But a plan was beginning to come together in his mind, and that was all he had really wanted, wasn’t it? A way to move past the abominable way he had been treated at the hands of Lord Woodsford… a way to make everybody forget…
That man is nothing. I am so much more than he is. He’ll regret what he did to me.
He made his way down the street toward home.
Chapter 17
Thomas stood on the steps of Earlington Manor feeling unaccountably nervous. By rights, he shouldn’t have been nervous at all. After all, this time—unlike last time—he was expected.
His last visit with Lady Valeria had gone so well that Duncan had insisted he return two days later, saying that the two of them could enjoy a picnic together. After seeing the look of eager anticipation in Lady Valeria’s eyes, John had consented. And so it was that he stood here now, knocking on the door.
He was shown inside by the butler. He expected to be greeted by Duncan, but to his surprise, the foyer was completely empty.
Or, at least, it was at first. Then Lady Earlington came gliding down the stairs.
Midway down, she paused in surprise. “What’s this?” she asked. “Lord Woodsford?”
“Yes, Lady Earlington,” he said. “I’m sorry—were you unaware that I would be here today?”
“I was.” She descended the rest of the stairs. “But I suppose you’re here to visit with Duncan?”
“Actually…” He felt anxious, but she would have to be told, and what better time than now? “I came for a picnic with Lady Valeria. It was Duncan’s idea, and he’ll be joining us, of course, but your niece and I have been getting to know one another a little.”
“Oh, really?” Lady Earlington raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Well, I must say, I would have expected you to seek my permission.”
“Yes, My Lady,” he said. “And I had—and have—every intention of doing just that. But for this single outing, I thought perhaps Duncan’s permission might suffice.” He hesitated. “If I’ve misjudged, I’ll take my leave.”
“No, no,” she said quickly. “You took me by surprise, Lord Woodsford, nothing more. But if you have befriended my niece—I’m surprised, but I’m very glad to hear it. After all, her social circle does need widening.”
Duncan emerged from the kitchen, carrying a wicker basket. “Ah!” he said. “Thomas! You’ve arrived. Splendid.”
“Yes,” Thomas said. “But I didn’t realize you wouldn’t have let your mother know to expect me. I feel as if I’ve intruded.”
“Not at all,” Lady Earlington said. “Really, Lord Woodsford, you mustn’t think of leaving. I’ll go and fetch Valeria, shall I?”
And she hurried back up the stairs.
Thomas turned to Duncan. “Why didn’t you tell her?”
“Well, you know how Mother can be,” Duncan said. “She would have fussed over Valeria so much that I doubt whether Valeria would have been able to enjoy any anticipation of today’s outing. It seemed better to allow her to enjoy it quietly.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Thomas said. “And you’re sure it’s all right that we do this?”
“She’ll be disappointed if we don’t,” Duncan said. “She hasn’t said much about it, but just by the way she’s carried herself over the last day, I can tell how much she has been looking forward to it.” He held up his basket. “Besides,” he added, “I’ve gone to all the trouble of making this picnic for us!”
“You didn’t make that picnic.”
“All right, all right, I had the kitchen make it,” Duncan laughed. “But even so, you wouldn’t want it to go to waste. Ah! Here she comes now.”
Lady Valeria had appeared at the top of the stairs and was descending toward them, a faint smile on her face and a blush in her cheeks. Thomas thought she looked absolutely lovely.
“Lord Woodsford,” she said. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again.”
“And where will the three of you be lunching today?” Lady Earlington asked.
“Just out on the lawn,” Duncan assured her. “You’ll be able to see us from the window of the sitting room, if you feel the need to do so.”
“Oh, nonsense,” Lady Earlington said. “I won’t be watching you. Go on, now, and have a lovely time, all of you.”
