“You must write and let us know how things progress at Beckinsale House,” she said.
“Yes, do that,” Sherbourne agreed with a nod. “I’m curious to know the advancement of your breeding program.”
Blix agreed to write and winked at her, signaling he would not write much, because he would, after all, be on his honeymoon.
Lucy blushed, and Blix looked toward Sherbourne. “Jane’s taken it into her head she’d prefer to ride, so she’s changing into her habit, and I’ve asked your head groom to saddle Grendel. I hope this is acceptable?”
“Of course! You’ll make better time on horseback, and with this exceptional weather, it’d be a shame to be cooped up in a traveling coach, would it not?”
“Yes, I had much the same thought.” He glanced down at his formal attire before he looked to Lucy. “If you’re ready to go, we’ll take you up in my carriage. I’ll have to stop by the house to change and saddle my own mount for the trip.”
From a distance, she recalled her wedding day. Matthew had bedded her just after their wedding breakfast, in the first inn they passed on their way to Margrave Park. He’d said he could not, would not wait, and she had felt the same. How lovely it had been, how patient and kind he was.
How awkward it would have been if anyone had been with them. Perhaps Blix had another agenda during his stopover at home. She would be in the way, and feel decidedly uncomfortable. Blushing furiously, she managed to say, “Actually, if you don’t mind, I believe I’ll stay here a while longer. Sherbourne’s offered to show me his conservatory and a new, exotic plant he’s obtained. I’m certain he or one of Jane’s brothers won’t mind escorting me home.” She turned a smile toward Sherbourne, who took the cue without missing a beat.
“I’d be delighted, Lady Bonderant, and I’m honored you’ll stay and allow me to boast of my acquisition.”
She couldn’t be certain, but she thought Blix looked relieved. He came close and kissed her cheek before stepping back to shake Sherbourne’s hand.
Jane came in then, dressed in a beautiful habit of gold velvet, with braided cording around the waist. Her bountiful bosom wasn’t overly exposed, but one could see the soft swell of pale skin above the neckline, and Lucy felt a moment’s envy. She’d not been gifted with lovely, round breasts. Hers were less than round, and her nipples, rather than a soft, pretty pink, were the color of earth, a dusky brown. Matthew hadn’t seemed to mind, but she always felt a bit self-conscious about them.
She kissed Jane goodbye, as did all of her family, and within moments, the newlyweds were gone.
Jane’s brothers were not far behind, each of them making their excuses to leave, undoubtedly in pursuit of some entertainment for the remainder of the day. They were all very jovial as they bade her farewell, and James offered to wait and escort her home, but Sherbourne told him to go on along, that he would see to her safe transportation.
“Well,” he said when the room was empty, “it appears all that remain are the settled folk.” He offered his arm. “Shall we take a stroll through the conservatory, Lady Bonderant? I happen to have something of interest to show you.”
She chuckled and laid her hand upon his arm. “You’re a dashing good sport, Sherbourne. Quick on your feet as well.”
“That I am.” He smiled down at her. “It would appear I’m not into my senility as yet.”
They made their way down the stairs and circled back toward the garden door, but turned to the left before reaching it and stepped inside the conservatory. It was not so large as hers, but then, this was a townhouse, and Margrave Park was an extensive estate house.
Nevertheless, what it lacked in size was made up for by an exotic array of unusual flora. They strolled along the path that wound in and around the foliage and he pointed out some of the more unique specimens. He stopped when they came upon an extraordinary lily, a lovely delicate bloom, the color of sunset. “A friend of mine brought this to me from India. It’s said to have magical powers that confer eternal youth and beauty to all who inhale its fragrance.”
“Do you believe it?”
“Complete claptrap.” He smiled another of his twinkling smiles at her. “Nevertheless, I make it a habit of a morning to come in and take a good sniff, just in case there’s any truth to it.”
Lucy laughed, truly enjoying herself. “Perhaps there is. You’ve the vitality of a man half your age.”
He sobered a bit and continued to escort her through the indoor garden. “One tends to consider his mortality as he ages, and I have to confess I’m much more comfortable with life now than I was at twenty-five. I was happily married, with several children already, but still in the throes of proving myself.” He glanced at her. “Young men feel the need to do so, you know.”