Chapter Five

Saturday

Crystal wasn’t foolish enough to think Lord Lyle had developed feelings for her, but she knew he was capable of a deeper understanding of her ideas. If she was to affect real change in the education of and working situations for women, she needed powerful men on her side.

Men such as the Marquis of Lyle and his father, the Duke of Lomond.

“Oh look, my lady. There’s Lord Lyle, riding out to meet you,” Hilda said, pressing her fleshy cheek and nose against a spotless pane of coach glass, causing mist to stain it. “Och, he is dashing on that black stallion.”

“What happened to not liking him?” Crystal pressed her cheek to the carriage window by her seat to see. But she was on the wrong side, and short of climbing over her maid, there was nothing she could do. A thrill of anticipation rose inside her, and she realized she was excited to see him, even though she had told herself not to be.

“I like how he is seated on that stallion. My pa worked for a lord who bred warhorses, and that is a well-muscled Friesian mount if I’ve ever seen one,” Hilda declared.

“You make a better door than a window, Hilda. Shift aside, for I cannae see.”

Crystal leaned across her to look out. In the distance, wearing a black hat, red riding coat, pale breeches, and long boots, Lord Lyle galloped toward them. Heat rose between her breasts, and she put her hand to her throat. She knew desire when it slammed into her, causing her breath to shorten.

The spying had started when she was eighteen. She had found a way to ignite her passion, thanks to the hole in the wall set behind large whisky kegs in the castle distillery. It was there she had touched herself as she watched the handsome footman bury his face in the maid’s cunny. She’d never imagined a man would do something like that, but unlike the maid, she’d never been able to bring herself to the state of the panting deliverance, which appeared to be some sort of complete abandonment of the senses. She assumed it must be due to some magic that the man possessed, but it was difficult to discover what it was.

Although a silk scarf covered her neck, she could feel her pulse skittering under her fingertips. Here a wonderful heady sensation threatened to take her over—nothing like the maid had experienced, but a bubbling, fizzing sensation. It was the first time she’d experienced excitement over a gentleman of her own class. “Fine, indeed.”

“Keep your head, lassie. I ken you’re not talking about the horse,” Hilda said.

“Like you, I’m interested to see the new house,” Crystal said, making sure to keep her words nonchalant, for just the sight of Lord Lyle had made her breath catch and her voice husky.

“My cousin, who works for Earl Druam in London, said this extravagant manor is the talk of the ton,” Hilda said, craning to see the house through the trees.

“It’s more a palace than a manor. Still, I’m sure it’s much better than the cold, draughty castle at home, where everything is so old and costly to repair,” Crystal said.

“Or living in Old Reeky,” Hilda said, referring to Edinburgh, famous for its stink.

The driver slowed the coach and halted on Lord Lyle’s approach. Crystal opened her window and raised her hand in greeting.

Lord Lyle slowed his stallion to a halt next to the carriage, swept off his black hat, and bowed from his seated position on his horse. “Lady Crystal, welcome to Lomond House. I trust you have had a comfortable journey?”

Oh, he was handsome, with his coal-black hair and winter-sky blue eyes glinting. The stallion tossed its head, but Lyle steadied it with a slight tug to its reins. She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry at the commanding sight of the lord who would one day be a duke. “Thank you for sending your coach. It was only an hour’s drive from town, but I’ll be glad to walk a little, for my bones were thoroughly shaken on these roads.”

He turned his head and looked at his driver, Jenson. “Were you racing the carriage again?”

“Just a little, my lord,” Jenson said with a perfectly straight face.

Lord Lyle leaped off his horse, opened the carriage door, and held out his hand. “Climb down, Lady Crystal. We’ll walk to the house. It isn’t far, and it will give me a chance to tell you about the more interesting members of my family.”

“My lady?” Hilda asked.

“I’m fine, Hilda. Lord Lyle is hardly likely to ravish me on the driveway,” she said wryly.

“What a wonderful idea,” he said with a wicked grin. “Unfortunately, I don’t wish to be caught by Lomond, as he is rather a prudish and old-fashioned duke, so I’ll have to behave.”

“Phff!” Hilda made a deprecating noise and looked away. Crystal hoped Lord Lyle had not heard it.

She accepted his helping hand, the warmth of it penetrating through her gloves, and climbed down from the coach. “You’ve a fine mount. Very impressive.”

“If you would like to ride tomorrow, I’m sure I could find you something suitable. Though perhaps not a stallion, because they can be difficult to handle.” He held out his arm for her to take and, as he led his horse with his other hand, they walked down the long driveway toward the house.

“You’d be surprised at what I can manage.” She was a very experienced rider, having grown up in the Highlands.

“You are a constant delight and surprise, Lady Crystal. I’ll find you a frisky pony so we can ride far, and I’ll finally get to spend time alone with you.” He chuckled, then glanced her way.

Her stomach fluttered and her heartbeat rose from the hot look he gave her.

She lifted her eyebrows. “How very improper of you to be thinking of getting me alone already.”

“I can think of nothing else,” he said huskily.

“I understand I’ve inflamed you by speaking of desire, but I meant it in terms of every woman’s feelings. Not me specifically.”

He stopped and turned the full force of his gaze on her. “Not true. I know you spoke of your own feelings. I much prefer to think of you, Lady Crystal, full of desire.”

Her face burned, and she was certain it was bright pink. Hilda’s warning came to mind because, damn it, she wanted him filled with desire, as well.

For her.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. “You know very well it isn’t appropriate to speak so.”

“Perhaps not, but should I lie? I truly can think of nothing else.”

Before she had time to answer, they rounded a slight bend, and she could see the magnificent new manor house with a whole line of servants waiting for them out front. She gasped at the enormity of the glittering stone building surrounded by lakes and gardens.

“Why, it’s absolutely beautiful.”

“His grace has spared no expense building the house of his dreams for my stepmother.”

Crystal thought she detected a catch in Lyle’s voice. She glanced up at him. “Does that displease you?”

“The new duchess has a great love of innovation, and she wants a palace to live in, not merely a house. What will my father indulge her with next? The moon? It is a sickness.”

Surprise coursed through Crystal. “You’re saying…the duke is in love with her?”

Lyle’s mouth thinned into a line. “Indeed. It is a second marriage and full of happiness.”

“Then I don’t understand why you appear to be so disenchanted. Surely, you want your father to be content?”

“My father means for my arranged marriage to a wealthy heiress to pay for all this splendor. I don’t wish to be used. He was too pious to take a mistress after my mother died, which is a shame, as it would have been far cheaper,” he said through slightly clenched teeth.

She nodded in sympathy. “Ah. I can see why you are cynical, my lord.”

He was right when he said they were alike. It disgusted her that both men and women were being forced to marry for financial gain.

“Besides, I’m a Scot, and I think like a Scot,” he said. “I dinnae wish to see money flowing like water down a river. The family seat I grew up in, when my mother was still alive, was wonderful. Perfectly fine for our needs.” He gave his stallion a tug on the reins as it pulled to munch grass.

She tilted her head and contemplated the manor’s graceful edifice. “And yet, this will all be yours one day. It certainly is a magnificent building. The duke and duchess have exquisite taste. Lomond House reminds me a little of Buckingham House,” she said, her voice filled with awe as they approached the three-story, double-winged building.

His hand slid from the crook of her arm, and he took hold of her hand and squeezed it gently. “I would rather have a woman with whom I am madly in love than inherit an outstanding manor house filled with generations of pressure and expectations. I think we lose sight of what’s important because of money.”

His deep show of vulnerability warmed her. “It seems you’re a fierce spirit, too,” she said softly, looking into his eyes. “Your heart is in the right place.”

“Aye, and meeting another such spirit means a lot to me. I dinnae feel so alone.”

It was like falling into a cloud when he was so close. She pulled her hand away because she couldn’t think. “I speak about women, but I’ve never thought about how the gentlemen are affected.”

“I’m glad I met you last night. You understand how I think and feel,” he said, relief in his voice. “I can talk to you.”

They strolled toward the house, and she put her hand over her heart at the staff turnout for her. Ten liveried servants were standing at attention in front of the house’s steps. The only time her father had lined up the castle staff like that was when his fatted hog had gone astray and he’d fancied bacon. Even growing up in a castle had not prepared her for this level of grandness.

Lord Lyle stepped aside to give his horse’s reins to a footman. “Lady Crystal, welcome to Lomond House. Come, I’ll introduce you to his grace, my father.” He offered her his elbow again and led her toward the grand entry, the servants bowing as they passed.

She glanced behind her to see Hilda organizing the footman and driver to retrieve her box from the carriage.

Standing at the top of the stairs at the elaborate entrance was Lord Lyle’s father, the Duke of Lomond. Although he was heavier than Lord Lyle, that he was his sire was unmistakable. Age had not tarnished his good looks. Next to him stood a pretty woman with mauve ribbons in her hair, which matched the color of her silk dress.

“The Duke and Duchess of Lomond”—Lord Lyle nodded to them in turn—“may I present to you Lady Crystal Wilding?”

Crystal gave a deep curtsey. When the introductions and small talk were done, the duchess stepped forward and took her arm in a friendly manner. The gesture surprised Crystal, given their difference in status.

“Lady Crystal, Lyle has spoken so much about you this morning, I feel I know you already.”

“He has? Gracious,” Crystal said cautiously. She glanced at Lord Lyle.

He nodded. “Indeed, I have, Lady Crystal. I have spoken of your many fine attributes,” he said, his stern face giving nothing away, but his eyes glittered.

She couldn’t help feeling that Lord Lyle had an agenda and she was in some way becoming entangled in his web.

“We must all change soon for dinner, but first come walk with me to your chamber, where you can refresh yourself,” the duchess said, urging her forward. “I know I should allow the housekeeper, Mrs. Burns, to escort you to your room, but indulge me. I am proud to sponsor and promote clever invention, so bear with me while I show you some of the manor’s special features.”

“I look forward to it, your grace. I am somewhat of an innovative thinker, myself.”

“I am glad to know you, Lady Crystal. No need for titles and formality, though, as it is to be an informal weekend with family, and I want you to be comfortable.”

“Yes, ma’am. It’s an honor to meet you, as well.”

She was delighted to learn the duchess was an innovator who sponsored inventors. What a clever lady. They left the men at the grand entrance hall to walk along a wide corridor lined with magnificent portraits of former dukes and duchesses. The housekeeper followed discreetly, out of earshot.

“Tell me, ma’am, what did Lord Lyle have to say about me?”

“He said you were sweet-natured and gentle. A perfect lady from an impeccable family. He claims he cannot fault you,” the duchess said.

Crystal blinked. That didn’t sound like her or her family. He clearly didn’t know about her hard-drinking clan and their errant ways. The clan lived north of Loch Ness and could be a law unto themselves. What was he up to?

“We’ve honestly just met, though it is kind of him to say so.”

The duchess nodded to a footman, who opened two large carved wooden doors to reveal a grand reception room with an enormous fireplace at one end.

Crystal gasped, lifting her gaze in awe. “This is a masterpiece. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

The duchess smiled. “You are a lady of excellent taste. I’m glad you appreciate it. Lomond has invited the prince regent to come and hunt.”

“Does the prince hunt?” she asked in surprise, thinking of the corpulent Prince George.

The duchess put a hand to her mouth and bent toward Crystal. “Only beautiful women, I have heard.”

Crystal laughed and followed the duchess into the great reception hall.

“This room has just been finished. We had an Italian master painter and his apprentices here painting the ceiling for months. The Axminster carpets were woven to match. They didn’t have a loom big enough to weave both carpets, so they had to be done separately,” the duchess explained.

The ceiling was painted with Scottish hunting scenes set into the plasterwork. On the floor were several enormous carpets woven with colors matching the ceiling and set with a repeated Scottish thistle.

“This is truly a room fit for royalty. Will the prince regent really come?”

“That would require him to leave his wife, Maria Fitzherbert.”

“But…he’s married to Caroline of Brunswick,” Crystal said, confused.

“He married Fitzherbert without his father’s permission, so it is not considered legal,” the duchess said. “But I believe he loves her as much as a dissolute prince is capable of love.”

“Poor Caroline. I knew they were separated. Why must we women be forced to marry men who have no regard for us?” Crystal said sadly.

The duchess looked at her with a puzzled expression. “But that is how things have always been done. And it’s not just women. Prince George was forced to marry Caroline, or his father would not pay his debts. My own father insisted I marry an earl of sixty when I was nineteen. I would have preferred a younger husband,” she added with a quirk of a smile, “but I did my duty. Then I made sure I married Lomond, the man of my own choosing, the next time.”

Crystal found herself smiling again in this delightful woman’s company. “You appear to have a love match.”

“Wealth brings independence. I am grateful my first husband left me well provided for. I believe a woman’s second marriage should be of her own choosing.”

“I think a woman should always choose her own husband. It must be terrible to be married to a man one doesn’t care for.”

“When estates and titles are at stake, there is no other way,” the duchess said matter-of-factly.

It was time for things to change. At least if Crystal had anything to do with it. For now, she kept her thoughts to herself.

Leaving the reception room, they strolled back along the hallway, where the duchess opened an ornate door to reveal a carved wooden bench with an enamel bowl holding water set into it. She leaned in and pulled a cord. Water filled the bowl, swirled around, and disappeared down a hole.

Crystal clapped her hands. “I know it is indecorous to speak of, but this must be a flushing water closet!”

“Magnificent, is it not?”

“I have heard of them, but never seen one,” Crystal said, admiring the clever fixture.

“I called in the inventor, Mr. Alexander Cumming, to make sure it works,” the duchess said, her face bright with glee. “Is it not a wonderful device? I have several placed around the house, since we have fifty bedrooms. Step inside and try it out, if you wish.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Crystal said, closing the door and taking a moment to examine the mechanics. Next to the bench was a stand holding a washbasin, and above it, a slim iron plumbing faucet was affixed to the wall.

She couldn’t get over the immense practicality or the sheer luxury of the small room.

“How clever you are, ma’am,” she said after she rejoined the duchess.

“I have no liking for the chamber pots kept behind the screens in reception rooms. And as for using a bourdaloue at the opera—” The duchess shuddered.

Crystal didn’t blame her. She also refused to use the porcelain vessels women were forced to resort to when there was no convenience available.

The duchess turned and motioned to the housekeeper. “I’ll have Mrs. Burns show you to your chamber now. I assume you’ll wish to rest. We dine at six.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I’m truly in awe of your home. His grace must hold you in high esteem to allow you such freedom in planning,” she said, delighted with the personal tour. Most aristocrats would not be so welcoming to a stranger of lower social circumstances, despite her family’s ancient lineage.

“Lomond can appear stern, as can Lord Lyle, but there is much good in both of them. I’m so glad Lyle has finally brought someone delightful and intelligent to meet us.”

“Are you talking about me?” Lord Lyle strode down the corridor to join them. He had changed from his riding clothes into a dark, double-breasted tailcoat and snug, ankle-length pantaloons. His cream silk waistcoat, topped with a neck full of white linen, extended below the front of his tailcoat. Crystal felt her heart drop to her knees. From his thick, black hair and long sideburns to his perfectly spit-polished black leather shoes, he was devastating. A delicious citrus scent permeated the air around him.

He took her hand and kissed it. She’d removed her gloves, and his lips were hot, searing the back of her palm. A sizzle of lust so raw, so intense, made her knees weak. She had to remember to close her mouth when her chin dropped; such was the power of his sensuality.

“Indeed we were, Lyle. I was just about to say I’m delighted you have brought home such a charming acquaintance, seeing as you refused the duke’s request to do a season.”

“Have you ever seen two bulls lock heads?” he asked Crystal with an amused grin that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “Unfortunately, one must die before the other gives way.”

“I am glad you are here, Lady Crystal,” the duchess said gamely. “Perhaps your visit will relieve the tension.”

“Perhaps his lordship doesn’t wish to marry,” Crystal said, knowing full well how Lord Lyle felt about the matter.

A shocked expression crossed the duchess’s face. “The duchy must have an heir. Lomond only has two sons, and sadly, no more will follow, it seems.”

“Are two sons not enough?” Crystal asked, as the heavy burden Lord Lyle was under dawned on her.

“My reluctance to marry and breed is a great source of annoyance to my father. He invites endless friends and acquaintances here with their daughters, to no avail.”

The duchess glanced around, appearing uncomfortable. “I’ll leave you with Lyle, as I have a letter to write before I change for dinner. Mrs. Burns will show you to your room when you are ready.”

Crystal turned to Lord Lyle when the duchess had left. “I had no idea you were under such pressure to wed, even though you told me it was expected of you. I hope that is not why you brought me here.”

Lord Lyle pursed his lips. “I invited you to Lomond House because I want to get to know you better. I appreciate we’ve only just met, but you enchant me. It’s a relief to meet a lady I actually like.”

She grimaced. “You know I have no interest in marriage. And even if I did, we barely know each other. I feel you are up to something.”

“You are very suspicious, Lady Crystal,” he teased, but his pale complexion deepened.

“You saved me from a difficult situation, and I’m grateful, but once I’ve returned the favor by coming here, I have done what I said I would. Don’t use me to appease your father. I came to Edinburgh to further the cause of women, and that doesn’t include marriage.”