Chapter Seven

Raven entered the gentlemen’s parlor where some friends mingled, but chose not to greet them. He sat in a huge leather chair and gave his order to the attendant. With a brandy glass in one hand, alone for the moment, he took a gulp and savored the potent taste of the liquor. The libation was akin to a life preserver after his stormy conversation with the even stormier Samantha. Winston approached him.

“Your Grace, I would like to apologize for my sister. She is quite spirited and unconventional. I don’t know what to say. It’s an embarrassment.” With a sincere smile, he asked, “May I sit for a moment?”

Raven motioned to a chair. “Samantha is different from the rest of the women here, I would say,” he stated with reluctance. Again, the urge to tame that determined spirit overcame him. As he swirled the brandy in the snifter, gaze unfocused, he envisioned his future in a foggy crystal ball. She stood behind him in the vision—haughty, beautiful, and desirable.

He motioned to the attendant. Winston ordered a brandy. “I’m proud of her education, Your Grace. My mother had the same qualities, but she used her education as a gift to be bestowed, and was gracious to all.”

Raven remembered his own Liana who enjoyed the same qualities. His anger still existed, and his mind raged like an unleashed conqueror hell bent on taking no prisoners. It was an upheaval of monumental proportions—like a whirlwind. He exercised complete and absolute control of his voice. It became a practiced skill he honed every day of his life.

Winston sipped his brandy, and swallowed hard. “Samantha desires to champion women’s causes. She has a good business sense. She returned the country estate to Sir Percival’s family, and in return kept the townhouse to use as a school for the Foundation. She relinquished his name also and reclaimed the Winston title through the courts. I’m her trustee, Your Grace. In all truth, to have Samantha and Aunt Minerva in our home is a joy. I have yet to find a suitable lady to marry, and they are excellent hostesses. My sister has a good countenance although she didn’t display it tonight. Again, I apologize.”

“You are a fortunate young man to have such an accomplished and spirited sister,” Raven said. Then he added, “And an aunt who will now guide Lady Samantha.” He studied Lord Winston and thought back to a time of his youthful self. Was it so long ago? “Winston, you remind me of the young man I used to be. I remained a boy with a boy’s heart; then I grew up to be a man all too soon at my father’s death.” Oh, devil be taken, he was not ancient. Was it because of what she said?

Whenever strong emotions assailed him, his disciplined nature came to the fore. He called on that regimen now and Reginald would not allow himself such vulnerability.

However, he did repeat his invitation to Winston to visit with him and acquire more information about the new cartel. The malcontent with his sister should not affect her brother. The cartel could be lucrative and dangerous.

Winston appeared pleased about the invitation. “To be included is an honor to me,” he stated. “I’m desirous to obtain a maturity which will purport my new resolve. I do admit that some of my youthful adventures caught up with me.”

“Winston, I envy you those escapades. I wish I could recall any.” Damnation.

With sincerity evident in his tone, the young man said, “I desire to be a good earl, Your Grace. I need my family’s pride in all that I do. I want to use my title for noble causes.”

Raven noted the younger man’s flushed face.

“I have a confession, Your Grace. I bought the seat to become a member of your Agricultural Committee. I need your wise counsel and experience.” He gulped all of the brandy.

“I have indicated a desire to be your mentor, Winston. Your sister has not changed my mind about this endeavor.” He smiled at the younger man in consideration and remembered being a youthful noble, too. No experienced lord counseled him, which was why he wanted to mentor many of the new peers. It was his solemn duty, and he embraced it with gusto.

Winston took his leave and returned to his sister and aunt.

“Ravensmere has been most generous with his time, Aunt.” In a curt manner, he addressed his sister. “He has forgiven you for your rudeness, Samantha. Remember what I instructed you tonight. There will be no more insults.”

“His forgiveness knows no bounds.” She pouted. “I remember too well, my lord brother.”

The musicians struck a new and resonant chord from their perch in the alcove. It surprised and pleased Samantha when Raven appeared to claim his waltz.

Her effusive smile was intended to beguile as she melted into his arms. He twirled her around the floor, and it made her feel more than divine. Raven’s light-footed elegance swept her off her feet in a truly literal sense. Accomplished at the waltz, he charmed in an expansive way. She loved to dance, and she followed him with ease. Most of the time she thought life passed her by so dancing made her happy.

“Your Grace, I do hope you will attend Almack’s for the auction.” Samantha spoke in a respectful tone. The subject would not cause irritation and gave them neutral ground. “It will attract some guests for a good cause, you know.” Her smile was meant to delight. They made their third turn around the ballroom.

“I will consider it if you will give me the details. I could purchase a voucher.”

“I doubt you will have any problem, Your Grace, since you are a man of good repute.” The ton reserved the right to restrict entry to any Almack’s function to people with disreputable backgrounds.

His tone was imperious. “That is an understatement. Of course, I’m acceptable. My credentials speak for themselves.”

“Your Grace, I meant no umbrage. Please don’t think so. I’m trying hard to atone for my disrespectful behavior.” She held her gaze to his glorious eyes.

“Try harder. What items are to be auctioned that could be of interest to me, Lady Samantha?”

“I am,” she hastened to explain. “Rather, all of the ladies will auction off their picnic lunch to the highest bidder. So will I since it’s our Foundation.” She proceeded to tell him that decorum, of course, would be observed. “The grounds of the park are splendid this time of year. There will be ample paths to walk along in full view, and restrictions are few.”

“May I conclude that this event is not held at the Assembly Hall? If so, that is unusual.”

“A dispensation has been granted. My aunt is the Lady Patroness for this event. The auction is at the park, but there will be a dance event and refreshments served at the Assembly Hall afterward.

“You have been included in the group?” An odd grin crossed his face.

“What is so humorous?” she asked and tilted her head.

“I wondered if you would offer a kiss to some young man to bid on your basket.”

“Now there’s a thought, Your Grace. If I were to offer a kiss, would you have an interest?” She held his gaze and stared at his face.

They twirled around the floor again. “Perhaps you’d be surprised at what I would do for another prolonged kiss.”

Samantha bestowed upon him a smile that rivaled the chandeliers in the ballroom. “I have warned Brandon he is not to bid for me. It would be a total embarrassment to have one’s brother do so. My widow status has its drawbacks, you know.” Her light and pleasurable conversation she hoped would make for a welcome change. “I do hope that none of the rakish kind will offer for my basket. Men do feel widows are fair game. I’m not sure how I would handle such rakes. I have insufficient experience, but I suppose I will have to learn.”

“My dear Samantha, do you expect me to believe that in these past three years, you haven’t encountered disreputable men?” He laughed. “I do believe you will have a sufficient amount of reputable young men who will bid on you and your picnic basket. After all, it’s for a good cause, isn’t it? But I do hope you will keep your conversation light, or you will suffer the young man to have indigestion or apoplexy.”

Impishly, she said, “I deserved that. I like your sense of humor. It’s also good to hear you laugh. We do battle well.” Perhaps he could be a man of consequence?

“Indeed, but I warn you, I have not started my retaliation. When one acquires an enemy, I don’t believe in keeping him or her closer; however, I might make an exception for you.”

“Oh. No, I’m not your enemy, Your Grace. Please don’t consider me as one.”

“Perhaps if you try hard, you can change my mind.” A small grin curled his lips.

“What would I have to do?”

“I leave that to your resourcefulness…and mine…under a starlit night with nothing but our naked imaginations.”

“Sweet heaven,” she muttered.

Without further ado, he guided her around the ballroom floor with ease and confidence.

The music played on, and she wished it wouldn’t end. Samantha comported herself it seemed, and so far she managed not to step on his toes with pointed shoes or barbed words. What strategies could she employ to become his friend? Hmm, Aunt Min would tell her to use feminine wiles.

Aquarians, she thought, as they turned the dance floor again, were intellectual, fair, kind and sometimes progressive. Truth, honor, and valor were his trademarks by his admission. However, the other side, which could be considered the worst, was the ability to be remote, stubborn, arrogant and perhaps distrustful. What did she like best about him? After consideration, she thought him suave. Oh, what a wonderful man.

The dance ended too soon. With exquisite manners, Raven directed her to a quiet corner where they sat on a settee, still in view, but a little more private. “Lady Samantha, we haven’t discussed truth, honor, and valor.” He relaxed his back against the tufted furniture.

She engaged his eyes. “Your Grace, I do apologize as I know that you are true to your sign and that truth and honor are paramount to your standards. It defines you in all you say and do, but pray tell which is more important?”

“They are both important. One does not exist without the other. Valor is thrown into the equation to make it more difficult. You, Samantha, are true to your sign. I believe they are your charm, wit, and a versatile inquisition which is in constant commotion.” He laughed. “I rather like that word commotion. It’s the essence of you.” He paused. “You are constant motion with your lips and mind.”

He spread one arm along the top edge of the settee and cocked his head. “I would also add outspoken and, at times, impolite and irreverent, although I’m not sure it’s your sign. I think it’s just your nature. After your barrage this evening, allow me to enjoy this moment.”

“Did you say your late wife was a Gemini?”

“Liana and my heir died in childbirth, but we did have a fine, enjoyable, and passionate marriage. I never had a need for a mistress while she lived. Kindly take note of that. Does it surprise you that this ancient man could be her inamorato and faithful?” He glanced away in obvious sadness. “When she died, all the light in my life went away, extinguished and never resurrected. Do you know what it is to lose someone you love? What am I saying? You’re a widow, of course, you know that sort of bereavement. Forgive me. I have grown maudlin now so I will change the conversation, if you don’t mind.” His hand held her elbow, then removed it in an endeavor not to compromise her in any way.

“When you are like this, my lady, you appear feminine and vulnerable. It makes me want to protect you. Tell me, has any man scaled those damnable walls you erect around yourself?”

“Not as yet, Your Grace. They did not exhibit your bravery. You could be a person of significant interest.” He observed her high cheekbones color and the corners of her upturned bowed lips.

“Might I be so bold to believe that was a compliment? Everything has its price, Lady Samantha.” He noted a slight hesitation.

Then Samantha’s words flowed. “The man I want would not demand a price, Your Grace. I would be enough.”

“I’m confident you’d be a handful. In spite of everything that occurred tonight, I’m glad to have met you. You have a strength not seen in many women.” Then he chortled. “I pride myself as a good judge of character. Something tells me there is a secret you hide. You showed bravery in the carriage when I kissed you. You displayed courage in your verbal assault on me earlier. When you are ready to share your secret, I hope you will consider me your confidant.” Why did he speak so? Raven tucked the thought away to examine further.

“Every woman has secrets, Your Grace. Sometimes they can be shared and sometimes not.”

He welcomed the gleam in those verdant eyes. “Who knows what the future brings?” It was a question to his mind also.

Samantha’s voice became soft as gentle rain. “Perhaps I will get to like you, and not just for your kisses.”

“Dare I say, kisses are always a good way to renew our friendship?” He found himself in anticipation of the pleasure.

“I will look for your brother. It’s possible I will visit your townhouse tomorrow morning to discuss business. Will you and your aunt be in residence then?” Ever assured, he would find Winston and confirm the time.

“I hope we will, Your Grace.” She opened her mouth but then closed it.

He took note of her action. “Did you wish to say something?

“I’m impressed with you,” she said. “When you spoke of your late wife, you struck an emotional chord with me. Grief overtook your face. You could not know, but my heart cried for you to know such love and such sorrow. I will never forgive myself for my behavior when I know I’m better than that.” Samantha fingered her fan. “I would not bring such sad memories to life again when I can see how painful it is to you. I, too, have struggled with sadness. So I share your misery, but for different reasons. My husband was not what he seemed. My, now I’m the one who sounds one hundred and thirty years wise. Perhaps the worst part is for those of us who are left behind, but it was the loss of my mother I miss the most.”

Samantha turned her head. “Your warm reflections cannot compare to mine.”

“Were yours so different?” He lifted her chin, so she had to engage her eyes.

“Yes, I will tell you some other time.”