Chapter Ten

During the time the men discussed their important matters, Samantha returned to her brother’s library to review the astrology books. She found the one she sought, and retreated into her other world as she strode to the conservatory. Would she ever find her true love?

“Aunt Min, you mentioned the other day that you didn’t love my uncle when you married him.”

“Yes, I remember.” Aunt Min peered through her lorgnette. “Why do you ask?”

“I want to know how you got him to love you. When did it happen?” Samantha arose and gazed at the English roses that bloomed in variegated colors, and chose one to cut with the garden shears.

“Samantha, I’d be a popular dowager if I could answer those questions in a succinct manner. The truth is, I liked my husband. You weren’t married long enough to understand. Love came later because of his kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Ours became a relationship that withstood great trials and tribulations. When he went off to war, I didn’t know if I would ever see him again. My heart experienced a great loss. I suppose that’s when I realized how much he meant to me. Did he say I love you time and time again? No, but I knew he did by the thousand small things he performed for me.” Lady Minerva sighed, and Samantha assumed her aunt drifted to memories.

“Such as?”

“He brought me a rose from the garden to match my gown. Your uncle whispered in my ear and caressed my earlobe even when the children played in our presence. There was always a smile for me at the breakfast table on the patio, and he complimented me many times on how he liked the sunshine reflection on my hair.” She paused for a moment in her recall and touched her cheek.

“I vowed that if God would be merciful enough to have him return to me after the war, I’d let him know how much I cherished and loved him.” She gazed into Samantha’s eyes. “And I did. Now, tell me why you ask?”

“Oh Aunt, I feel unsure of myself. I’ve always thought I was logical and rational. Now I wonder if this is so.”

Her aunt smiled. “Perhaps when the duke arrives, your head will clear up.” She went back to peruse her book.

“Oh, he is here, Aunt Min. I ran into him, literally, in the foyer.”

In the study, Raven noted the time on the grandfather clock and how quickly time passed.

“Would you care to join us for lunch?” Winston asked.

Raven nodded. “I would if it’s not an imposition though I’m committed to a prior engagement later this afternoon.”

The majordomo appeared as if on cue. Winston instructed him to have the cook prepare for an additional guest. Raven surmised the announcement would probably throw the kitchen into a frenzy of preparation. It wasn’t every day a duke dined with the family. Raven smiled. He and Winston rose and made their way to the garden.

They walked through the French doors, and the vision Samantha presented became a picture of loveliness in her yellow organza frock with long sleeves and sheer lace to her ruffled collar. Lilies of the Valley adorned the pattern, and to him, she represented a harbinger of spring, just as the fragrant blooms of the garden scented the air.

His stomach tightened; his heart beat like some huge war drum. If he were an artist, he would paint her as she appeared right now. Her portrait could grace a museum wall. He would want to remember her at this moment, place, and time.

In silent repose, a faraway look in her jewel-flecked eyes, she stood in the archway of tinted, fragrant roses, a vision of beauty. Yes, she almost made him feel young again, especially after the sobriety of this last conversation with her brother.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Lady Minerva arose and curtsied.

Raven nodded. “Madam, it’s indeed a pleasure to see you again.”

Samantha curtsied also.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lady, in such a verdant garden. You look radiant.”

“Thank you, Raven.” She extended her hand. He reached for it and kissed her soft skin. He noted she allowed her hand to linger a moment and then withdrew it.

“His Grace will join us for luncheon, ladies. Shall we retire to the dining room?” asked Winston, who nodded to his aunt.

Lady Minerva excused herself for a moment and headed toward the kitchen.

Moments later, in the dining room, she returned, and the first course excelled. The servants presented the second, third, and fourth courses buffet style. Luncheon took on the appearance of a high-scale official dinner. While understandable, it still made Samantha nervous.

Dessert and tea followed after a conversation punctuated with innuendo and outright inquisitiveness on Samantha’s part. She wanted to ask many questions, but her brother’s stern disposition lent her caution. So she resigned herself to the small conversation and kept it light, too much aware of Raven’s presence. Self-assured, his eyes looked dark gray this afternoon. Of course, his morning coat and fawn-colored breeches lent him an aristocratic air. His Hessian boots shined with a high polish; he was much the fashion plate as her brother had mentioned.

Lady Minerva addressed the duke. “Your Grace, I do hope you will attend the auction sponsored by Almack’s this weekend. As my niece mentioned, the Winston Foundation is the sponsor of the event, and it would be such a coup to have you in attendance. As the dowager, I have consented to represent them as the Lady Patroness. Forgive my boldness, but with your permission, if I could but inform my ladies on the committee that there is a possibility, I know it would be well received.”

“Raven, my aunt is correct in that your attendance will give distinction to the event. I know I don’t have to tell you how much depends on this. All the funds for the school are at stake here. Please do consider your presence,” Winston said.

“Your sister did speak to me at length about the auction last evening. I have given it much thought if I can but postpone other appointments.” His grin flashed. “Do you sincerely wish me to attend, Samantha?”

“Yes. For many reasons.” She lowered her gaze and bowed her head.

The silence thickened in the room as if time stood still.

Then with a broad smile, he said, “In that case, I believe I can.”

Samantha gave him a provocative glance and a furtive wink.

Raven spoke. “Ladies, I’ll attend the auction alone. Perhaps I could join you, Winston?”

“But of course,” her brother answered agreeably.

“Thank you, Your Grace. You have made an old lady happy,” said the aunt.

“And the young lady, is she joyous, too?” He addressed Samantha. “You are reticent today.”

“Indeed I am, but to answer your second question, I endeavor to demonstrate my best deportment. It’s troublesome to be sure.” She lowered her lashes to show her humility, which became difficult for her to pull off without a coquettish smile. Instead, she flirted with him in front of everyone.

Samantha studied him as he spoke. First, she noted his lower lip had more fullness and was more pronounced than his upper. What would they be like to kiss again, but with passion? She realized her lack of experience in this area. Anyone with a mistress should know how to do this well. Would it be appropriate when the moment presented itself for her to ask him for a demonstration of a great kiss? Maybe the next time they were on a balcony. Those notions could be the death of her.

Raven laughed outright. “To be frank, after your barrage of vehement words, you tested my control. I learned long ago never to lose my temper, but I never forget an insult. It’s a useless vice to allow your opponent to see a weakness. I wait for the right time to strike back. However, I’m not sure you can restrain yourself, Samantha.”

“Oh, then, do I have your permission to have at it, Raven?” she inquired, her words quick, her cheeks warm with a blush.

“You don’t have my permission, sister,” her brother replied with a quick retort which earned him a reproachful look from Samantha.

Aunt Minerva came to the rescue, as always. “Your Grace, part of my responsibility here is to keep these two from a duel of wits and commands. Most of the time I succeed, and there are moments when it exasperates. We need to change the conversation.” Lady Minerva moved her hand to her cheek for a moment and then placed it on her lap. “Do tell us about your family as we know so little.”

“I must say, Lady Minerva, I’ve enjoyed our lunch and conversation.” His broad smile pleased. “My brothers and sisters are all married and away from the estate. At times I feel isolated. Peaceful, I think would be a good word because when they visit there is so much commotion that I sometimes wish for serenity and quiet. But when I get it, I become aware how much I miss them and their children.”

He stared into the distance before continuing. “The house jumps with playfulness when they’re around, and I’m expected to leap with them. It takes my stable hands at least a week to recover from endless attention to children, adults, horses and ponies.”

After a pleasant conversation about a new play at Covent Garden, Raven removed his watch from its pocket, rose from the chair, effused his thanks, bowed to the ladies, and stated a prior appointment would keep him from the further enjoyment of their company.

“Samantha, I would like to talk to you about astrology when next we meet.”

“Yes, Raven.” Her flecked eyes held his gaze. Was that an unspoken invitation he saw? If so, he knew he could get lost in them if given a chance. Or was it merely a reflection of the sun on the crystal decanter?

Raven planned to invite her and the aunt to something or other so he could see Samantha again, but then thought better of it and restrained himself. Since he was still attached to Lady Buxton, it was better to do nothing right now.

They saw him to the door. Raven noted again the implied invitation Samantha’s lips offered. He doubted he was mistaken. Did she know that her every move fascinated? He savored the appeal of her mouth. He would like to trace her bowed pink lips with his finger. He shooed away the annoying thought that frequently commanded his mind. Ah, well, after all, she was a widow and familiar with the joys of love sport. He concluded her mood to be playful and that whatever her desire, she could succeed. Could he be her goal? He found he wished it so.

He doffed his high hat and went down the steps to his carriage.

Somehow he knew the Almack’s auction would present challenges as well as consequences. Raven found he looked forward to the event. Did fickle fate have something in store for him? A sly smile crossed his face in anticipation.