Chapter Twelve
Nathaniel woke to a sun-filled bedroom. Matthew must have opened the curtains earlier. As he lay in bed, yesterday’s events replayed in his mind like a persistent echo. Bessie’s accusation stung, striking a nerve he hadn’t realized had been exposed. What was the truth of his actions? Did he act out of genuine concern for Louise, or was there an underlying desire to protect the project and its wager?
He couldn’t dispel the image of her innocently standing alone amidst the scrutinizing gazes of those relentless gossips. It would be a different issue if she knew what to expect.
He took a deep breath and inhaled the earthy, rich, nutty aroma of hot coffee that wafted through the air. Enticed by the scent, he climbed out of bed and slipped into his robe as Matthew quietly entered the room. Nathaniel greeted the valet with a nod and took a seat at the small table by the window.
“Good morning, Matthew.” He waited while Matthew poured the brew, eager for his first sip. As he brought the cup to his lips, a subtle hint of chocolate teased his senses, promoting him to close his eyes in delight.
“Good morning, my lord.” Matthew went about his business preparing for Nathaniel’s morning ablutions.
Fully awake, Nathaniel concentrated on the previous night, tackling the… situation. His flash of anger directed at Bessie had surprised him more than it did her. It certainly wasn’t like him.
“Protect his challenge,” he murmured, his voice dusted with contempt, his focus on the cup of coffee in his hand.
“Did you say something, my lord?” Matthew paused by the dressing room door.
Startled, Nathaniel glanced at his patient valet. “No, it’s nothing. Just pondering a vexing matter.”
The valet hesitated for a moment before he returned to his duties in the dressing room, leaving Nathaniel to resume his contemplation.
As he stared out the window at the budding trees, a young woman hurrying along the street caught his attention. It wasn’t the sway of her hips that intrigued him but the vivid plum color of her pelisse. He quickly turned from the window.
God’s blood, the challenge never crossed his mind when he was in the pavilion. He went to run his fingers through his hair, but quickly changed his mind. He had never before been intensely protective of a woman, not even Elinor. He took another sip of coffee, determined to set the lingering notions aside.
With his coffee finished, he acknowledged to himself that he was responsible for the situation Louise was in yesterday.
He could no longer ignore his love for Louise, no matter how that impacted the world around them.
Nathaniel went to the writing table and at once crafted a message.
“Matthew,” he called as he folded the message and put the address on the front.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Have this sent right away, and be sure the footman waits for a response.” Setting the wax with his signet ring, he handed it to Matthew.
Matthew left the room and returned within moments. “Mr. Styles has sent a footman.”
Nathaniel went about his morning routine, hoping he had done the right thing. By the time he was ready to face the day, Styles came to his door with an answer to his message.
He opened the note and smiled.
“Styles, we are having a guest at eleven this morning.” He stood at his desk and made a list. “Give this menu to Mrs. Shepard. I think the garden room would do nicely.”
Styles nodded his acknowledgment and turned to leave.
“And Styles.”
The butler hesitated and gave Nathaniel his full attention.
“Under no circumstances am I to be disturbed when my guest arrives. If my cousin or the others decide to visit, send them away.” He waved his hand in emphasis.
“Very well, my lord.” If Styles was surprised, he kept it to himself and went on to speak to the cook.
As the mantel clock chimed ten, Nathaniel’s eagerness to confront the impending matter intensified. He sat at his desk, driven by the urgency to organize his thoughts. He needed to present his case, one that would make it impossible to come to any other conclusion than the one he wanted. And he needed it completed within the next hour.
With pen in hand, he composed, crossed out, and began again. Striking a delicate balance, he aimed not to reveal too much or leave out too little. After an hour of careful consideration, he scrutinized the final draft. Satisfied, he set down his quill. Armed and ready to face his guest, he headed to the garden room where he waited poised to greet his guest.
Within minutes, the door opened.
“Welcome, Bessie.” Nathaniel was at the door before Styles could announce her.
“Thank you for your gracious invitation. I’m not used to being summoned.” She removed her gloves, folding them into her reticule.
“Summoned?” Nathaniel motioned for her to take a seat. “Bessie, I’ve invited you to join me—”
“For tea?” she interrupted, settling into the chair.
The footman wheeled in a small trolley. Bessie took a whiff and burst into laughter. “Bubble and squeak.” She placed her serviette on her lap.
Nathaniel signaled to the footman, who returned with two tankards of ale. Bessie’s warm smile eased the tension.
“You’ve thought of everything.” She began to eat the bacon, cabbage, and potato delicacy. “Why did you want to see me?”
“I find myself in a bind and need your help.” Nathaniel placed his tankard down and leaned forward.
Bessie didn’t glance at him or stop eating. “Again?”
“I deserve that, but I’m not in need of help with a wager.” For a moment, he found himself unable to continue. It all sounded so perfect in his head while he wrote it out, but now?
She put her fork down, daintily wiped her lips with her serviette, and gave him her full attention.
“I find that I am beginning to care for Louise.” He paused.
“That was obvious last night in the carriage. I’m not surprised you have feelings for the lovely woman with whom you are working.” Her face gave nothing away.
He focused on his untouched food.
“I never expected this.” He finally looked up. “And I’m not entirely sure how to navigate this situation. It’s a complication, Bessie, and not one of my making.” He leaned closer. “Louise is a remarkable woman, and I can’t help but be drawn to her. The instant rage that came over me last night had nothing to do with the project. That was the furthest thing from my mind.”
“Nathaniel. You are a passionate, feeling man. I wouldn’t expect anything less than concern for a friend you thought might be compromised.”
He sat back, not attempting to disguise his frustration. Finally, he gathered his thoughts. Follow the plan.
“It’s more than just the challenge now. It’s about something real, and I need your guidance on how to handle it.”
Bessie’s expression softened. “Louise is a gem with a good heart, Nathaniel. I’ve seen how she conducts herself.”
“You already know of Louise’s remarkable insight, intelligence, and resilience,” he added.
“But what about the challenge?” Bessie sipped her ale. “You’ve worked so hard on it.”
Nathaniel leaned forward, his gaze meeting Bessie’s. “This project is about more than winning a wager or proving a point. It’s about breaking down the barriers that divide us in society. It’s about fostering empathy, understanding, and genuine human connection.”
Nathaniel sighed, his gaze fixed on the table. “Now I find myself torn. I started this with a purpose, and now find my feelings are complicating matters. I don’t want to lose her, and I certainly don’t want our budding relationship to become a casualty of my own doing. I can’t deny that there’s something between us, on her part as well as mine.”
Bessie leaned back, studying him. “Love, my lord, is a tricky thing. It doesn’t always follow the rules you set for it. You have a delicate balance to maintain. If you truly care for Louise, you must tread carefully.”
Nathaniel nodded, appreciating her wisdom. “That’s why I asked you here. You’ve been a steady hand in all this, and I trust your judgment. What do you suggest I do?”
Bessie, deep in thought, took another sip of ale before responding. “First, be honest with yourself. Are these feelings genuine, or are they a result of the circumstances and only an infatuation? Once you’re clear on that, we can decide how to proceed.”
His chin went up. In the flash of the moment, he thought, how could Bessie doubt his intentions? But he softened his manner, appreciating her directness. “I believe my feelings are genuine. But, you’re correct. Louise deserves my honesty.”
Bessie nodded. “Then, if you’re certain, we’ll find a way to navigate the situation. I would suggest neither of you disclose who you truly are at the moment. Solidify the relationship first.”
He nodded.
“Good. And remember, plans and matters of the heart rarely follow the same path.”
He was quiet for several minutes. “You thought I came to you for a match.” He laughed. “It appears that I did.” He sighed, a mixture of relief and anxiety. The road ahead seemed uncertain, but perhaps with Bessie’s guidance, there was a glimmer of hope.