by Vikki Vaught
Roderick met his gaze. “I’m sure you would manage. I’m more concerned that Frankford will irritate you with all his nonsense. He’s only six and all boy. You remember what we were like at that age.”
“All right, we shall all go tomorrow.” He stood. “I need to go to my rooms. It’s time for Hatton to treat my knee. Rain is on its way. I can always tell because my blasted knee aches me more than usual. See you at dinner.”
The following morning, Jonathan took Roderick and Frankford to the lake. Frankford was full of energy, but overall, he was a good boy. He asked dozens of questions and barely took time to breathe. They did not catch any fish, but they still had a good time. He was content. Frankford would make a good marquess someday.
CHAPTER 3
Jonathan and his party left for Bath at nine the next morning. It took them an hour to reach the Pump Room by the ancient Roman Baths. When the Romans occupied the area, they built a temple dedicated to the Goddess Minerva over the hot mineral spring located there. The spring became such a phenomenon the city of Bath had become a premier spa resort in England in the last century. The older members of the ton still flocked to visit each year to drink the healing waters.
As they made their promenade around the room, Allison spied her aunt, and they went to her. Allison hugged the elderly woman. “Aunt Harriet. It’s good to see you. I’m visiting my brother-in-law, so I’m in the area for a few days. Are you here to take the waters?”
Allison’s aunt returned her hug and kissed her cheek. “It’s such a pleasure to see you, my dear. My doctor told me the mineral water could help my aching joints. Please, let me introduce you to my friend.” Lady Milsom turned to the woman on her right. “Your Grace. This is my niece, Lady Roderick and her husband.” She directed her gaze to Jonathan, “and this is the Marquess of Sutherland and his sister, Lady Elaine.”
Allison curtsied to the duchess. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. My aunt has mentioned you’re living in Bath now and that you’re one of her dear friends.”
The duchess barely acknowledged Allison, turning her attention toward him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. Let me introduce you to my daughter. Here she comes.”
Jonathan noticed a young lady approaching. The sunlight radiating through the window formed a halo of fire around her head. She had the most incredible red hair he’d ever seen. As he met her gaze, her eyes were such a deep blue they were more violet than blue.
As she gracefully moved forward, she brushed something from the bodice of her lavender muslin day dress, which molded her tall, slender figure to perfection. She was truly lovely, but since she was obviously a lady, he could never have her, even though one look had aroused his desire in a way that took him by surprise.
The duchess motioned her over. “My lord, this is my daughter, Lady Kathryn.”
Lady Kathryn lowered her eyes and curtsied. “A pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
Jonathan took her delicate, gloved hand, raised it to his lips, and air-kissed her long, slender fingers. “Your servant, Lady Kathryn. Let me introduce my family.” He turned to them. “This is my brother, Lord Roderick, his wife, and my sister, Lady Elaine.”
She inclined her head in acknowledgement of the introduction. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Allison gave her a welcoming smile. “And I as well. We’ve come to town for a visit.”
The dowager duchess interjected, her eyes glued on him. “My daughter is visiting for the rest of the summer. She recently graduated from the Art Institute in London and is painting my portrait. She’s also done several portraits of my son and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Sanderford and their children, and is quite gifted.”
He looked at the lovely young woman. “You must be very talented if you attended the Art Institute. I’ve never known them to accept female students before. Do you paint landscapes as well as portraits?”
Lady Kathryn beamed. “I do some landscapes, but I prefer portraits. It’s more challenging to paint people. I’ve accepted an invitation to do the Marquess and Marchioness of Ralston’s family portrait this fall once I’ve finished visiting my mother. It’s my first commission since I graduated, and I’m looking forward to it.”
“So, are you planning to take other commissions?” he asked. “If you are interested, I haven’t had my formal portrait done since I inherited. I would like to see some of your work. If you’re that skilled, perhaps I shall ask you to do mine.”
“I have several miniatures I’ve done of my nieces and nephews on hand, and my mother’s portrait is almost finished.” She turned to the duchess. “May we invite them for tea this afternoon, so I can show Lord Sutherland my work?”
“Certainly, we would be delighted to have him. Of course, the rest of his family may come as well.” She turned to him. “Will four be convenient?”
Jonathan glanced at his family, and they nodded their assent. “We will be pleased to attend you at four, Your Grace. Where do you reside?”
“Number three Royal Crescent. We look forward to your arrival.” The duchess turned to Lady Milsom. “You must come as well.”
“I would be delighted. It will give me a chance to spend more time with my niece.” The woman glanced at the large clock above the mantel. “Oh, gracious. I have an appointment with Madame Bovary; I must depart.”
After Lady Milsom rushed away, the others took their leave, agreeing to meet later for tea. Jonathan and his party continued to stroll around the room to the waters. He drank a glass, hoping it would relieve his pain.
The water tasted so vile he was not sure it was worth it. He would need to feel considerably better after his first taste to consider imbibing again. Since it was approaching luncheon, they crossed the street to the White Hart Inn.
Once everyone took their seats, Roderick turned to him. “When did you decide to have your portrait done? I’ve never heard you mention it before. Would it have anything to do with the fact that Lady Kathryn is young and attractive?”
“I’m at the age when most of our ancestors had theirs done. Since she’s conveniently located, it makes sense to have her do it, if she’s any good. I’m astonished the institute accepted her. She has to be truly gifted. While she is attractive, that’s irrelevant. I’m not interested in marriage, as we’ve discussed numerous times.” Jonathan took a sip of his ale as he glared at Roderick.
Elaine interjected, “I think she’s nice and pretty. I do not understand why you’re so opposed to marriage.” She crossed her arms across her chest and huffed, “None of you tell me anything, and it’s not fair.”
“It is none of your concern as to why I’m opposed to matrimony. I know you hate to hear that, but for now, you need to accept I have good reason.” A servant approached, carrying a heavily laden tray. “Our food is here. Let us enjoy our luncheon.”
Well-known for their excellent fare, the White Hart Inn did not disappoint. Once everyone had dined sufficiently, they made their way to the shops. After all, that was the main reason Allison wanted to come to town.
Since both Allison and Elaine needed to freshen their wardrobes, they went to Madame Bovary’s, as she always had the latest styles, and she did exquisite work. They told them they were leaving and would return in two hours.
Once they returned and escorted the ladies from the shop, Allison and Elaine chattered over the new clothes they had ordered. In her enthusiasm, Elaine almost tripped on the pavement. “Oh, dear. I must be more careful. Thank you so much for allowing me to order new gowns.”
“You’re welcome, princess.” He smiled, happy to indulge his beloved little sister.
Elaine turned to Allison as they moved in the direction of his carriage. “I appreciate your assistance ever so much. The fashion plate you found of the gown with the rosettes will look wonderful in the yellow silk we selected.”
“The new emerald green riding habit will look excellent on you as well.” After several additional comments regarding their sho
pping, Allison turned her attention toward him. “Since we have an hour before we need to be at the duchess’s house, may we stroll along the delightful streets of Bath?”
“Certainly, my dear. I shall wait in the carriage. You will enjoy Bath Abbey churchyard and the Roman Baths. I will meet you at Queen Square.”
By the time his party arrived at the duchess’s house it was four o’clock. Jonathan tapped the door with the head of his cane, and a man opened the door and showed them to the drawing room. Lady Milsom arrived a few minutes after, and the duchess served tea.
Once everyone finished their refreshment, Lady Kathryn turned to him. “Would you like to see my studio, so you can view some of my work?”
Jonathan, along with the others, followed Lady Kathryn. They entered a large room bathed in light from the floor-to-ceiling mullioned windows along the wall. In the center stood an easel holding the duchess’s portrait. He approached it. She had captured her mother’s arrogant expression perfectly.
He turned to her. “Your talent is impressive. I want you to paint my formal portrait. When could you start?”
Color rushed to her cheeks. “But surely you want to see these miniatures first, before you decide? Here’s one of my nieces and my nephews, and here is another one of my brother.”
Taking his quizzing glass, he leaned forward to view the miniatures. “They are exquisite. Now when can you start?”
Kathryn’s lovely violet eyes glowed. “The morning hours give the best light. Would nine be too early? I shall finish my mother’s portrait by the end of the week, so I could start yours on Saturday, if that is convenient?”
“Then Saturday it is,” he readily agreed. “My brother and his family are leaving early that morning, so I could easily be here by nine.”
They returned to the drawing room and joined the duchess. After a bit more discussion, Jonathan stood. “Thank you for having us for tea, Your Grace. We are attending the assembly rooms on Wednesday, so perhaps we shall see you there. It grows late, so we shall take our leave.”
The duchess inclined her head. “It’s been a pleasure, Lord Sutherland, and since we are attending the assembly rooms, we will see you on Wednesday.”
On the return trip to his estate, Allison stated, “Roderick, I want Lady Kathryn to do our children’s portrait. Once she’s through with your brother’s, she could come to us, do you not agree?”
“She is an extraordinary artist, and I agree wholeheartedly. We must have her do one of our entire family.” Roderick shifted a sly glance at Jonathan. “Just imagine spending hours with such a lovely young woman. I suspect you will become well acquainted while she does your portrait.”
His brother’s attempts at matchmaking fell on deaf ears. “I look forward to her painting my portrait, and I’m sure we shall get to know one another, just not in the way you mean, Brother.”
After their return, Jonathan entered his rooms to find his valet ready to apply liniment and cold compresses to his knee. After being on it for so long, he was in a good bit of pain.
Hatton urged him to take laudanum, but again, he refused. Several men under his command had become addicted to the substance, and he didn’t want that to happen to him. He drank a glass of brandy instead. He decided to stay away from the scotch, even if he did enjoy how it made him feel.
While relaxing in his comfortable chair, his thoughts turned to Lady Kathryn. He certainly hoped there would be a chaperone in the room while she painted his portrait. The instant attraction to an innocent young woman concerned him greatly.
Most of the time he never noticed them. She had such glorious red hair and the most entrancing violet eyes. Her figure was actually quite spectacular too. Her curves were in all the right places, and her legs looked incredibly long. He could imagine them wrapped around his hips.
By the devil. He could not feel this level of attraction for her if they were going to spend so much time together. Unease settled in his belly.
Oh, this is not a good sign.
On Wednesday evening, Jonathan and his party traveled to the assembly rooms. He rarely attended functions of that nature, but since Allison wanted to go, it would be rude if he did not come along.
When they arrived, the crowded rooms surprised him. Since the London season was not over yet, he had not expected to see so many people. He detested attending parties with dancing since he no longer could participate. He used to enjoy the activity, another thing he was unable to do because of his injury.
As Jonathan stood by a potted plant, he scanned the room, looking for anyone he might know. His eyes landed on Lady Kathryn, and he was stunned once more, by her incredible beauty. Her fabulous red hair was arranged in a top knot on the crown of her head with one long curl cascading over her left shoulder.
His fingers itched to pull out her hairpins and have all those fiery curls tumble down her back. Her silvery blue gown draped her figure to perfection. A low décolletage showed her breasts off magnificently. For such a slender woman, she filled out the top of her gown enticingly well.
Normally, he towered over most women since he was over six feet, but that would not be the case with Lady Kathryn. He’d always been attracted to tall women with deliciously long legs that could wrap around his hips as he sank deeply inside a woman’s tight sheath.
God’s teeth; I must stop these lascivious thoughts.
His trousers tightened against his loins.
This is ridiculous.
It was a good thing the potted plant hid his lower body. He had to think of something else or people would notice his condition. Immediately, he imagined taking a cold bath, and he returned to normal.
Jonathan made his way around the room to his brother and his wife. Allison glanced his way. “There you are. Have you seen anyone you know? I know this isn’t enjoyable for you. It must be difficult to watch the dancing. I remember how much you enjoyed it before your injury.”
He overlooked her last comment, not caring to discuss his lack of agility. “I never dreamed it would be this crowded tonight.” He directed his next sentence to Lady Milsom. “The only people I know are you, Lady Milsom, and I saw Lady Kathryn a moment ago.” He turned to Allison. “Are you enjoying the evening?”
Roderick spoke up. “She’s having a marvelous time, and it’s about to get even better.” He grabbed his wife’s hand. “Come, my sweet. I want to dance. It’s a waltz, and I particularly enjoy holding you in my arms.”
Jonathan watched as they moved to the music, and it was like watching beauty in motion. He was glad his brother had found happiness. They were an attractive couple. As they danced, it was easy to see the love shining on their faces.
Roderick’s dark brown hair mingled with Allison’s light brown as he whispered something in her ear. An arrow pierced his heart. He would never know such intimacy with a wife.
If Susannah had not broken their engagement, they would have wed eight years ago, and probably have several children by now, but he doubted theirs would have been a happy union. She would have been unfaithful to him as she had been to the man she had wed.
For Christ’s sake, why am I thinking of her?
He turned to Lady Milsom. “Would you care for a glass of lemonade?”
“Oh, yes, that would be lovely. It’s quite warm.” Lady Milsom waved her fan before her face.
Jonathan made his way to the drink table, grabbed a flute of champagne, and took a sip. As he reached for the glass of lemonade, he realized he could not manage two drinks and still use his blasted cane, so he finished his glass. As he approached Lady Milsom, he noticed the dowager duchess and Lady Kathryn had joined her.
“Here is your lemonade, Lady Milsom.” Jonathan looked at Lady Kathryn and the duchess. “Your Grace, Lady Kathryn. A pleasure to see you tonight. I trust you’re enjoying the evening. May I get you ladies some lemonade?”
“That would be splendid,” the duchess replied. Glancing at her daughter, she added, “Lady Kathryn will go with you, but I want champagne.”
She glanced at him. “I shall be happy to accompany you. It will give us a chance to talk about your upcoming sitting.” He offered his arm. Once they could not be overheard, she whispered, “I’m sorry. She’s always trying to play matchmaker whenever a handsome man is around. I keep telling her I’m not interested, but she will not listen.”
Surprised, he asked, “Are you not interested in marriage? I thought all young women wanted to wed.”
“Having a husband would interfere with my art. I doubt any man would want their wife painting professionally.” Determination infused her lovely face. “I’ve known since I was a small child that I wanted to be an artist, and I shan’t let anything get in my way.”
“Then we can become fast friends because I have no desire to wed either.” This was an interesting turn of events.
They arrived at the drink table. “I would like that very much. While at the Art Institute, I had several male friends who understood I was as serious about my art as they were and had no more desire to wed than they did.”
Jonathan smiled as he picked up a flute of champagne and handed it to her. After he picked up another one for the duchess, they returned to her mother. He appreciated her understanding when he could not offer his arm and further relaxed in her presence.
Once he handed the duchess her champagne, he bowed. “It’s been a pleasure seeing you. I hope you have an enjoyable evening. Excuse me, ladies, I think I shall find the card room.”
Now that he had learned Lady Kathryn was no more interested in matrimony than he, he could relax his guard around her. Of course, that did not help the attraction he felt for her. If anything, it made it worse. The attraction puzzled him. It was not only sexual—he found her fascinating.
CHAPTER 4
When Jonathan entered the card room, he saw one of his old school friends and made his way to him. “Shelton. It’s good to see you again. It’s been, what, five years since we last saw each other?”