Chapter Six
C hristina and Richard joined Lord and Lady Hazelton with Wolf and Lord Falkenham, one of the Society’s significant patrons and Lady Grace Talbot’s father.
“St. John. I’m glad you’re here,” Falkenham said. He glanced at Christina, who was waiting for an introduction.
“It’s good to see you as well,” Richard said. “I hope your trip to America was a good one.”
Christina sensed Richard’s reluctance to make introductions. She could tell that the gentleman shared a certain kinship with Wolf—both men possessing a formidable presence only this gentleman was older and more deadly.
The butler approached Lady Hazelton and spoke to her softly.
She nodded, and the butler left. The footmen opened the dining room doors.
Lady Hazelton gently clapped her hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, luncheon is now served. Please find your seats in the dining room,” she announced.
Lord Falkenham glanced at Christina, about to say something.
“May I have the honor of escorting you to your seat?” Richard took her hand.
The glare from Wolf and Falkenham would have been humorous if they weren’t so deadly.
Christina smiled and nodded, gratefully acknowledging Richard’s offer. “Thank you. I would be delighted,” she replied, extending her arm to him. He led her toward the dining room.
“Thank you for rescuing me from more gossip, but if you look at the faces of the people around us, all you have done was get yourself included in the brew.”
Richard glanced around him and then leaned close to Christina. “Nothing will happen. They will think that as family I am protecting you from Wolf. Besides, I understand that Lord Falkenham will be escorting Mrs. Martin into luncheon.”
“Is that a problem?” Christina frowned.
“According to Falkenham, Mr. Martin was a wealthy American. He had agreed to invest with F&T Capital Management. When Mr. Martin passed away, Falkenham inquired about the investment. Mrs. Martin’s advisors and solicitor didn’t find any signed agreement.”
“Ah, so the investment wasn’t made.”
“Correct. And that may have been an excellent decision for Mrs. Martin. F&T Capital Management has gone through some very difficult times. Many people have lost nearly everything.”
“I am well aware. For the most part, my father’s investments have all been lost.” She let out a deep breath and stood up taller. “It will be interesting to see Wolf’s reaction when he realizes where he is seated.”
Richard wanted to ask her more questions about F&T Capital Management, but she had unequivocally closed the subject.
They made their way toward the dining room door. Falkenham escorted the hostess while the duke had Mrs. Martin on his arm.
Lord Wolfton, who entered with Lady Grace, were next. Their guarded expressions and clipped conversation revealed a noticeable tension. Their unexpected pairing raised more than a few eyebrows among the guests, prompting whispered words and curious glances.
Mr. and Mrs. Paulison, another prominent couple in London society, followed closely behind. Mrs. Paulison’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she exchanged pleasantries with Lady Hazelton while Mr. Paulison maintained a neutral position. Mr. Paulison’s surprisingly shrewd business acumen had drawn the attention of London’s elite investors, positioning him as a formidable player in high finance.
Next came Richard with Christina. She walked beside him with poise, her expression serene despite the whispered gossip that fluttered around them.
The other couples, a mix of distinguished guests and notable figures, made their way to the table, their conversations and laughter adding to the pleasant atmosphere.
Wolf turned to leave after assisting Lady Grace to her seat, his usually cavalier expression strained with discomfort. However, before he could take another step, Grace’s fingers caught the fabric of his coat. He halted. With wide eyes, he gaped at where she pointed. His head snapped up to see Christina sitting with Richard on the other side of the Paulison’s.
He caught Lady Hazelton’s glance and quickly looked around. He was the only one standing. He had half a mind to ask Paulison to switch seats with him, but the other half of his mind, the working half, thought better of the idea. With no recourse, he slowly took his seat as Lady Grace picked up her place card and read what was inside.
Wolf’s gaze swept across the dining hall. The clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversation filled the air, but for him, it was all a mere backdrop to the tension between him and Lady Grace Talbot.
He had been assigned the unenviable task of escorting her to this luncheon. A duty he would have gladly avoided, considering the words they had the last time they spoke.
Lady Grace cleared her throat, drawing his attention. Her delicate fingers traced the rim of her wineglass, and she hesitated, her gaze flitting down the long table until it settled on Christina.
Wolf raised an eyebrow, his voice calm and detached. “Is there something on your mind, my lady?”
Lady Grace shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes still fixed on her hands. “I… I wanted to address our recent… disagreement.”
Ah, yes. The heated exchange Lady Grace and he had in the garden the last time they met. Lady Grace had challenged him openly, her words cutting deeper than any blade. Wolf had responded in kind, his own anger flaring. It had been a clash of wills, and neither had backed down.
“It was rather… unfortunate,” he acknowledged, choosing his words carefully. “But I stand by what I said.”
Her chin lifted, defiance in her eyes. “And I stand by my feelings. I found your words quite…hurtful.”
Wolf leaned back in his chair, studying her. She was no delicate flower despite her refined appearance. There was a fire in her, a determination that intrigued him. This luncheon may be more interesting than he’d anticipated.
“Hurtful, perhaps,” he conceded. “But necessary. We move in different circles, Lady Grace. Our worlds rarely intersect, and yet fate has thrown us together.”
She frowned. “Fate?”
“Yes.” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “Perhaps it’s time we stopped fighting it and found a way to coexist.”
Her gaze held his, and for a moment, Wolf glimpsed vulnerability beneath the steel. “Coexist?”
Not breaking his gaze, he pursed his lips and smirked. “For better or worse.”
He smugly observed as the wedding words registered with her. Was it cruel? He thought not. He was tired of women trying to compromise him.
He granted her a conciliatory smile. “Shall we try to be civil with each other, at least for the remainder of this luncheon?”
“That is completely in your control.” She didn’t face him. Instead, her head was bowed as she studied her plate. Yet her gaze remained fixed across the table. He stole a quick glance. Lord Falkenham gave his daughter a satisfied smile and an almost unnoticeable nod.
“The ton will not know what to do about us.” He leaned toward her and whispered, “I can’t wait to see tomorrow’s broadsheets.”
Lady Grace tried not to smile. He moved back, his tension draining. Her reaction was something to which he didn’t know how to respond.
He glanced past her to Christina, who was conversing with Mr. Paulison. Indifferent to his presence. A flicker of annoyance, both unexpected and unwelcome, washed over him. He moved his attention to the soup in front of him. He picked up his spoon and elegantly dipped it into the cup. Why should he care if she showed interest in him or not? Or her distress about the gossip in the broadsheet. She should be thanking him. Most women relished having their name tied to his, even though they claimed embarrassment.
Christina’s light laugh drew his gaze back to her. She was different from the women he knew. He couldn’t dispel his admiration for her.
Grace’s fingers lightly brushed against his arm.
Startled, he jolted slightly, his attention immediately drawn away from Christina.
Lady Grace gave Wolf a polite smile. “Lord Wolfton, forgive me for prying, but I couldn’t help but note your interest in yachting. Do you have a favorite spot for sailing?”
Wolf focused on Lady Grace with a courteous nod. “Ah, yes. I do enjoy the occasional sail on the Serpentine. It’s quite tranquil, especially on a crisp morning.”
Lady Grace nodded, a hint of interest brightening her features. “How delightful. I’ve always found the water quite soothing.”
Wolf’s expression softened slightly at the prospect, though his thoughts drifted back to Christina. But he masked his inner turmoil with a gracious smile. “Perhaps we might have an opportunity to enjoy a sail with some friends.”
Lady Grace’s lips curved into a polite smile as she toyed with her serviette. “Indeed, Lord Wolfton, that sounds delightful. It’s been some time since I’ve sailed on the Serpentine.”
He was aware of her carefully chosen words, but he neither confirmed nor dismissed his suggestion outright. Silently, he chuckled. The lady was playing with him.
As the courses were served and removed, the room buzzed with conversation, punctuated by the clinking of silverware and the gentle murmur of laughter. The conversation around the table ebbed and flowed until the footmen began to remove the dishes.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The room quieted quickly as Lady Hazelton waited for everyone’s full attention.
“Rather than remain inside on such a beautiful day, I invite you to join my husband and me outside on the terrace.”
The terrace was bathed in a warm late afternoon sun that began to dip, casting long shadows across the garden. Tables with damask tablecloths and delicate floral arrangements sat in the middle of the tables while guests mingled.
Christina felt a flutter of excitement as she stood beside Richard, her gaze fixed on the game before them. Nearby, Wolf leaned against the terrace railing, his casual smile playing on his lips as he observed the scene. Lady Grace had disappeared with friends to the other side of the terrace.
The guests gathered into groups for a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Wolf relieved a brandy from a passing footman and sat at an empty seating area for four. Richard and Christina joined him.
“Shall we begin?” Richard proposed a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Who’s first?”
Christina glanced at Wolf and Richard, her mind racing with possible statements to share. “I’ll go,” she volunteered. “Let’s see… I once traveled to Italy and was lost in the streets of Milan for an entire day.”
Wolf raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Christina’s adventurousness. “That sounds quite daring,” he remarked, his gaze lingering on her.
Richard chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “All right, here’s mine: I once performed on stage in a theater production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ”
Christina’s eyes widened in surprise. “That is quite an impressive and very unexpected revelation. I never would have guessed. Another Edmund Kean?” she asked, shooting him a playful grin.
“Not at all. The man would cringe if he saw what I did to Lysander.”
“Hermia’s lover,” Wolf added.
“You know the story?” Christina’s mouth gaped open.
Wolf took her hand and gazed deeply into her eyes. He leaned close and with his voice soft and tender, said, “ The course of true love never did run smooth. Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is wing’d Cupid painted blind .”
“Well, done. I would never have thought you would be interested in Mr. Shakespeare.” Christina sat back, pleasantly surprised.
Wolf smirked, clearly enjoying the lively exchange. “That is not my statement for the game. This is,” he began, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “I once swam with sharks off the coast of Australia.”
Christina’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I don’t think so,” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “That appears to be a bit too bold, even for you, Wolf.” Her response was a playful challenge.
She noticed the corners of Wolf’s mouth twitching in a suppressed smirk, a clear sign he was amused despite his effort to appear unfazed. He took a sip of his brandy and said nothing. “I’ll give you time to think about that and ask for your decision later.”
Sitting opposite Wolf, Richard leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. “All right, Christina, it’s your turn. Give us your remaining two.”
Christina, seated gracefully beside Richard, smiled warmly. “Number two: I can speak fluent Italian. And number three: You both know that I attended a secret meeting of astronomers at the Royal Observatory. But I defied convention when I found a new comet with my telescope and proved that the stars belong to everyone, even though I’m a woman.”
“How?” was all Wolf could say.
“One night, I tiptoed to the rooftop of my house. My heart raced as I adjusted the lenses of my telescope—a contraption I secretly cobbled together from discarded parts and a used spyglass I purchased in a pawnshop.
“I have always been drawn to the stars. I devoured every astronomy book I could find. I traced constellations on the pages. My friends laughed at my interest and dismissed it as a frivolous pursuit for a woman.
“I didn’t care. I spent countless nights scanning the heavens, mapping the positions of stars, and noting their subtle movements. And then, one evening, I saw a faint streak of light, barely visible against the ink-black sky. It was a comet hurtling through space, its tail trailing like a banner.
“I knew that comets were rare visitors, harbingers of change and mystery. I had learned about Halley’s Comet—the comet that appears once every 76 years—and wondered if my discovery might be equally significant.
“I kept my secret close, confiding only in my sister.”
Wolf stared at her. Deep down, he was aware she was telling the truth. He saw the fire in her eyes, and for a moment, he was envious of her passion.
“My sister convinced me to tell John Pond, the Astronomer Royal. He was as excited as I was when he also saw the comet. Together, we plotted the comet’s path, calculated its speed, and predicted its next appearance. My nights were consumed by observations, my days by needlework and polite conversation. Mr. Pond longed to share my discovery, but how could I? Women were barred from scientific circles, and our intellect was dismissed as inconsequential.
“And so, I kept my secret and hid my telescope beneath my bed, its lenses polished with care. I named her comet “Aurora” after the dawn that heralded new beginnings.
“John Pond organized a special event at the Royal Observatory and invited me. He called me to stand before the assembled astronomers with my sketches and calculations and tell them what I had found.” She fell silent, her heart pounding now as she recounted the experience.
She glanced at Richard and Wolf. Their faces were lit with pride and surprise. They both gave her a reassuring nod to continue.
“Even with John Pond’s confirmation, my claim—that a woman had discovered a never before seen comet—was met with skepticism and raised eyebrows. But then, one elderly astronomer leaned forward and squinted at my sketches. His eyes widened, and he whispered, ‘By Jove, she’s right.’
“A month later, John Pond sent me a document I will always treasure. It is from The Royal Astronomical Society acknowledging my achievement. They named the comet “Comet Christina.”
As Christina recounted her tale, she noted Wolf leaning in, his interest unmistakably piqued.
“You’ve been lost in Italy,” he said, a note of curiosity in his voice that suggested he was piecing together a new side of her he hadn’t known. “Yet, you are quite at home wandering the sky.” His tone was light, teasing, still she could tell he was genuinely intrigued. Richard, on the other hand, seemed to find the whole thing amusing, his lips barely containing a smirk.
“So, gentlemen, the decision is yours. Which is the lie? Was I lost in Italy? Do I speak fluent Italian? Or did The Royal Astronomical Society document that I found a comet?”
“Ah, this is difficult,” Wolf mused, stroking his chin theatrically. “But I think I’ll go with the second one. Fluent Italian?”
“I have to agree with Wolf. I don’t think you’re fluent in Italian.”
Christina laughed lightly. “You found me out. I can only manage a few basic phrases in Italian. I was lost in Italy because I don’t speak Italian.”
“Richard, you go next,” Christina said.
“How does no one know about your accomplishment?” Wolf asked. “I mean, not everyone finds comets.”
“I don’t stargaze for any reason other than it pleases me. That I found something special confirms that I’m good at what I do. But enough about me. Richard, you are next.”
“Very well. Number two, aside from performing on stage, I’m an excellent archer. Number three, I fear heights and avoid climbing stairs whenever possible.”
Christina burst out laughing. “Those are… It has to be number two.”
“Why do you say that?” Wolf gave her a questioning stare.
She turned to him, her eyes filled with friendly laughter. Leaning close to him, she whispered, “He climbed up the tower steps to the spire at Stirling Hall in Sommer-by-the-Sea at my sister’s wedding, proclaiming to all that there was a new marchioness.” She glanced at Richard. “He was quite tight at the time.”
Wolf glanced at Richard, a broad grin on his face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Richard tight . Although, I think he has seen me unable to walk several times.” He laughed. “It is not a pretty sight.”
He took another sip of brandy.
“You never confirmed if I was correct about you swimming with sharks.” She gleamed with satisfaction, having called him out.
Christina watched as Wolf paused, his gaze meeting hers over the rim of his glass. At that moment, she sensed a silent decision forming in his mind.
“I had a penchant for adventure and, as a gentleman explorer, embarked on a voyage to Australia. My journey was part of a scientific expedition funded by the Royal Scientific Society, which aimed to chart unexplored territories, study indigenous cultures, and gather botanical and zoological specimens.
“During my time there, I was drawn to the uncharted waters that teemed with marine life. While diving to gather specimens, I swam into a school of young sharks.”
“Knowingly? On purpose?” He saw the shock and concern on her face that she didn’t try to hide.
Wolf’s expression grew taut, and a shadow passed over his features. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering to Richard, who watched him intently.
“I…” he started, then paused, carefully choosing his words. “It was a scientific expedition,” he finally replied.
Richard interjected before Christina could question him, answering her firmly, “Yes, he did swim into the school of sharks. Wolf was gathering specimens when one of the divers encountered some trouble.”
Christina’s brow furrowed slightly. As she processed the information, her gaze shifted from Richard to Wolf. “You swam into a school of sharks to save someone?” she exclaimed in a tone filled with awe and respect. “That’s incredibly brave… and reckless.”
Wolf shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. “It wasn’t… entirely planned,” he admitted with grave calmness.
Christina’s expression softened, her eyes communicating her concern. “But you did it anyway,” she said quietly, a note of admiration creeping into her voice.
Wolf nodded, his gaze dropped to his lap, and the empty brandy glass was in his hand. “I couldn’t just stand by without taking action,” he murmured. “Not when someone’s life was at stake.”
Christina reached out, her hand finding his and reassuringly squeezing it. “You were courageous, Wolf.”
Richard nodded in agreement, adding his own perspective to the tale, “Wolf was able to move the rocks that had fallen and trapped the other diver’s leg.” The statement was delivered in a matter-of-fact tone, yet Wolf could not help but discern the hint of pride in Richard’s eyes as he glanced his way.
Laughter and camaraderie drew the group together. Amidst the friendly competition, Wolf was drawn to Christina’s infectious energy and vibrant spirit, and a newfound admiration blossomed.
“And number three,” Wolf went on. “Despite what the records say, I am not the true heir to the Wolfton title.”
Richard and Christina both laughed. “I am certain there are times you wish you were someone else, but I doubt that.” Christina continued, “I cannot see you as anyone other than the Viscount Wolfton. It just… fits you.”
“Then my secret is safe,” Wolf said, trying to keep a straight face.
“Excuse me,” the footman addressed the group. “Mr. St. John, Lord Hazleton would like to speak to you.”
Richard and the others looked at the man. “Of course. Please tell him I will be right there.”
“Very good, sir.” The footman left.
“Lord Hazelton warned me he wanted to speak to me. I hoped he had forgotten. I regret—”
“We understand,” Wolf glanced at Christina and wondered if she was disappointed. He turned to Richard.
“You go on. We’ll muddle along without you.”
Richard nodded and left.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the terrace, Wolf stole another glance at Christina, wondering if this game had revealed more than mere truths and lies.
“Would you like to take a turn in the garden?” Wolf extended his arm towards the garden, a faint crease forming between his brows as he waited for Christina’s response. Nervous energy had his heart quickening at the possibility of her refusal. The very thought of it unsettled him more than he cared to admit. Despite his attempt to maintain a composed facade, a flicker of apprehension danced in his eyes as he waited for her answer.
“Only if you promise to rescue me should my foot get caught.” Her sly, mischievous expression had him smiling in return.
He took her hand. As she started walking, he remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on her.
“Christina,” he hesitated.
Christina turned to face him, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Wolf, why aren’t you coming?”
A fleeting moment of vulnerability passed through him, a rare crack in his usual armor. He steadied himself, looking into Christina’s eyes. “Christina, I would never let anything happen to you,” he assured her, his words carrying a depth of emotion she hadn’t expected.
As she met his earnest gaze, her surprise melted into heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, Wolf. That is very good to know,” she whispered.
Her sincerity and trust in him pleased him. They stepped onto the garden path, enjoying the gentle breeze that carried the scent of roses and lavender.
As Wolf and Christina wandered through the garden, the tranquility of the surroundings seemed to enclose them in their own world. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
“Christina,” Wolf glanced sideways at her.
Christina turned to him, “Yes, Wolf?”
“Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the benefit concert on Thursday evening?”
Surprise flickered across Christina’s features before a warm smile spread across her face. “I would be delighted, Wolf.” He found her excitement charming. “It sounds like a wonderful event.”
He returned her smile. “Excellent,” a satisfied smile crossed his face. “I’ll make sure to arrange everything. It promises to be a splendid evening.”
As they continued their leisurely stroll through the garden, he answered her questions about Australia, and she answered his questions about the stars.