Chapter Ten #2
Sophie took the opportunity to look over her shoulder, only to find Mrs. Kingman engrossed in her book.
Returning her gaze to Tam, she studied him.
He was definitely conflicted; his restlessness made that obvious.
Though she couldn’t see his hands, she was quite sure the small noises she heard were the cracking of his knuckles.
In this state, he reminded her of Dr. Frankenstein just before he made his fateful decision to create life.
Unfortunately, she hadn’t finished that book either, so she had yet to discover if that all ended well or not.
Surely whatever Tam mulled over couldn’t be nearly so life changing. She waited patiently for him to decide whatever it was he needed to decide. It wasn’t more than two minutes before he returned and sat again. Since he didn’t say anything at once, she remained silent.
Finally, he spoke. “I wish to take you into my confidence about something only my solicitor knows.”
Though she was honored, his request puzzled her. “Why me?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “To be truthful, I don’t know. But I feel that I can trust you and that you would not purposely mislead me.”
“I would be honored to be taken into your confidence, my lord, and I would never betray such a trust, but do you not have a friend who you know much more who would be better suited?”
“I do, but he is not here and I don’t wish to wait until I see him again. I’ve been very careful to keep my life goal a secret from anyone except him until I am ready to reveal it.”
She should be advising him to find someone else, but her own belly tightened at being so trusted, like a knight at King Arthur’s round table, and despite the fact that she was hardly the proper person, she nodded. “Then I will gladly guard your secret and offer you what little wisdom I have.”
Immediately, his stiff body relaxed and his lips lifted in a soft smile. “I’m sure you find my request unusual, but I have learned over the years that knowledge combined with instinct is the best combination, and my instinct is telling me to share my dilemma with you.”
“Knowledge and instinct? Is that from a particular philosopher?”
He chuckled. “Yes. Me.”
She smiled, thoroughly enjoying his company. It was as if she spoke to a friend like Ellie. That in itself was unusual, but he needn’t know that. “It sounds like your dilemma is important. How may I assist?”
“I am in search of a steward. Unfortunately, it was my brother who was groomed to take over our father’s estate, so his knowledge is far greater than mine on what qualities would be best.”
“You have an estate, then?” That surprised her, not because he couldn’t have inherited one, but because she was aware through Rose that Lord Sommerset had only a home in Town and his estate, Lyonsmere.
“You are very astute. I do, and only recently purchased it. I want to have everything ready before telling Andrew. I’d rather he didn’t try to dissuade me.”
She frowned. “Andrew?”
“My brother, Lord Sommerset. He’s quite keen on my going into the military. But I don’t see myself killing people or sailing the high seas, do you?”
She shook her head. “Not killing people, but I can see you as the captain of a sailing vessel. You’d be quite dashing at that.”
He grimaced. “Not likely. You see, I’m not very good on the water. In fact”—he lowered his voice—“I had to give up rowing at Oxford.”
“Truly?” She let her skepticism color her tone.
“Yes, but only because I got sick on the man in front of me and my crew ousted me.”
She quietly laughed, but quickly covered her mouth. She didn’t laugh because he’d been ill, but his expression of absolute embarrassment was darling.
“You laugh at me?”
Despite his affronted tone, the twinkle in his eye gave him away. “Only because you laugh at yourself.”
“You are far too astute, Lady Sophie, and for that I’m grateful. Though I assure you, I would have persevered on the rowing team if any of my classmates would have me, despite my penchant for seasickness. Andrew says I can get stubborn about challenges.”
Ahh, now more of his personality made sense. “And that’s why you decided to purchase your own estate, because you were determined not to go into the military, and it’s quite obvious you would make a terrible vicar.”
His eyes widened in shock. “You think me ill equipped to give pious advice?”
This time she laughed aloud, not willing to stifle it. She could understand why he was so popular with his friends. She shook her head and kept her voice even lower than usual. “Not if you encourage stolen kisses.”
His gaze immediately dipped to her lips, before returning to her eyes. “Only one of three was stolen, and obviously not the norm.”
She licked her lips as she remembered the last kiss they’d shared. She should have never brought it up. She wasn’t acting like herself at all.
He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Since you rightly point out that I’m not fit to be a vicar, it leaves me no other choice but to become a landed peer.
I’m quite sure a new title with land is not likely to be bestowed upon me.
And as we both know, my behavior favors the romantic more than the saintly or heroic, so I’m left with simply owning an estate.
However, I do wish to be successful in my new role.
Therefore, I will ask, do you have any advice for me in my search for a steward? ”
She took a moment to readjust her thoughts and focus on his circumstances and the importance of his request, instead of how much she wished to be alone with him again, a shocking inclination in and of itself. Finally, she smiled. “I believe I do.”
He leaned forward, and his hand covered hers as it lay on the arm of her chair.
She stilled at the tingle that went through her before he quickly pulled his hand back, his own face a reflection of hers. She looked over her shoulder at Mrs. Kingman, who appeared to still be engrossed in her book, which allowed Sophie to relax.
Turning back, she nodded. “If it were me, I would talk to people who have stewards and ask them what they like most about their steward’s abilities, and maybe even what areas they wish their steward was more skilled at.
Then you could build a list of qualities and interview a few men to see what suits you and your estate best. Because, no matter how perfect they might be, if you do not feel comfortable around them, it would not go well.
Then again, I’m sure you’re comfortable with everyone. ”
Tam sat there staring at her, blinking, giving her to wonder if perhaps he thought her suggestion too rudimentary.
Finally, he leaned in again and whispered, “If I could kiss you right now, I would.”
And just like that, her body heated, and a yearning started deep in her belly. His look said he wished to do far more than kiss her, and she knew exactly what that meant.
He sat back in his chair. “That is brilliant advice. My lady, you are not only beautiful and intelligent, but you are logical and pragmatic. I am in your debt for such excellent counsel, because it gives me new hope for my future.”
She tried to ignore the rush of pleasure that filled her chest. “I’m so pleased I could be of help. I’m relieved that you won’t be shipping out to sea.”
“Would you miss me if I went?”
The question was so unexpected that she answered far too quickly. “Yes. Yes, I believe I would.”
Something changed in his playful gaze, and his light-brown eyes darkened. “I would miss you as well. I find I enjoy your company.”
The sincerity of his words had her clasping her hands together once again, both flattered and uncomfortable. The silence as they gazed at each other lengthened. She should say something, perhaps something witty, but she was far too busy interpreting his look to think clearly.
Then he blinked and gave a short nod. “My lady, your insight has been invaluable. If you ever need my services, please do not hesitate to request them.” His voice had risen even as he stood. “I do not wish to further disrupt your studies. You have been most helpful.”
Tam gave her another nod before striding from the room much faster than she’d seen him walk in the past. Was he anxious to get started on finding a steward, or did he wish to leave her company as soon as possible? What had just happened?
“I see Lord Tamworth has left us some time.” Mrs. Kingman took a seat on the settee and held up her book. “Did you wish to further discuss Milton’s poem?”
Poem? Sophie shook her head, not sure she could discuss the fall of man in her state of mind. “No, I think I’d like to lie down for a while.”
Mrs. Kingman patted her hand. “I understand. I’m proud of you for being willing to talk with Lord Tamworth. You even laughed, which is so rare and lovely to hear. I know speaking to unmarried men is difficult for you.”
Except it hadn’t been difficult at all. Not willing to admit that, Sophie rose. “I haven’t quite finished reading the volume, but I will have it completed by Friday.”
“Lovely. I will bring suggestions for our next reading then, and we can talk about your conversation with Lord Tamworth if you like.”
She didn’t want to talk about her conversation with Tam, so she simply nodded before walking out of the room and heading for the grand stairs.
She did, however, wish to talk about it with someone.
Unfortunately, neither Ellie nor Georgie could keep a secret, and Sophie definitely wanted to keep her confusion over Tam a secret.
Elsbeth was soon to have a child, and Rose was…
was too close to Tam. Lissa kept secrets beautifully.
The only problem was that Lissa was off on another investigation with her husband.
For the first time since coming to the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, Sophie found herself feeling alone. But as she reached her room, she remembered the one person she could talk to who always kept her confidence and her burden lightened considerably. She would go see Mrs. Boyd.