“A trait he seems to have passed on to you,” Elizabeth teased.
Aidan chuckled. “I'm afraid you're right. My father and I were very much alike. When he died, I took over the business, not wanting to let his life's work disappear. Mr. Mayfield and I have taken it from a profitable venture to a very profitable one, what with most every shop in London and other major cities carrying our fabrics now.”
She shuddered at the mention of Gavin's name. She had spent most of last night trying to figure out how she was going to avoid him without arousing suspicion. She prayed he wouldn't be calling very often. The season was about to start and that meant a very busy few weeks for both him and Aidan. She was hoping the business would keep them out of the house and away from her. “I'm sure your father would be very proud of you.”
Aidan nodded. “I hope so.” He paused to open a heavy oak door, and then showed Elizabeth through. They were in the family portrait gallery. The hall was long and narrow, tastefully designed with dark oak and a rich red carpet runner that ran the length of the great hall. The ceiling had to be at least fifteen or twenty-feet high, Elizabeth guessed, with windows that graced the top edge of the outside wall to let in plenty of light, but placed so as to not put the paintings in direct sunlight where they would be damaged. The oil portraits themselves were the largest paintings Elizabeth had ever seen. It was quite clear that the Earls of Ashby had come from a long line of money.
He reclaimed her arm as they wandered along down the row of paintings, Aidan giving as much history about the people in them as he knew. They stopped at a portrait of a woman in a tall powdered wig and an elaborate dress with side hoop panniers that made her appear several feet wide. Elizabeth giggled.
“How on earth did they ever get about in those things?”
“That's my cousin’s great grandmother when she was presented at court. That wasn't an everyday dress.”
“But still…you have to admit the fashions of a hundred years ago are a bit silly.”
Aidan turned to her with an amused smile on his face and pointedly regarded the poufs of fabric that had replaced her backside. “It would be my guess that a hundred years from now, people will think corsets and bustles just as silly.”
“I hardly think so,” Elizabeth sniffed. “I'm the very height of fashion, thank you.”
Aidan chuckled. “For now.” They moved to the next painting. “Perhaps this is more to your liking. This is my grandmother.”
They were looking upon a portrait of an alluring young woman reclining on a chaise wearing a flowing, empire-waisted gown. The simple style suited her to perfection, and she looked so serene sitting there that Elizabeth felt almost intrusive gazing at her. “She's quite lovely.”
“And spirited as well. I believe Lainey has inherited much of her mischievous personality.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I'd have to agree.” Her eyes darted to the next portrait, and she gasped in delight. “Is that you?”
Aidan's rich baritone rumbled deep in his chest. “Yes, that's me. This is the last family portrait that was painted before my mother died. I was fourteen, and Lainey was eight. And those, of course, are my parents.”
Elizabeth studied the painting. It was expertly done, so realistic that Elizabeth half expected the people to reach out to her. Aidan's mother sat with a placid expression on her face, her arm around her daughter. She was an attractive blonde, with soft blue eyes and a willowy figure. Aidan's father was just the opposite, a well-cut figure with a brooding expression in his eyes that Elizabeth had seen on Aidan. His passion showed in those eyes. He was resting a protective hand on his son's shoulder while his other was draped around the shoulders of his wife. Elizabeth noticed that even at the age of fourteen, Aidan was showing a hint of the good-looking man he would grow into as the years passed.
“Your mother is so pretty,” she said softly. “What was she like?”
“My mother…had love for everyone. She was a kind soul, and gentle, yet fiercely protective of her family. She was the laughter and light in this house,” he said, sorrow touching his voice. “It left when she did.”
Elizabeth pulled her gaze away from the portrait and turned to look at Aidan. There was an odd mix of love and sadness in his eyes. Elizabeth touched his arm, a current of understanding flowing between them. She knew exactly how he felt. Aidan looked down at her a moment, and Elizabeth felt the first stirrings of genuine friendship.
She smiled and moved to the last two portraits. They were hung side by side, one each of Lainey and Aidan. “How old were you here?”
“This was my twenty-second birthday. I’d become the earl not six months prior, and Lainey insisted we must have a portrait. Lainey was eighteen here, just before her debut.”
“You look so much like your father.” They were both strikingly handsome, but Elizabeth didn't want to tell him she thought so. She went back to the family portrait. “Lainey was an adorable child.”
“Personally, I think she's still adorable, but then again, I am biased.” Aidan watched Elizabeth study the portrait. “I wish I could see what you looked like as a child,” he said softly.
Elizabeth turned to him with the achingly sad expression in her eyes that came every time she thought about her childhood. “Would that I had a likeness to show you.”
They regarded each other in silence, the air seemingly charged between them. He started to reach out to her, but Tibbs’s cough interrupted his thoughts.
“Pardon me, my lord, but it's ten o'clock. You asked to be informed.”
“Right,” Aidan replied, letting his arm fall back to his side. “Thank you, Tibbs.” He turned to Elizabeth with an apology on his lips. “If you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with Gavin this morning. Actually, that's quite how the next few weeks are going to go. We have to get everything into the shops in time for the season, so I'm afraid I won't get to spend much time with you this week.”
“Lainey is good company, and you are hardly responsible for my entertainment.”
“Even so, I'm afraid I'm not being a very good host.”
“I think I can forgive you.” She smiled.
“Brilliant. I'll make it up to you at some point.” He offered his arm to Elizabeth. “May I show you back to the dining room?”
“Actually, Mrs. Dunn promised to show me how to make an apple pie today…if that's all right with you,” she added sheepishly.
He grinned down at her. “Of course! Provided I get to sample your efforts.”
Elizabeth blushed. “We’ll see.”
Aidan raised a brow. “To the kitchens, then. Minx.” He winked, and inside, Elizabeth went all fizzy.
Oh, this was trouble.
Chapter 15
It was a beautiful early April day, the warm sun encouraging the flowers to make an appearance. Richard helped Aidan shrug into a charcoal gray morning coat before he headed down to breakfast. Lainey was already seated at the table, and he bent to kiss her on the cheek. No sooner had he settled in to read the morning paper when Elizabeth joined them, rivaling the radiance of the spring day in a floral-sprigged muslin gown. Another of Lainey’s purchases for her, it was white with purple floral sprays and trimmed in deep purple ribbon at the square-cut neckline, cuffs, and overskirt. Lace flounces ended the three-quarter length sleeves, giving him a peek of her creamy skin. What would it be like to press a kiss to the inside of that wrist? Would he feel her pulse flutter under his lips?
“Good morning, Elizabeth,” he said, standing and shaking off the mental image before he embarrassed himself. “You are looking well.” Like sunshine after three weeks of rain is more like it.
“Thank you. Good morning, Lainey.”
“Morning, Eliza.” She poked at her soft-boiled egg while Aidan reclaimed his seat and dabbed at his mouth with his napkin. For a horrifying moment, he thought he was actually drooling.
“My brother's right. Purple is most becoming on you.”
“Thank you. I must admit, you both have spoiled me w
ith this wardrobe.”
“Nonsense,” Aidan said flatly, immersing himself in the front page of the paper. The two women glanced at him, then exchanged smiles over the table. True to his word, Aidan had been extremely busy for the past few weeks, but when he was home, he made sure he spent time with Elizabeth. Much to his relief, she had lost that look of fear in her eyes, and was no longer uncomfortable around him. She even went so far as to seek him out in the library one evening for his recommendation on a book. They had wound up sitting companionably by the fire as he read her more poetry. He had steered clear of the romantics, and she had hung on every word. Aidan could not remember ever having had a more enjoyable evening.
The three chatted comfortably while they ate, and all the while Aidan stole glances at Elizabeth when she wasn't looking. She had grown so damned captivating he could hardly keep his eyes off of her. She had finally put on some weight, and her ivory skin glowed with health. The visible injuries had faded, though her bones were still healing. Soon, she would be well enough to be on her way, though to where, he still had no idea.
He had never met anyone quite like her. She was smart, much smarter than she believed herself to be, and she had a vibrant sense of humor. Aidan had laughed more in the past few weeks than he had in the past few years, a refreshing and much-needed change.
As he watched the banter between her and Lainey, he realized that it seemed like she was part of the family. Like she had always been there. Like she belonged there.
He gradually became aware that it had grown quiet, and he glanced at his sister, who was pointedly watching him stare at Elizabeth, with one dainty eyebrow raised. A mischievous smile lit her face. “Aidan, it's such a lovely day out, and Elizabeth is faring so much better now. Perhaps you should take her on a tour of the nearby park today.” She turned to Elizabeth. “There’s the most darling pond there.”
Aidan took in Elizabeth’s shocked expression. He, too, was surprised by Lainey's suggestion.
“Park?” Elizabeth’s voice was shrill. “As in, out in public?”
“Oh yes, but not to worry, it’s quiet. Nothing like Hyde Park. It’s just a little bit of a thing, hardly anyone goes there. But I adore the pond. And the fresh air would do you good.”
“I…I think it's a perfectly…lovely idea,” Elizabeth stammered. “You must join us, Lainey.” There was a slight note of pleading in her voice.
“Oh, no,” she replied, shaking her head. “I have far too many calls to pay today. I couldn't possibly find the time. You'll have quite an enjoyable day with Aidan, I'm sure.”
“But—”
“Now do be mindful of Elizabeth, brother. I can't have you wearing her out. Do you think you can sit a horse, Eliza? It would be a very tiresome walk for you at this point in your recovery.”
Elizabeth was staring at Lainey with her mouth hanging open in dismay. Clearly, she was not as in love with the idea as Lainey was.
“I…I think I can manage it,” Elizabeth said into the silence that had fallen as they awaited her answer. “Though I haven’t been on a horse since I was a young girl.”
Aidan narrowed his eyes at his sister. “Lainey’s mare is very gentle. She would be a good choice.”
“How thoughtful you are, brother,” Lainey gushed. “See, Elizabeth? He will take good care of you. You can borrow one of my bonnets and a pair of gloves, and I think what you're wearing will do nicely. No need for a riding habit if you're just taking the horses for a walk. You do have the time today, don't you, Aidan? I should have asked before I got Elizabeth's hopes up.”
Aidan was already mentally rearranging his schedule. “Of course,” he replied, knowing full well that to refuse now would be impolite, and that he had been maneuvered into doing exactly what Lainey wanted. “Would you care to accompany me today, Elizabeth?”
She was trapped. “I think I should like that very much. Thank you.”
“Splendid!” Lainey clapped her hands together. “Oh, but it is a shame you are not well enough to travel, for I would dearly love to show you the house in the country. The property there is quite extensive, and Rosecroft is far grander than this house. It's so peaceful there. Oh, Aidan, when Elizabeth is all set right again, you must invite her out for a visit!”
Aidan was eyeing Lainey. She looked all innocence, but he knew better. When his sister was up to something, her eyes took on an exceptionally bright sparkle, as they did now. The question was, what devious plot was running through her mind?
“Of course, you must join us sometime, Elizabeth.” Lainey had put him in a bad position by making that demand of him. How could he know if he would ever even see Elizabeth again after she left his home? But Lainey seemed not to notice as she prattled on.
“I usually head out of London before the season draws to a close, and stay the remainder of the summer there, much to my brother's chagrin. He'd rather I stay in London for the entire season to find a husband, but I can't see why I need one. Why do I want to spend my days entertaining fops who are looking at me more for my money than who I am inside?”
“Lainey!”
“What? It's true, and you know it,” Lainey admonished, turning to her brother. “You don't like the frivolous, simpering ladies any more than I like the ridiculous men. Isn't that the reason you're still a bachelor?”
For the first time since Elizabeth had known him, she witnessed Aidan flush. “It's less important for me to find a wife than it is for you to find a husband,” he said pointedly.
“Nonsense. You need an heir. Besides, you'll take care of me, won't you?”
“And what if something happens to me?”
Lainey sighed dramatically. “All right, then. I'll get married. Just not yet,” she added.
Aidan smiled at Elizabeth, who had been watching the exchange with great amusement. “Sometimes, I think I wouldn't have minded being an only child,” he said dryly.
Lainey gasped and shot out of her chair. “You take that back, big brother! You'd be lost without me, and you can't deny it!” She flung her arms about his neck and peppered his cheek with kisses until he laughed and gave in.
“All right, all right! I take it back, just please stop assaulting me!” They were both laughing now, and Elizabeth sat transfixed as Aidan's rich laughter rolled across the table. “Do you see what I put up with?” he asked her. “You women are trouble, the lot of you,” he chuckled, disentangling himself from Lainey.
“Pish, posh. We're the excitement in your lives.” Lainey pushed a stray wisp of hair away from her forehead. “Now see what you've done. I have to fix my hair because you're such a brute.” Aidan was about to protest that she had started it, but she cut him off. “I'll go fetch that bonnet for you, Elizabeth.” She blew a kiss to Aidan and was out the door in a heartbeat.
“Good heavens, but that girl is a free spirit.” Aidan shook his head in amusement, picking up the fork Lainey had caused him to drop. Elizabeth glanced out the door after her.
“I adore her,” she stated simply.
Aidan looked up. “I do, too,” he said, winking at Elizabeth.
Chapter 16
Aidan offered Elizabeth his arm as they made their way to the stable. She seemed to be growing accustomed to having him physically close. He watched as the floral-kissed breeze played with wisps of her hair and she turned her face to the sun. She closed her eyes and trusted him to lead the way. Aidan's lips curved in a wry smile. At least she trusted him that much.
She was assisted onto Lainey’s gray mare as the stable boy assured her she was a gentle creature and wouldn't give Elizabeth any trouble. He handed her the reins and turned away, and Elizabeth leaned forward to whisper in the mare's ear. “When I'm all better, I promise I'll come and take you out for a proper ride before I leave London,” she whispered.
Aidan rode up next to her, a combination of amusement and surprise on his face. “You know how to ride?”
“Goodness, can't a girl and a horse have a private conversation?” She reached down and
patted the mare's neck. “Yes, I know how to ride. At least, I did when I was younger. As I said, it’s been many years since I’ve been on a horse.” A far away look came into her eyes for a moment, then she blinked and it was gone. “So what's her name?”
“Sally.”
“Sally?” Elizabeth made a little choking noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort.
Aidan led the way out of the stable on his magnificent black stallion. “Yes. What's wrong with Sally?”
“It's just…an unusual name for a horse.”
“My sister named her. She was seven.”
“Ah.” Silence fell between them as Aidan led the way out of the stables. “And your stallion?”
Aidan let out a pained sigh. “Simon.”
“Simon?” Elizabeth was incredulous. Aidan rolled his eyes, and Elizabeth could contain her merriment no longer. She laughed so hard she had to hold her side. “Ow! Oh, Lord Ashby, don't make me laugh like that! It hurts!” She did her best to regain control, but little fits of giggles still slipped out between deep breaths.
Aidan shot her a dirty look. “Are you through?”
Elizabeth hiccupped. “Not quite.”
“You're making fun of me.”
“Maybe a little,” Elizabeth said, hiding her smile behind her hand. “I mean really. Simon? That hardly befits a huge black stallion.”
“Again, Lainey. Need I say more?”
“Good heavens, it's a good thing you didn't have any younger siblings. She may have insisted on Lightning or Pudge for them!”
She was rewarded with a bark of laughter. “I think my mother would have put her foot down.” He smiled warmly at her. “Shall we?”
They spent the next quarter hour meandering toward the park and chatting comfortably. Their talk turned to family as the pond came into view. Lainey had been right. The tiny park was nearly deserted. Aidan helped Elizabeth off of her horse, tied the reins, and tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow once again as he led her toward the water’s edge.
All That I Am: A Victorian Historical Romance (The Hesitant Husbands Series Book 1) Page 10