Chapter One #2
“Unfortunately, in my enthusiasm to rescue the poor fellow from his arachnid predicament, I may have inadvertently collided with what I can only assume was a rather valuable Chinese vase that had been placed in what I now realise was a most unfortunate location,” Lord Jasper continued, his expression growing increasingly sheepish with each word.
“Several rather valuable vases, actually, along with what appeared to be a small table and possibly a chair, though the exact inventory of casualties remains somewhat unclear given the general chaos that ensued.”
“I see,” Thalia replied with admirable composure, though inwardly she was calculating the cost of replacing whatever this charming disaster had managed to destroy in the space of his brief acquaintance with her entrance hall.
“And how does poor Hopkins fare in the aftermath of this gallant rescue, might I inquire?”
“Splendidly, I am most happy to report, though I believe he may be reconsidering his position on the relative merits of spiders versus visiting gentlemen, and I confess that I am beginning to share his perspective on the matter,” Lord Jasper admitted with a rueful smile that turned his handsome features unexpectedly compelling.
Mr Wyndham cleared his throat with obvious irritation, clearly displeased at having his moment of intimidation interrupted by what he undoubtedly viewed as frivolous social pleasantries. “Lady Greaves, if we might return to our business, for time is of considerable importance in these matters—”
“Our business, Mr Wyndham, is concluded for today, and you have made your position as clear as crystal while I have endeavoured to make mine equally transparent,” Thalia announced with finality, her voice resuming its arctic tone as she turned her attention back to the unwelcome creditor.
“I trust you can find your way out without requiring assistance, though perhaps you might take care to avoid any lingering obstacles that Lord Jasper may have inadvertently created during his recent act of arachnid heroism?”
The creditor’s agent rose stiffly from his chair, gathering his papers with the wounded dignity of a man whose carefully planned intimidation had been thoroughly disrupted by circumstances beyond his control.
“Six weeks, Lady Greaves, and not a single day longer, for my clients’ patience has its limits, and those limits are rapidly approaching,” he declared with as much authority as he could muster under the circumstances.
He cast a suspicious glance at Lord Jasper, who had moved further into the room with the easy confidence of a man accustomed to being welcome wherever he chose to appear. “Good day to you both.”
The moment the door closed behind him with a decisive click, Lord Jasper released a low whistle of appreciation.
“What a thoroughly charming fellow that was—I take it he wasn’t here to discuss the remarkable beauty of your rose gardens or to compliment you on the excellent management of your household? ”
“Hardly anything so pleasant as that,” Thalia replied dryly, studying her unexpected visitor with renewed wariness, for in her extensive experience, gentlemen who appeared without warning at the homes of unprotected widows invariably brought complications in their wake.
“Might I inquire as to the true purpose of your visit, Lord Jasper, for I confess I was not expecting callers today, and your arrival seems remarkably well-timed to coincide with my interview with Mr Wyndham?”
“Ah, well, I fear my arrival is rather presumptuous, and I can only hope you will not think too poorly of me for appearing upon your doorstep without proper introduction,” he admitted, though something in his manner suggested there was more to his presence than mere social curiosity.
“You see, I find myself in Brighton on a matter of family business that I confess I find rather tedious, and I had heard such intriguing things about your retreat from various sources that I simply felt compelled to see this remarkable establishment for myself.”
“Family business?” Thalia’s tone sharpened with suspicion, for she had learned that when gentlemen spoke vaguely of “family business,” it usually involved either gambling debts that required immediate settlement or marriage settlements that required the cooperation of unwilling parties.
“What manner of family business brings a Vexley to Brighton in November, if I may be so bold as to inquire?”
“The most tedious sort imaginable, I assure you—nothing more exciting than reviewing various properties and investments on behalf of my family’s interests,” he replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, though Thalia caught the flicker of something that might have been annoyance or perhaps reluctance that crossed his handsome features before he could suppress it.
“Nothing that need concern you in the slightest, I give you my word, but do tell me about this marvellous establishment of yours, for I understand you provide refuge for artists and other creative souls who might otherwise find themselves without proper support or encouragement?”
Family properties and investments.
The phrase set off warning bells in Thalia’s mind with all the subtlety of a fire alarm, for she had not survived two years of widowhood without developing a healthy suspicion of gentlemen who took sudden interest in her affairs while simultaneously conducting mysterious business in her immediate vicinity.
“I provide a home for individuals whose talents might otherwise go unrecognised by a society that values commerce above beauty and practicality above inspiration,” she said carefully, choosing her words with the precision of a diplomat navigating treacherous political waters.
“Artists, writers, musicians—those in need of peace and encouragement to pursue their craft without the constant worry of where their next meal might come from, or whether they will have a roof over their heads when winter arrives.”
“How wonderfully charitable of you, and what a noble undertaking it must be to provide such sanctuary for those whose gifts are not immediately appreciated by the masses,” Lord Jasper replied, his tone perfectly pleasant and appropriately admiring, though something in his eyes suggested he was cataloguing details with far more attention than mere polite interest would warrant.
“And you manage this establishment entirely through your own resources and efforts?”
“I am hardly alone in this endeavour, Lord Jasper, for I have several residents who contribute significantly to the daily management of the retreat and whose wisdom and experience prove invaluable in maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that allows creativity to flourish,” she replied, moving behind her desk to use the substantial piece of furniture as a barrier between them, for she had learned that maintaining proper distance was essential when dealing with gentlemen of uncertain motives.
“Though I confess myself curious as to why the particular arrangements of my household should be of such interest to a gentleman of your evident standing in society.”
Lord Jasper’s smile never wavered, though she caught the slight tightening around his eyes that suggested her question had struck closer to the mark than he found comfortable.
“Mere curiosity, I assure you, Lady Greaves, for one hears such conflicting accounts of these artistic communities from various sources—some claim they are havens of inspiration and creativity, while others suggest they are rather more—”
“Dens of iniquity populated by fallen women and dissolute poets who have abandoned all pretence of proper moral behaviour?” Thalia interrupted, her voice dropping to a temperature that could have frozen the English Channel in the height of summer.
“How refreshing to encounter such an original perspective, Lord Jasper, for I confess I have never heard such concerns expressed before by visitors to my establishment.”
“I say, that is not what I meant at all, and I fear you have quite misunderstood my intentions—” he began, appearing genuinely flustered for the first time since his dramatic entrance.
“Is it not, indeed?” She fixed him with a stare that had once made seasoned diplomats stammer and retreat in confusion. “Then perhaps you might be so good as to enlighten me as to what you did mean by such observations?”
For a long moment, Lord Jasper appeared genuinely at a loss for words—a sight that Thalia found surprisingly satisfying, for most men of his particular stamp sailed through life with such unshakeable confidence that watching one actually struggle for an appropriate response was rather like witnessing a cat attempt to bark or a fish endeavour to climb a tree.
“I meant,” he said at last, his voice marked by a sincerity that took her off guard, “that I have long held an interest in the patronage of the arts—and in offering support to those whose talents are too easily dismissed by a society that values only what is immediately profitable. My sister Eliza is a gifted painter and a voracious reader, and I’ve seen firsthand how little encouragement such gifts receive when they do not serve some utilitarian end. ”
The quiet earnestness of his tone struck her almost physically. She had braced herself for charming deflection or polished pomposity—not this gentle undercurrent of genuine concern, which hinted at deeper convictions than she had credited him with.
“Your sister is an artist?” she asked, her suspicion softening, if only slightly.