Chapter Six
Ten Days Later…
“You’re still toiling away on your aunt’s memoir?” Strolling into the study with her daughter toddling along at her heels, Macie stole a glance at the neat stack of typewritten pages on Nell’s desk. “You are going to get a megrim.”
Nell glanced up from the manuscript. “I actually rather enjoy editing her work. Aunt Tilly is quite the storyteller.”
“She certainly is,” Macie agreed. “Though I often wonder if she does not stretch the truth, if only a bit.”
“Of course she does,” Nell said. “A bit of seasoning for the tales, as she puts it.”
“That’s one way of looking at it.” Macie glanced down at the envelope in her hand. “A letter arrived in the post this morning. Penelope sends her love,” she announced cheerfully as she placed the letter on the desk. “Their honeymoon is going smashingly well.”
“I’m told the Isle of Wight is utterly delightful.” Nell set her pen down on the blotter. “You are still planning a trip to photograph the landscape, aren’t you?”
“Finn and I have discussed visiting in the autumn. Alice will love playing in the sand along the bay.” Macie sent her young daughter an adoring look.
“I can picture a photograph with Alice and a sandcastle.”
“A splendid idea,” Macie said, a moment before her mood seemed to shift. “I do need to tell you… another letter came in the post today.” She hesitated. “For you.”
“I do hope Papa isn’t going to press me to return to the country again. Mama mentioned a very nice merchant who would be a perfect match.” Nell heaved a dramatic-for-effect sigh. “I shall read it later. I do not wish to interfere with my concentration.”
She dipped her pen in the ink as she prepared to jot a quick note on the manuscript.
“The letter is not from your father.” Macie placed another envelope upon the desk. “And I suspect it will definitely diminish your ability to concentrate.”
“What are you saying?” Nell asked, though she already suspected the answer.
“It is from him.” Macie tapped her finger against the seal on the back of the missive. “The Duke of Arrinton.”
“Perhaps you should burn it,” Nell said, even as she itched to tear open the envelope.
“A far better idea would be for you to actually read it.” Macie scooped Alice up into her arms, and the child’s sweet giggles filled the room.
“You know the megrim you predicted I might suffer? Well, I do believe it has arrived.”
Macie narrowed her eyes. “Oh, what is that quote… something about forgiveness being divine?”
Nell set the pen down yet again. “I possess no divine attributes. Nor do I aspire to.”
“Would you be cross with me if I said you were being rather childish?”
“No, but I would be obliged to point out that the words would carry more weight if they were not spoken by a woman whose shenanigans at Society balls are the stuff of legend.”
“My so-called shenanigans are unparalleled, I will admit,” Macie said with a little grin. “But this is about you.” Her expression softened. “As you have ink on your fingers, shall I open it for you?”
“Don’t bother,” Nell said. Taking her letter opener, she took a bit of pleasure in ripping open the envelope. She removed the printed vellum card within and stared down at it for a long moment.
“What is it?”
“An invitation.” Nell studied the finely wrought print and the brash notation beneath. “To your exhibition.”
Macie’s brow furrowed. “From the duke?”
Nell pointed to the words he’d penned beneath the details of the gallery showing of several artists. I have something to share with you. I shall see you there. The note was signed with a prominently scrawled initial.
Macie peered over her shoulder. “R?”
“His middle name,” Nell explained. “Rafe.”
Understanding lit Macie’s eyes. “I’ve been told an artist rather new to the London galleries will be showing his latest work. So, he is the elusive Rafe.”
Nell sent her friend a little glare. “You sound rather excited at the discovery.”
“I am,” Macie said. “He is considered a bit of a mystery man. Not quite anonymous, but very little is known of him.” She appeared to mull the revelation. “He is quite talented, or so I hear.”
Nell resisted the urge to scowl at her. Macie was all too pleased at this revelation. “This time, at least he had the good grace to alert me that he will be there.”
“Do not tell me you would consider missing the opening night of my exhibition,” Macie said with a note of concern.
“I would not miss it for the world.” Nell managed a smile. “At least I will not be shocked to see him standing there.”
“Definitely a good thing,” Macie said, cheeky as ever. “And I’m positive there will be no cake. So, no danger, my friend.”
*
Steeling herself against a sudden nervous quiver deep within, Nell entered the gallery, close behind Macie and Finn.
Dozens of London’s elites had gathered in the posh space for the unveiling of Macie’s latest landscape, an atmospheric depiction of Big Ben against the backdrop of a moody London sky.
She’d dressed for the occasion, choosing a sophisticated ensemble in deep ocean-blue silk and a pert black velvet hat trimmed with a blue brocade.
Glancing about, she saw no sign of Rafe. However, it was too soon to breathe a sigh of relief. There was no telling where he might be in the crush, nor if he was in attendance at all. Was it too much to hope the vexing man had had a change of heart?
Strolling about the gallery, Nell took in the works of painters and sculptors and artists who used pencils and charcoal to bring a scene to life on the page.
Framed to perfection, Macie’s photographs were prominently featured in the exhibit.
Nell studied the images closely, taking in the small details she’d missed while viewing them in her talented friend’s private studio.
Of course, the guests were as much an attraction as the works of art.
This was a prime opportunity for London’s elite to see and be seen.
And many had come decked out in finery designed to catch one’s eye.
One elegantly attired woman wore a striking ensemble in hues of gold and black, accented by the shimmery fascinator atop her silvery curls.
Bold, yet lovely. Nell noticed the woman’s focus appeared to be centered on a painting in a silver frame adorned with scrollwork.
Moving closer, Nell caught a glimpse of the painting. The fascinator-clad woman blocked much of the canvas from view, but Nell could make out hues taken from nature and depicted in subtle strokes of oil paint. The images conveyed a look of serenity as a flowing river set the scene.
As the woman moved on to view another work, Nell was able to take in the full painting.
It took her breath away.
Employing an Impressionist style, the artist had captured the riverwalk on the Seine in all its beauty.
A woman sat on a bench, the river flowing behind her.
Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, free of pins and constraints, while she playfully held a book up to her face, concealing all but her blue eyes—eyes that gleamed with a look of love. Love for this man. And love for life.
Her eyes.
Suddenly, Nell’s knees went a bit weak.
“So, what do you think?” Rafe’s voice was like a caress against her cheek. Stunned by the painting as she’d been, she had not noticed his approach. “I titled it Mademoiselle. After you.”
Slowly, she turned to face him. “How did you…?” Her gaze darted from the portrait to his face. “I never posed for this.”
“You did, Nell.” His hazel eyes brightened. “I remember that morning on the riverwalk as vividly as if it were yesterday.”
“You painted this… from memory?”
Rafe caught her hands in his. “Nell, I know every inch of your face.” He brushed a kiss over the backs of her fingers.
“Every inch of your beautiful body.” For the span of several heartbeats, he dropped his gaze to their linked hands.
And then he said the words that most touched her heart. “For so long, I have remembered you.”
Oh my. His words crashed into her and once again knocked her off kilter. But somehow, the feeling was not at all unpleasant. Her legs felt steadier, but she welcomed the hold of his strong hands.
“So, what do you think?” he asked.
“I think it is striking.” With an effort, she kept her voice steady. “I must say, I am flattered.”
“I wanted to depict the flash of mischief in your gorgeous blue eyes.”
She met his intent gaze. “At times, I do wonder if it still exists.”
A flicker of a smile played on his mouth. “The mischief is still there, darling. I see it, just beneath the surface.” Slowly, he drew his thumb along the curve of her face. “Your joie de vivre has never flagged. Never dimmed. I do believe that is what most draws me to you.”
Feeling eyes upon her, she threw a glance over her shoulder. The fascinator-wearing woman flashed a look of recognition and offered a faint smile.
Steeling herself, Nell gently slipped out of his hold. “I am afraid we may be creating a… distraction.”
“I suppose you are right. This is neither the time nor the place.” He raked long fingers through his straight hair. “Dine with me tonight.”
Her heart nearly skipped a beat. In the nights and weeks and months after he’d left her, she had longed for this moment.
But now, she wondered at the changes in herself.
Standing here, as she looked into Rafe’s eyes, her heart wanted him.
She wanted his touch and his kiss and his husky voice whispering against her ear.
But if this were merely a lovely interlude, would her heart shatter when it ended?
Was the risk too great?
Suddenly, her pulse thundered in her ears. Her mind raced. So much had changed in less than a fortnight. She’d thought her life comfortable and rewarding. She had wanted to find love. That much was true. Why, she’d even wished for it.
Don’t be a goose. Rafe was not the man she’d wished for at the fountain. He was tall, dark, handsome, and the lightest touch of his fingertips against her skin unleashed the most delicious tingles.
But it was not him. It simply couldn’t be. He had already proven that, hadn’t he?
He watched her for a moment, seeming to sense her hesitation. Once again, he took her hands in his. “Is something wrong?”
She shook her head, though she knew her eyes betrayed the truth. “I’m sorry, Rafe.” She steeled herself. “I must leave.”
As she hurried to Macie’s side, her friend eyed her with concern. “I need a breath of air,” she mumbled.
“I will come with you,” Macie offered.
Nell shook her head. “This is your night. You should not miss a moment.”
“In that case, Finn will accompany you.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She let out a low breath. “A brief stroll will be a wonderful tonic.”
“You’re quite certain?”
“I am positive,” Nell said, resisting the urge to bolt as Rafe approached.
Macie’s eyes narrowed, casting daggers at him. “Oh, this has something to do with you, doesn’t it?” She made no attempt to disguise her feelings.
“Yes.” His answer was brief, but his expression spoke far louder than the single syllable he’d uttered. “Nell, it would be my privilege to escort you… wherever you would like to go.”
“I’d say that is the least you can do,” Macie agreed.
“Indeed.” He met Nell’s eyes. “My carriage is near. You will find it quite comfortable.”
She gave her head a brisk shake. “What I would prefer is to take a stroll.”
“Then a stroll it is,” he said.
“Alone,” she added.
Macie sent her a speaking glance. “I personally would feel more at ease if you were not unaccompanied. It is rather late, you know.”
Traitor, Nell mouthed at her friend. Macie had seemed decidedly cool to his efforts. Yet now she’d put forth good reason to accept Rafe’s supposedly chivalrous offer. Dash the luck.
“Very well.” Nell shot him a glare. “Perhaps a brief change of scenery would be beneficial to both of us.”