Chapter Twenty-Seven

Raven, seated by the lakeside next to his Aunt Margaret, was asked, “Is everything to your satisfaction, nephew?”

He beamed a smile at her. “It is perfect.” He reviewed the activities of his staff and nodded. “I recall when I purchased the chinaware. It’s been packed away too long. Ask the servants to exercise care. I’d like to use them again on another occasion.”

The long table held a colorful array of epergnes of flowers with unusual artistic decorations. China, crystal, and cutlery bore the ducal insignia. A huge buffet table placed on the periphery allowed the liveried servants to serve the food. Bottles of wine and champagne chilled in woven baskets in the cool waters of the lake.

The lunch consisted of pheasant, grouse, rabbit, trout and salmon, all caught on the estate. There were variations of cold soups, curry, hot pies, game patties, and desserts. To further tempt the guests, there was a profusion of fluted lemon cakes dripped with fresh honey, and chocolate grenache layered cakes with raspberry pudding. Fresh fruit preserves and water ice completed the menu. Champagne and wine overflowed served by an attentive white-gloved household.

A cool breeze whispered through the trees; the filtered shade protected them from the blazing sun. All in all, the pleasant entertainment would be memorable.

While other guests were involved with conversations, Raven sat next to Samantha.

“Your Grace, your aunt has arranged a splendid luncheon. It reminds me somewhat of our auction benefit. However, the environment was not as grand as here at Ravensmere.”

Lady Minerva said, “This has been such an enchanted visit, and I’m almost sorry to see it end. We all look forward to the country ball on our last night here. Will there be many others in attendance?”

“Why, yes, a country ball at Ravensmere is one that is looked forward to by the local gentry. Professional local merchants as well as the reverend and his wife, and of course, my estate manager, will attend. I believe in shared special events with my people. The pomp and circumstance are a lot less than say Almack’s would allow.” He filled with delight at the sight of Samantha seated at his side. “We do have waltzes here, also. I do believe our guests will start to arrive at ten o’clock.” He turned his face toward her and asked if she enjoyed her stay so far.

“It’s an unforgettable experience etched in my mind,” she gushed.

His joyous mood became undermined by an air of silent threat. Damnation. He wanted to enjoy his time with his lady without the encumbrance of worry. There were too many people around.

Raven sat across from Prince Nicholas and near to the two dowagers.

“Lady Minerva, as outspoken as I am, it’s too late to change my habits, but do you still carry that pistol in your reticule?” asked Lady Margaret.

“Why, of course, I still practice also. It’s difficult to change habits at our age. I doubt our families realized how independent you and I had become all those years ago.”

A smile of pleasant reverie lit Minerva’s face. “I tell my niece one day I will share with her secrets no others know, but do you remember our stay in India with Colonel Addison and his family? You and I were the rage of the balls. I remember the Rajah, or could it have been a Pasha…who became so attentive to us both, we worried the entire British Garrison stationed there. I also remember those Russian Princes. They took our breath away with their magnificence. We lived in a magical fairy tale world.”

Prince Nicholas uttered, “Ah, ladies, how wonderful to have memories of India, and Rajahs, Pashas, and Russian Princes, too. Although in the judgment of your yet beautiful features, I would venture you both set many a heart on fire. Da? Yes?”

“And other parts of the body, too, Highness,” Minerva quipped.

Raven found the banter between the two dowagers an amusement. “Lady Minerva, you never cease to amaze.”

The Prince’s laughter roared through the breeze. He rewarded them his most resourceful smile, “Perhaps it is best that you never visited the Russian Court otherwise my relatives would be different. Da? Yes?”

“Prince Nicholas, at times members of the Russian Court visited us in London. Although I do remember a handsome and memorable count whose name propriety does not allow me to reveal.” Her face glowed. It became obvious to Raven that she was reliving the memories.

“The renowned libertine looked like a dark God on a mythological winged black charger, resplendent in his blue uniform at the head of his Jagers Regiment Parade. To see him in all his glory could make a lady swoon. The Count scandalized the court when he stopped and lifted his sword in a salute to me. Do you remember him, Lady Margaret?”

Lady Margaret fussed with her ruffled cuffs and, amused, said, “All too well, I’m afraid. “I remember Count Ivan with fond memories.”

“Jagers?” asked Prince Nicholas, placing his vodka glass on the table. “They are my regiment and my family’s for decades. Is it possible you speak of my uncle?”

“Lady Minerva spoke, “I grieved when I heard of his recent death.”

“He lived a good life and treasured every moment.” Lady Margaret broke the momentary silence. “The servants will clear the tables, therefore, may I suggest we walk the grounds for a while. Those who wish to return here, of course, may do so. A stroll is good for the digestive process, do you agree, Lady Minerva?”

“There is no need to remind me of my delicate system.” She grinned from ear to ear. “And I will promise not to shoot you.”

Raven intervened in a serious tone. “Why do you feel the need to carry a pistol, Lady Minerva?”

“Why in the event I have to shoot someone. I came close to performing the deed once. The problem caused a dilemma because I didn’t know who the victim would be, but that is quite another story.” She stared at Lady Margaret and moved in the direction of the boathouse. which bordered the lake.

“Your Grace,” asked Lady Minerva, “can you tell me a little about the building? It’s large.”

Raven joined her while Lady Samantha stayed back to talk to Prince Nicholas who appeared still in shock over the ladies gossip about the Jagers. Samantha soon excused herself to catch up with her aunt and Raven who had a head start on their walk.

“Your Grace, I would have words with you on a tender subject. May we walk in the direction of the boathouse?” Lady Minerva reached for His Grace’s arm for support.

“Since my niece has no close relative other than her brother, I’m obligated to ask you about your intentions.” She flipped open her parasol to shield her from the sun and continued. “My niece is not as experienced as people would think since you know her marriage was rather short. These past three years she found no one to whom she wished to attach herself, so her worldliness is still limited, if non-existent.” She appeared uncomfortable. “I don’t wish to see her hurt. There is a sadness about her, and it’s her story to tell you if she so chooses.”

Raven became intent on her words but wondered where this conversation would lead. Whatever it was, it was clear she had a concern for her niece.

“Tread with care, Your Grace. Otherwise, I shall be forced to use my pistol on you.”

He smiled in jest. “You say you are a good shot?”

“I’m an excellent shot and a good archer.”

He recognized her seriousness. “I have the highest regard for your niece and nephew. The purpose of this visit is twofold. The priority was to get to know your family better, and the second to introduce some members of our cartel. I ask you to remember I am an honorable man.” His tone carried weight and significance. How many times must he repeat his intentions? Damnation.

“I have an interest in the Lady Samantha, but I do confess, she mystifies me. There are times when I’m under the impression she likes my company and other times she orders me to leave her presence or walks away from me.”

They stopped their stroll. He continued to speak in a low voice but with great purpose in his words. Why did she wish to discuss so personal a matter about his relationship with Samantha? He answered his question. Samantha loved her dowager aunt as a daughter would a mother. The high-spirited quality appeared to be more than a female trait in the family.

With candor, Minerva spoke in a manner and tone as if they discussed ordinary matters. She said, “It’s my duty to protect my niece, even though a widow, from unscrupulous rogues. Some men have tried, and I have been like a lioness in the protection of her cub. She is not fair game. I will give both of you a few weeks to decide if you can engage each other without venom. There is more to a relationship than a possible physical attraction.” She gazed into his eyes.

Lady Minerva removed her arm from his and wrestled with her parasol. Then she said, “Life and everyday involvement with someone else is an adjustment on both parts. You, in particular, have lived alone for over ten years. I can’t abide a woman whose sole aim is to change a man into an image of what she envisions.” Her lips made a tsk sound, and she paused to emphasize. “A true relationship is an exchange of ideals and values.” She paused to emphasize with a pointing finger. “And then comes love. We are born alone and die alone, and that is the way of life.”

“Quite profound, Lady Minerva. Samantha is indeed fortunate to have you as her protector and advisor.”

“There is no need to flatter me, Your Grace. Scandal must not tarnish the Winston name. Although I admit, I did have my share of discreet scandals.” She stopped and gave him a smile. “I do believe Samantha has a true interest in you, and there are times when she indeed vexes me with this talk of a search for her forever love that will save her from this cruel man’s world.” She gesticulated toward the sky. “This person, if he exists will allow her to soar and fly in the heavens. Nonsense, but she believes in this fantasy. Who is to say she can’t have the best of both worlds? Her independent spirit’s a cry for someone to help her. It will take a patient and special man with a gentle hand to conquer her. It will be worth the effort. I wonder if you are that man.”

She gauged his attention. “How can I say this with politeness? When Samantha is introduced to pleasure, if the man does not try to break her spirit, she’ll be a strong ally to some fortunate gentleman. Rest assured I know of what I speak. She has great strength of purpose, but all within the bond of marriage, Your Grace. I’ll not allow her to become some man’s mistress. Yours or anyone else’s to be easily dismissed after the fascination is over.”

He knew Lady Minerva to be correct in most of her assumptions. However, the subject of mistresses became one that seemed to raise its pernicious head more often than not. “Old habits die hard,” he stated. “Samantha would make any man a fine wife. I’m aware of that.” His problem simplified. He could not be sure of his readiness for a drastic change as yet—or that much spirit in a woman.

“Why do you speak like a man twenty years older than you are? Do you not seek some excitement and adventure in your life other than your business and Parliament? Your order and routine were well-practiced in your younger years of inheritance, but now with all you’ve accomplished, I would venture you find it forlorn without a wife. Otherwise, you’ll continue to be an unhappy man for regardless of all you survey you have no one with whom to share happiness.” She waved a hand in the air.

“I have wrestled with myself on many things, my lady. As I stated, this is a time for us to interact with each other. Such relationships, to me, are forged for a lifetime and not to be taken without consideration. I’m a man who is aware of his responsibilities to all concerned.” He shook his head in wonderment. “Are all the Winston women so outspoken?” He paused, then added, “Has Winston offered an objection to me?”

Minerva’s smile reflected years of maturity. “No, he hasn’t. I like you, Your Grace. My nephew wants to emulate you in all things, and the quizzing glass makes him appear years older. You are a good mentor, but my niece is not as familiar as her brother in matters of the heart and emotions. You have sent her a strong message in the refurbishment of her suite of rooms to reflect her astrological tastes. Take care that you haven’t awakened a sleeping tigress.”

“Tigresses and protective lionesses seem to be a female Winston trait. Am I such an ogre?” Raven gifted her with a grin and a roguish glance with intent to disarm her.

“Don’t ply your wares on me, young man. I’m already aware of your effect on my niece.” She retrieved her fan and began to cool herself. “I’m your ally, your Grace. You should know that. Ah, but now I see Samantha comes toward us. I will leave you two to talk in a moment, but I would like your word you will not toy with her affections unless you are serious about her future with you.” She whisked her fan open with firmness. “Don’t for one minute think I throw my niece at you. I love her too much for that. She deserves better of her life when one considers how much she has suffered. When you are made aware of the totality of the tragedy, you will realize it’s a wonder Samantha didn’t fall apart. Her strength is her tower and her spirit’s her shield.”

“You have my word, Lady Minerva. As you know, I don’t give such without great thought.” Now his curiosity became aroused. What tragedy did she refer to and when would he find out? Would it be an answer to part of the puzzle? So Samantha did have secrets, it seemed—many of them.

“Yes. Thank you for your time, and, Your Grace,” she paused for emphasis, “I would not have you use her with shame. Otherwise, you will answer to me. We shall discuss this further at another time and place.”

Raven was speechless. By Jove, she just threatened him. “With due respect, I don’t wish to discuss this further.” Could she be the traitor? She treated him like a minion.