’m tasked with presenting a full report on my arrival home,” he nudged the arm of the man beside him with a wink, instigating another round of laughter.
“Goodness!” Lily lamented. “Had Ah known I would hae called straight away wi’ a poultice in hand. Tell her Ah shall call first thing tomorrow an’ bring a bottle ay mah elderberry syrup.”
“Indeed, I shall. And now, my dear Lady, would you do me the honor?” He offered his hand, Lily accepting with a nod and a smile, having regained her composure. Daniel watched with disappointment as his remaining companion glided toward the dance floor.
The Captain's Surrender (Currents of Love Book 6) Page 7
