Chapter Six
Rose’s head still swam regarding the kiss she’d shared with Laurence yesterday afternoon during the archery lesson.
As much as she wanted to ignore that puzzling connection and inexplicable attraction between them, she simply couldn’t.
It was ever-present, and every time she saw him, it flared.
Yet it confused her, for after what she’d thought she felt for the earl years ago, she didn’t quite trust herself where it came to men.
None of that explained how light and bouncy that kiss had made her feel, but it did make her wonder how far she might have let him go if common sense hadn’t compelled her to run away.
I am such a ninny.
The sigh she released as she enjoyed her customary breakfast in the morning room sounded, even to her ears, as if it came from her toes.
After reading the same paragraph in a book for the third time, she closed it with a snap and set it on the table.
Clearly, concentration was beyond her, for thoughts kept revolving around her house guest.
A rustle of fabric at the door alerted her to the arrival of someone else. Annoying trembles went through her belly when she thought it might be Laurence, but when she glanced over, it was only the housekeeper. Pasting on a faint smile, she gestured the woman into the room.
“Good morning, Mrs. Henderson. How are you?”
“As well as can be expected, dear.” Just like the last time the housekeeper talked with her, Mrs. Henderson slipped into a chair near Rose’s location. “How are you? Did you sleep well?”
“I did, actually.” Last night, she didn’t wake in the wee hours and relive the scandal and shame and grief all over again.
Yes, her mind did still linger on those things, but they were in the background in favor of thinking of Laurence and his kisses, of how his body had felt against hers.
“I woke refreshed, and as you know, that hasn’t happened in quite a while. ”
“How marvelous.” Mrs. Henderson patted Rose’s hand. “I’m glad things are improving for you.” Mischief sparkled in her eyes. “By the by, I see you’re getting on with the captain.”
Oh, dear heavens.
Heat went through her cheeks. “I’m being polite. We met yesterday on the acreage since he was walking and I was doing archery. He seemed curious about the sport, so I taught him the basics. Perhaps if he remains here for any length of time, we can indulge in the sport together.”
“I’m sure that would be helpful for him in regaining his strength.”
“Yes, I think so too.” She remained noncommittal, for she didn’t know how much the other woman knew. Servants had ways of discovering everything.
Mrs. Henderson shot her a glance that brimmed with curiosity. “Did you and he indulge in helpful conversation?”
“Of course we did. Archery lends itself to conversation.” She drained her teacup and all the while she watched the housekeeper.
The other woman nodded. “There is no harm in befriending him or having someone to talk to, and he seems to be knowledgeable on a variety of topics. At least that is what John tells me, for the captain has managed to befriend the young man.”
“Of course he did,” Rose said on the heels of a slight chuckle. “I have the feeling the captain is a talker when he feels comfortable around a person.”
“So do I.” Mrs. Henderson nodded. “Perhaps you should take advantage of that.”
Rose shook her head while trying not to slam her cup into its saucer. “There is plenty of harm in becoming close to the captain after what happened to me before. I’m skittish about trusting a man again.” Even if Laurence had a way of sending flutters into her belly and heat into her cheeks.
“Such gammon, Miss Landry.” The housekeeper tsked her tongue. “Though we learn from mistakes, there is something to be said for letting a man near enough for kisses or to simply be held.”
She couldn’t argue with that. There had been a modicum of peace when she’d been in his arms, as if he would gladly carry her worries if she would but let him. “What if he betrays me like the earl did? Uses me?” It was always a worry, and just thinking about that put knots in her stomach.
Mrs. Henderson’s eyes were kind. “You are smarter than that, I think, and you would never tolerate a man’s presence in your life if you had deep reservations about him.”
“True, but I don’t know how smart I am when it comes to men, which is why I’m hesitating.
” Heat infused her cheeks when she thought about the kisses they’d shared.
“I have no resistance to handsome men who smell as delicious as the captain.” Even now, she swore faint remnants of leather, citrus, and sandalwood teased her nose.
“Oh, I well remember those days.” When the housekeeper chuckled, Rose joined in on the mirth despite her misgivings. “Enjoy yourself, Miss Landry. After everything, you deserve it. Life is short and you’ve have a bad time of it. Better days are ahead.”
“I hope you’re right. Until then, I will continue to spend time with Captain Danbury and see what happens.” Within reason, of course. She didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. If she did, her parents would undoubtedly disown her.
“If you ever feel uncomfortable with him or feel you aren’t compatible, tell the butler or ask one of the footmen to escort the captain off the property. There is no shame in that.”
Rose nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. I appreciate your care and concern.”
“Of course.” The other woman stood. “We all care for you as if you were our own family. While your parents should have given you latitude, we take you into our arms even more fiercely, and we just want to see you happy.”
A wash of tears welled into Rose’s eyes. “I appreciate that so much.”
With a nod, Mrs. Henderson left her to her thoughts.
Once she’d finally finished breakfast, Rose settled into the drawing room to work at her embroidery since it was once more raining. But it wasn’t a heavy precipitation, which meant the weather would undoubtedly clear more sooner than later.
“Would you like company or would you rather be left alone?”
The sound of Laurence’s voice startled her enough that she pushed her needle into the fabric the wrong way.
When she glanced at him, her breath caught.
Good heavens, he’s so handsome! At some point today, he’d shaved the shadow he’d had during his sickness, and clad in some of her brother’s clothing, he looked every inch the country gentleman.
The scent of his shaving soap wafted to her nose as he approached her location on a low sofa.
Awareness of him rippled over her skin, and she gave in to a shiver. “Oh, I would enjoy company.”
“I’d hoped you would say that.” As a slow, slightly crooked grin inched across his face, frissons of excitement danced through her lower belly. “Is that the peacock you were telling me about?” he asked as he peered over her shoulder.
“It is.” She held it up so he could see it.
“How amazing.” When he reached over to run a fingertip along the stitches she’d painstakingly done over the course of a couple of weeks, she stopped herself from too obviously breathing in his scent. “Truly, you have talent, and this level of embroidery requires patience.”
“I do enjoy a challenge.” Her breath came more naturally and relaxed as he dropped into a chair near her sofa. “Thank you for the praise, though.”
“Every bit of it is genuine.” Then those sensual lips curved into a grin that positively brimmed with mischief. “Tell me a bit about you, Rose. I’d like to know more about my rescuer beyond your love of archery and embroidery.”
Oh, dear.
“If I do that, I’m afraid you’ll find me terribly dull,” she said in a way of stalling.
“I rather doubt that.”
Unable to concentrate on her handiwork, Rose set the embroidery into the willow basket at her feet then she laid her hands in her lap as she studied him.
“Well, I had five Seasons in London, and didn’t manage to bring any man up to scratch.
After failing miserably at that, my father decided five was enough. ”
Among other reasons why he took away that boon.
“That doesn’t mean you failed personally. It just means men are subjective and a bit idiotic.”
“Ha. Thank you for that.” She dropped her gaze to the knot of his cravat.
Every bit of his toilette was just so, no doubt from his military training.
“In any event, I have an older brother; he’s nine and twenty.
He’d been under my father’s tutelage for years as he’s in training to be the earl someday. ”
“How does he feel about that?”
Rose shrugged. “He’s of a mixed mind, I think, but then I can’t blame him.
It’s a weighty responsibility.” Snapping her focus back to his face, she offered what felt like a wry smile.
“Then I have two younger sisters. One is four and twenty while the youngest is one and twenty. They are both quite desperate to be married.” For the moment, she deliberately excluded her scandal until she knew that she could trust him.
“Papa and Mama are quite popular within the beau monde. They are always entertaining and being asked to events. That sort of life just isn’t for me. ”
“Understandable. Have you always disliked society, or did that come about from something in your past?” Nothing but curiosity threaded through his voice.
“Perhaps a bit of both?” She shrugged. “I always thought it uncomfortable trying to pretend I was something I wasn’t merely to attract a man, and not just any man. According to my mother, eligible candidates had to be at least a viscount or higher.”
Laurence grunted. “I’m surprised your parents just didn’t match you with someone and force you to the altar.”
“My father tried during my first Season, but my mother told him that I should be able to enjoy a Season before being married off.” A frown tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“I’ll admit, there was fun to be had and once I became accustomed to flirting, it made me popular enough to be called a Diamond. ”
“And?”