Chapter 13 #2
Victor lifted his chin for the valet to tie his cravat. Barlow’s point was valid. Though it disturbed him to think that Miss Godderidge might have fallen for a rake. He had not judged her as shallow. It also rankled that Barlow thought him incapable of successfully wooing a woman on his own.
“And behold, the great Mr. Dalrymple contemplating a courtship.” Barlow teased him the same way the boys had at school.
“My contemplation has served me well in the past.”
“Yes, but with women, waiting too long can cause you to lose out. You have learned my first piece of advice, listen more than you talk. In your case, I would add to ask more questions. In my observation, women do not want men assuming they know how they think or feel any more than we do. Inviting her to tell you her opinion is a sure way to get her to open her heart, as long as you do not—” Barlow raised a scolding finger “—belittle her thoughts, no matter how tedious they may be. I have encouraged more than one woman by agreeing that a certain color of silk is passé.”
Miss Godderidge didn’t talk incessantly like other women he had met. Asking a few questions would not hurt either of them. If he was to pursue her, he needed to know more about her. Her brother was a fine fellow. That would not necessarily translate to her.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. A footman entered to inform him that the Godderidge carriage had been called for. Blast, he shouldn’t have taken so long to change. He looked at Barlow. “I need to see to my guests. I trust you to make yourself scarce.”
Victor didn’t wait for a reply. He found Miss Godderidge and her mother still in the library. He knocked on the open door to allow them to dismiss him if they wished. Lady Katherine waved him in.
“I have called for our carriage. I agree with my daughter, it is not broken, and she should be walking again by Sunday.”
“You are welcome to stay as long as you need.”
Isabel’s smile did not mask the pain in her eyes.
“Thank you for your offer. The only advantage of staying is that you are likely to have books which I have not yet read. Though being honest, I have yet to read any books on modern horticulture techniques, which David is so fond of. I am just as able to recline with my foot propped up at home.”
“I ordered several recent novels for my mother’s visit. Have you read Emma?”
“I have. Thank you.”
A footman entered the door. “The coach is ready.”
Miss Godderidge scooted to the edge of the couch.
“May I assist you?”
She bit her lip. “I am in need of assistance, but I can see you changed, and I have already ruined one suit today.”
“My clothes are more easily repaired than your ankle.”
Miss Godderidge looked at her mother before nodding her assent.
Picking her up from her sitting position was both easier and more difficult as she stiffened for a moment in anticipation, but they both were able to have a better grip than they had from the barn.
“Thank you.” Her whispered gratitude tickled the side of his jaw. It was rather nice to have her so close. The rise in his heartbeat had little to do with the exertion. He hoped she did not notice. Moreover, he hoped Barlow lurking in the background did not notice.
“May I call on you tomorrow to see how you fare?”
Lady Katherine answered for her daughter. “Unfortunately, Leadon Hill is still closed to visitors. However, I will send you a note.”
“What of our plans for the fair?” he asked.
“With the location secured, there is nothing that cannot wait a day or two,” said Miss Godderidge. Her head almost lay on his shoulder as if the effort to keep it up was too much. It could not be out of her wish to lay her head there, he was sure.
There must be something more he could say or ask. Victor could not think of a single thing as he maneuvered through the doorway and outside.
“I meant to ask about Sir Galahad. Is there any news?” Her voice was softer as if it was an effort to keep speaking.
Of all the subjects, one he hoped to avoid. “He is resting, but Mr. Conroy is concerned that he is not eating well.”
“He never does when Jane is not about. Her brief season in Town was difficult for both of them.”
“Do you know if Sir Lightwood is still in residence?”
“I believe he left before Jane and Rose. Why?”
He tried to ignore the soft tickle of her breath on his cheek. If Barlow experienced this often, he could almost pardon his friend for his rakish desires. Victor swallowed. “Mr. Conroy suggested that securing some item of Miss Jane’s, a blanket or something, might keep Sir Galahad calm.”
“I am sure the housekeeper could find something. Shall I send her a note?”
“You think it a good idea?” A far better idea than the thought of turning his head to Miss Godderidge to better assess her pain. Their heads would be so close that he could easily brush his lips…
“It is a brilliant thought. I will send a note over as soon as I reach Leadon Hill. Should I direct them to take the item to the house or Mr. Conroy?”
“Mr. Conroy’s cottage will do.”
Lady Katherine had already settled herself in the rear facing seat of the topless carriage by the time he reached it. Victor adjusted his angle so that he could set Miss Godderidge on the step. “There you are.”
He continued to steady her as she hopped into her seat.
“Thank you, Mr. Dalrymple, for all your kindness.”
Did he imagine the slight blush on her pale cheek? He hoped it was not his imagination. Because Barlow was correct. A blush on a woman’s cheek was most becoming.