There was a momentary pause while both girls digested this with vastly different reactions. Felicia’s flush turned to one of proud delight, while Penelope stuck her lower lip out in a belligerent sulk. Luckily, the earl nipped this in the bud with his next words.
“But in this case, my darling brat, you were correct in that I was looking for you. I would like to think my powers of deduction are sufficient that I would have been able to find you without your very loud summons, but I particularly wanted to know if you and Miss Scott would like to accompany me to Gunther’s for a little treat this afternoon.”
Penelope’s face undertook a radical change. All smiles, the young girl actually did a little dance of glee. “Oh Papa, that would be absolutely marvelous. Felicia and I have walked past there a few times and I must admit that I pressed my nose to the window, even though she told me it was very ill bred behavior. We wanted to go in, but Felicia said she didn’t have the coins for any of the treats in there. I am quite certain you have enough coins for all of us, right Papa?”
The earl was watching his daughter’s governess closely throughout this entire conversation and began to worry about the poor young woman’s health. Her face continued to glow bright red over his daughter’s latest statement. He realized she was embarrassed over her lack of funds. Victor was unsure how to set the poor girl at ease since it was his own fault for not telling her to apply to him for spending money for his daughter’s use. Since he had overheard her explanation to Penelope about her newly straightened circumstances, he now understood that it was no doubt pride that motivated her embarrassment over her lack of money. He decided to address the matter at another time and just ignored her discomfort, hoping she would quickly get over it.
“You are quite right, sweet pea. I have more than enough funds to treat two lovely ladies to some ices or cakes. Shall we proceed?”
Feeling embarrassed and not wanting to intrude on the earl’s time with his daughter, Felicia tried to excuse herself. “Perhaps I should head home, and you could enjoy Penelope’s company without my presence.”
“No, Felicia, you must come too. How will I ever be able to pick which treat is the best without you to advise me?” Penelope reached for her friend’s hand and held on tight.
The earl quickly added his own encouragement. “I fully intended for both of you to join me, Miss Scott. It would not be the same without you.”
Still uncertain but unable to resist the lure of the prospect of seeing the confectioners shop from the inside, Felicia accepted the invitation with grace. “Thank you, my lord, that would be quite lovely,” she acquiesced in soft tones before turning to Penelope with excitement.
“It shall be so hard to discern which one we could smell from the street. Remember the other day when our tongues were just dripping from how sweet it smelled?”
“Maybe we should just order one of each thing,” Penelope suggested with a giggle.
“No, then we would get sick in our stomachs and the entire experience would be ruined. I say we should each order one thing, and then each have half of the other’s. That way we can savor both and enjoy the experience without making ourselves ill. There is always next time to try something else,” was Felicia’s reasonable answer.
“But what if there is no next time,” whined Penelope.
“Have no fear, sweet pea, I will ensure there is a next time.” The earl’s amusement was evident as he stepped in to help negotiate the process. “Now hurry along girls, or all the best treats will be taken.”
This prompted more giggles from his companions, but they did as he bade and hastened their steps. The trio no doubt drew a bit of speculative attention as they exited the park by way of Stanhope Gate with the earl’s large horse bringing up the rear of their party. After a brief pause in the mews behind Lord Astley’s house, they proceeded along Charles Street and came out onto Berkeley Square.
“I have an idea. Why do we not go in, make our selections, and then have the waiter bring our treats over to the park across the street so we can continue to take advantage of this lovely day?”
“What a marvelous idea, my lord.” Felicia knew Penelope would love to be out of doors, and she herself would enjoy the opportunity to gaze about at all the finely dressed people coming and going on the busy street.
Both Felicia and Penelope had to struggle to keep their jaws from dropping open as they gazed about the rather opulent interior. Their noses were practically quivering from the various enticing smells. The menu was extensive and they dithered a few moments, trying to decide.
“Oh Penelope, how will we ever decide. I am quite certain your father will lose all patience with us if we do not hurry up. I am torn between a sugarplum and the orange and lemon ice. What do you think you would like to try?”
“I think I would like a taste of the jasmine ice cream. I really think you must have the ice, Felicia, since it is growing quite warm. Your cheeks look pink, so you must be hot.” The innocent child did not realize how embarrassed Felicia was over receiving the earl’s attention, causing Felicia’s cheeks to turn a brighter shade of pink.
Felicia could not contain her laughter despite her discomfiture. “I do believe you are correct, Penelope. That decides it, ices for us both.”
After the earl placed the order, the three of them traipsed across the street and found the perfect spot to sit under the wide reaching bows of an accommodating maple tree.
“This was a terrific idea, Papa. However did you know how much we wished to enjoy a treat?”
The earl laughed and tweaked his daughter’s nose playfully. “I know you, my darling daughter. You would always enjoy a treat.” He paused for a moment before honesty forced him to acknowledge, “But I must admit I had no idea the degree of enthusiasm my suggestion would engender. I am happy to oblige.”
Felicia was so enjoying Lord Astley’s company that she could barely look at him. She recalled her conversation with Melinda about how the earl could be considered handsome if only he would smile. It seemed this afternoon he never ceased that activity. It had a most distressing impact on the rhythm of the poor young governess’ heart.
Penelope kept up a steady stream of commentary and questions, so there were no awkward silences until the waiter arrived with their treats. The earl had simply requested a cup of strong tea for himself, but he was happy to observe as his two companions tucked enthusiastically into their bowls.
After a few moments of companionable silence while they each savored their treats and indulged themselves in their own thoughts, Penelope was the first to break back into speech.
“That was so nice, Papa, thank you.”
The earl was impressed with his daughter’s improving manners and could not help looking at her governess, since he knew her to be the source of her instructions. Meeting Felicia’s eye, he felt a current of awareness arrow through him before he could tear his gaze away, returning his attention to Penelope.
“When can we come again?” Penelope’s question managed to break the strange spell holding the adults in thrall as they burst into uproarish laughter, relieving their nervous tensions.
“Soon, sweet pea, I promise. Now what do you say we head back home. I have a few things I need to work on before I go on some appointments this evening.”
“Oh, my lord, I pray you, do not allow us to detain you any longer.” Felicia was mortified at this reminder of how busy the earl was. “Lady Penelope and I shall be just fine on our own. “
When the earl made as if to protest, she hastened to add, “If you go on ahead of us, we can dawdle along at whatever pace we see fit, stopping to admire whatever shall catch our eye. If we accompany you, since you have places to be, we shall have to scurry along in your wake.”
The earl grinned at her charming choice of words, but did agree with the wisdom of them. “Normally, a gentleman must see his guests home safely before leaving them to their own devices, but in this case I do see how there is an element of sense in what you say.”
“Yes, m’lord.” Felicia dropped a brief curtsy at this before clasping Penelope’s hand and walking away from the earl.
Victor was surprised to feel as though the young chit had dismissed him, but then he saw there were some squirrels chattering in a copse of trees and Penelope’s attention was engaged. He smiled admiringly at the picture the two girls presented before he shook his head of his whimsical thoughts and strode off toward Charles Street.
Chapter Five
Several days passed during which Penelope continued to advance in her lessons and blossom under the warm but firm tutelage of the kind and serious young governess. Felicia was surprised on occasion to glance up from whichever textbook they were perusing to see the earl hovering at the door. Each time she caught sight of his assessing gaze upon her, she felt a bolt of awareness before he turned and strode away down the hall. He never engaged her in conversation and did not repeat the previously unprecedented action of following them to the park.
Felicia had been gratified at his thoughtfulness toward her and Penelope when Mrs. Hill had told her about the earl’s decree that she be given access to an allowance of funds for whatever expenses she may incur on behalf of the earl’s daughter. She had fleetingly wondered why he had not told her of it himself on one of the many occasions he stopped by the nursery. Due to her lack of experience, she thought it was usual for an employer to check on his children and their caregiver. It was not, and the earl was constantly berating himself for feeling so drawn to the governess. He had never had trouble avoiding the nursery in times past.
So it was with dismay that Victor heard his mother demanding that Felicia be summoned that afternoon when she stopped in for a brief visit with Penelope.
“Alfred, please ensure that Miss Scott accompanies Lady Penelope when she comes to share tea with me,” the countess had decreed, leaving the earl no way around it.
“Mother, we do not require the services of the governess while we visit with the child,” he had said, unable to resist the attempt.
“But she is such a lovely young woman and has such an excellent effect on our little Penelope that I feel we really must include her. No doubt she would appreciate some adult conversation for once.”
When Victor made no comment aside from a dubious expression on his face, his mother continued. “You do realize she used to be a squire’s daughter or perhaps a baron. She used to move about the lower levels of Society out in whatever small town she was from. Despite her excellent education, she probably did not spend this much time with children since she was a child herself.”
“I still do not see why this means we must take tea with her,” the earl complained superciliously. He did not wish to admit even to himself that he really had no objection to spending time with her. They had exchanged very few words in actual conversation other than during her interview. Most of his observations were of her interaction with his daughter. That was enough for him to see her stellar qualities.
The conversation between mother and son was quickly terminated when they heard the giggles and whispers by the door scant seconds before Penelope bounded through. She came to an abrupt stop and dipped into a much-improved curtsy. She came up from her deep show of respect with a grin upon her cherubic face and then ran to give her grandmother a quick hug.
Unused to displays of affection, the countess was taken aback at first, but quickly returned the youngster’s embrace. Over Penelope’s head she threw a quick smile at the governess who was hovering near the door.
“Come in, Miss Scott, and take a seat. Alfred will be bringing in the tea trolley momentarily.”
Felicia was gratified by Lady Astley’s condescension but was intimidated by the earl’s thunderous expression. She gracefully settled into a small chair as far from him as possible without appearing rude. Victor took note of the action, as well as her averted face, and correctly interpreted it to mean she wished to avoid contact with him. Perversely, this caused him amusement and made him wish to converse with her.
While Penelope was regaling her grandmother with tales of her activities for the past week, Victor endeavored to engage Felicia in conversation.
“It is good of you to join us, Miss Scott,” he began, leaning a bit forward in his chair to make eye contact.
Felicia’s startled eyes flew to meet his own, bewilderment clearly etched on her face. “Alfred said I was summoned, my lord. I trust I am not intruding.”
“No, no, I am in earnest. I swear there was no sarcasm behind my statement. It is good that you could join us,” he insisted. “My mother reminded me you might be sadly in want of adult conversation.”
Felicia blushed rosily but shook her head in denial. “Penelope is a lovely conversationalist, my lord, and I dearly enjoy her company. But a nice cup of tea will be undeniably welcome,” she added shyly.
Victor gave up his pretense at starchiness and moved over to a settee closer to her seat in order to be able to carry on the conversation without talking around Penelope and the countess. Felicia’s blush deepened at his nearness. Despite her attention given primarily to Penelope, the countess’ eyes sharpened on her son as he leaned toward the governess. He ignored her.
“I failed to ask you, is this your first time to be in the capital, Miss Scott?”
“Yes, my lord. My father travelled to the city periodically, but I had yet to come until now. My mother had always wished to bring me for the season but…” Felicia broke off that thought with a nervous shrug and an uncomfortable smile.
The earl took pity on her, filling the growing silence between them with another question. “So now that you have been here for a while, what do you think of our fine city?”
This must have been exactly the right question, for her eyes took on a delightful gleam and she broke into animated exclamation. “I love it, my lord. The hustle and bustle of busy, beautiful people is so exciting. I know this particular part of town is quite unique, but I enjoy looking at all the elegant houses and the handsome horses as they prance past. And, my lord, I must thank you for putting funds at our disposal. Penelope and I have been able to venture a bit further afield. We have visited a couple of museums this week, which I think will be particularly good for her education. Was it not generous of the king to give over the use of one of his residences to house Lord Elgin’s collections?”
Victor couldn’t help smiling as she paused to ask this question. In her enthusiasm she bore a marked resemblance to Penelope, although her exclamations were in much more contained tones. He saw she was looking at him expectantly and realized she was awaiting his response.
“Oh yes, prodigious generous,” he was forced to say.
“Have you been to see the collection yourself, my lord?”
“I have not yet had the pleasure,” he answered with a feigned degree of regret. The earl did not feel it necessary to inform the young woman that he thought it was ridiculous that Lord Elgin had seen fit to bring half of the relics of the Ottoman Empire to litter up the streets of London.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, or maybe just being of like mind, Felicia wrinkled her nose in thought, causing the earl’s gaze to sharpen on her attractive face. “Do you not think the people of those places might object to his lordship making off with their artifacts, my lord?” she asked with a worried note.
Surprised by her astute observation, the earl decided to probe further. “Have you been listening to Byron, Miss Scott?”
“No, my lord. Did he have a comment on the subject?” she asked innocently.
“Byron refuses to visit the museum as he has declared Lord Elgin to be nothing but a looter.”
Felicia could barely contain her gasp. “But did the earl not have permission, my lord? It would hardly have gone unnoticed when he was dismantling and shipping all those pieces. They are far from tiny. It is
not as though he were able to smuggle them out inside his coat,” she exclaimed with reason, despite her own misgivings over the propriety of the matter.
The earl looked amused at the thought that crossed his mind. “I would love to hear you try to explain that to Byron.”
Felicia blushed with embarrassment. “I beg leave to doubt that I will ever find myself in the position of discussing the matter with either Lord Byron or the earl. But whether or not it was a good idea to bring the pieces all the way here, I cannot regret that he did since I will never have the opportunity to travel to see where they came from, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed viewing them.”
The earl was saved from further comment by the arrival of the butler wheeling the tea trolley. There was the momentary bustle of activity while the countess poured for everyone. Even Penelope had her own cup, generously diluted with milk, which she balanced precariously while looking to her governess for guidance. Felicia smiled encouragingly at her. Ever observant, the countess saw the small exchange and was heartened.
“Miss Scott, my darling Penelope has been telling me of all your doings this week. It seems to me that the two of you have been very active.”
Felicia smiled once more at Penelope before answering the countess’ observation. “’Tis true, m’lady. We have had a wonderful week. The weather has been amazingly cooperative, and Penelope has been very quick about her lessons every day, which has allowed us plenty of time to wander about. Neither she nor I have seen much of London before, so we are discovering everything together.”
The countess nodded her approval. “Some of the children at the foundling hospital have been asking about you.” Lady Astley had meant this as a compliment, so was therefore taken aback by the sudden tears that sprang to Felicia’s eyes.
“Oh, the poor dears, I did not think to go bid them farewell before I settled in here. How remiss of me. They have had to endure so much loss in their lives. It was truly thoughtless of me to not have thought that they would miss me.” Felicia was obviously becoming distressed over the subject. Her companions did not know what to say.
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