Lucy smiled as she turned to Lady Mary, who was staring up at the night sky. “I’ve enjoyed our time here. House parties are not as torturous as I had imagined.”
“That is because you have landed yourself the best partner for these silly activities, while I’ve been subject to Lord Waterford’s grumpy disposition.”
Blake was a fantastic partner. He often provided witty commentary and on occasion invented challenges for them both. Lucy’s favorite was reciting cities that began with each letter of a peer’s name. She had named Lady Roxbury and was in complete awe as Blake rattled off, “Rome in Italy, Oberhausen in Germany, Xifias in Greece, Bilbao in Spain, Utrecht in the Netherlands, Rheims in France, and Yekaterinburg, Russia.”
Lucy had to admit Blake’s company guaranteed an evening full of interesting lessons. Unwilling to admit that Lady Mary was correct, she said, “Waterford isn’t all bad.”
“Gilbert is the most arrogant, high-handed, opinionated man I’ve ever known.”
Had Lady Mary just referred to Waterford using his Christian name? Accustomed to addressing and calling him Waterford, it took Lucy a moment to recognize the name Gilbert. What could have occurred between Lady Mary and Waterford for her to make such a statement?
Lady Mary turned and pointedly stared down at her. “Devonton is always extremely attentive.”
“You can make me blush, but no one will witness it in the dark.”
Lady Mary’s laughter, was no genteel giggle, it had her bending at the waist. Tears streamed from her eyes. Why did she find Lucy’s statement hilarious?
Taking a deep calming breath, Lady Mary regained some of her composure. “Who would have guessed that the ever-rational, level-headed Lady Lucy would fall victim to my teasing? I am curious to know. What interesting facts have you learned about our dear Devonton during your stolen moments alone?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Lady Lucy, you are not five, and you do not need daily naps.”
“Naps?”
“Yes. It is the excuse Lady Redburn has used for the past three days for your absence in the afternoons.” Lady Mary was relentless. “What does Devonton enjoy? Kisses, perhaps?”
Lucy was sure she was blushing as she answered, “Devonton enjoys the outdoors. He is a marvelous storyteller, and when he speaks of his travels, it feels as if you are right there. He is well educated…”
“In kissing?” Lady Mary teased.
“Yes, he is an excellent kisser, and when…”
“Lady Lucy, may I have a moment of your time?” Blake croaked.
How did he appear without detection? She had perfect hearing and usually could sense someone approaching well before they came face-to-face.
“Lady Mary, please excuse us for a moment. Perhaps we can partner for the Jonesy contest.”
Lady Mary eyed them both with interest. “I’d be delighted to partner with you if you are still available.”
Ignoring Lady Mary’s comment, Lucy turned and let Blake pull her farther into the gardens. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and bumbled, “Lucy, I’m not sure how to ask this of you.”
“Ask me what?” Lucy craned her neck so she could see into his eyes. He appeared nervous. She told herself to be patient with the man.
“I’d like to court you if you would be amenable to the notion.”
“Blake, I thought you already were. Why have we been sneaking to the lake every day if not to learn more about each other to see if we would suit? It wasn’t just because you wanted to kiss me, was it?” Lucy wasn’t sure, but had she managed to make Blake blush?
The rustling of branches had Lucy peering into the dark. Who had joined them? Matthew materialized from behind a topiary that resembled a snake balancing a ball on its head.
“Why are you two sneaking about in the gardens?”
Blake’s hands dropped to his sides. His abrupt release left her wobbling. Lucy easily regained her balance, but she caught the conflicted emotions that flew across Blake’s features. What was he worried about? It wasn’t as if Matthew would call his best friend out for having his hands upon her. Matthew’s narrowed gaze fell upon Blake, and he raised an eyebrow.
Blake regained his voice first. “Well, Harrington, I…”
“Oh goodness, Matthew. Blake and I have been doing whatever one does at house parties,” Lucy announced, not really knowing what she was implying.
“What?” Matthew shouted loud enough that those on the terrace turned to look. He poked Blake in the chest and asked directly, “Did you take advantage of Lucy? Have you…”
Before Matthew could go on, Blake was shaking his head adamantly, “Harrington, no. I would never dishonor Lucy, and I would never risk our friendship like that.”
Lucy stepped between them and pushed Matthew back. “Matthew, how could you accuse Blake of such behavior? You of all people should know he would do the honorable thing should something like… like that occurred between us.” She was blushing and honestly a little lost as to how to explain what was happening between herself and Blake.
Blake calmly wrapped an arm around her waist and gently pulled her back to put some distance between her and Matthew.
Oddly, instead of seeming further enraged, Matthew eyed Blake’s protective motions and ordered them, “I expect you both to behave while we remain at Redburn Manor.”
His directive was in stark contrast with the bounce in his step as he returned to the drawing room through the terrace doors.
Lucy felt Blake’s chest rattle and turned to see him chuckling. She slapped him on the chest and said, “I think that went well.”
Blake interweaved their fingers and led her to the lake.
Cheeks rosy and lips swollen, Lucy returned to the house to participate in the Jonesy contest.
“Lucy. Lady Lucy.” Lady Mary poked her elbow into Lucy’s ribs. “If you could stop daydreaming, we might have a chance at winning.”
Lucy apologized. “Sorry, I’ll focus.”
“What rhymes with enough?”
“Love?”
“Lucy, if you don’t stop thinking of Devonton, I will…”
“Devonton? What has Devonton and love got to do with enough?”
Lady Mary blinked as if Lucy were talking in riddles. “Lucy, you are in love with the man!”
Shocked, Lucy replied, “In love? I can’t be. We’ve only recently begun to get to know each other.”
“Devonton can appear to be rather standoffish and boring, but if you watch him and listen closely, he always has a purpose.”
Lucy narrowed her eyes at Lady Mary. Had Lady Mary taken a particular interest in Blake? He was a master of hiding out in the open.
Lady Mary echoed her thoughts, saying, “He is an expert at blending in and influencing discussions without bringing attention to himself. Exceptionally sneaky is what I call him, and when you look beyond his mask, he is rather handsome.”
Handsome? Striking was a better description of Blake. But it wasn’t his features that impressed Lucy the most. It was his keen mind and ability to blend into any environment, like a chameleon. Having to master the skill herself, Lucy was fully aware of the vast control and patience required to perform such a task. Lucy had benefited on more than one occasion from remaining hidden in plain sight. The insight into which investments were likely to bear modest returns had allowed her to accumulate a small fortune, enough for her to set up her own household. Independence. Freedom from marriage. After meeting Blake, were those still her wishes?
Lady Mary continued, “Lady Lucy, the man has eyes only for you. Women have been casting their lures at Devonton the entire house party, but he pretends to misunderstand their invitations or politely declines the more overt offers.”
“He has?”
“Why do you think all the others titter behind their fans when you enter a room? They are jealous. You have captured the interest of a young earl who has recently returned from his tour. If rumors are to be believed, gentlemen who have traveled to foreign lands are much better lovers than those who have never left our shores. He is a mystery, and they want what you have: his attention.”
Did she? When Blake was near, she was aware her own focus became rather singular. The man she had spent afternoons with was warm and funny, anything but boring. Now that she considered the matter, Blake did take an extraordinary interest in her opinions and feelings. During their time alone by the lake, he had proven that he was unlike other gentlemen—he paid attention and truly listened. He had gained her trust. Lucy had even confessed her secret wish for a family, but after James’s death, she hadn’t thought it possible.
She did have Blake’s attention, and Lucy wasn’t about to lose it.
“Lady Mary, Lady Lucy, do you have your riddle ready?” Lady Redburn inquired.
Lost in the myriad of questions Lady Mary had brought to mind, she had not focused on the Jonesy contest. Thankfully, her mind was filled with riddles. “Yes, Lady Redburn.”
Lucy searched the room, and when her gaze landed on Blake, she began. “A king was to grant one knight the honor of marrying his only daughter. She stood in the middle of the room upon a large rug that was wider than a man’s body length. The princess had selected the four knights the night prior, and each stood in one corner of the room. The king declared the knight who kissed the princess’s hand would receive his blessing. However, they must not use anything, nor were they allowed to touch the rug upon which she stood. After long moments, one knight placed his lips upon the princess’s hand. How did he accomplish it?”
Lady Mary whispered, “Do you think he will figure it out?”
“I certainly hope so. If not tonight, soon.”
Waterford, who was seated next to Devonton, called out, “The knight ordered the princess to come to him and present her hand for a kiss.”
Giggling at Lady Mary’s shocked expression, Lucy replied, “Well done, Lord Waterford. You are correct!”
Waterford performed a cursory bow, but there was a hard, unfamiliar glimmer in his eyes as his gaze fell upon Lady Mary. The tension between the two was palpable. Was it hatred she sensed?
The pair ceased scowling at each other as Lady Mary turned to Lucy. “That man has a terrible habit of ensuring I never win.”
“Lady Mary, you must admit it was rather clever of Waterford to figure it out.”
“Lord Archbroke would have solved it faster.”
Lucy conceded Lady Mary was right. Lord Archbroke, pompous genius that he was, would have had the answer before she even finished relating the riddle. No longer a contender in the Jonesy competition, Lucy relaxed and listened as each team shared their entries. It was amusing to see Lady Mary, Waterford, and the others battle to answer first.
When it was Blake and Waterford’s turn, Lucy shifted to the edge of her seat. Would Blake be the one to perform? The pair communicated between themselves without words. Ultimately, it was Waterford who cleared his throat before beginning:
“I was traveling down a path when it split into two.
One path lead to war and death. One path lead to rest and peace.
Two soldiers sat by the paths. One was known to never tell the truth, the other never spoke a lie.
What one question would I ask of them to lead me down the correct path?”
What a peculiar riddle to share. Did Waterford mean it to be a hidden message for someone? No one among the group offered an answer.
Lady Redburn said, “My lords, I believe you have stumped us all. Pray tell, what would the question be?”
Blake replied, “Lady Redburn, I should ask, what would he say was the path to my salvation and peace? And I would travel down the opposite path to which he pointed.”
The confused features of the group were plain for all to see.
Lady Redburn clapped her hands as if to break the spell that had been cast by Blake and Waterford. “I declare Lord Waterford and Lord Devonton the winners of the Jonesy contest. Well done, my lords.”
Once the applause from the group subsided, Blake approached, and Lucy stood to greet him. His eyes were ablaze as he asked, “Would you care for a refreshment?”
Lucy turned to ask Lady Mary to join them only to realize that they were completely alone. When had everyone left?
Placing a hand on his chest, Lucy said, “Congratulations on the win.”
“My thanks. Would you consider granting the winner a kiss?”
“Kiss Waterford? Never!” Lucy loved Blake’s surprised look at her reply. She slid both hands up his chest and stood on her tiptoes to pull him down for a kiss. She had intended to kiss him senseless, but it was she who was left with no rational thoughts.
As they parted, Blake growled, “You are a minx. I shall escort you to your room.”
Nodding in a daze, she allowed him to guide her. Lady Redburn was pacing in the foyer. As soon as they were close enough, her hostess scolded, “What were you two about in there? No, don’t answer me. Lucy, come along with me. We shall retire for the evening.” But before leading Lucy away, Lady Redburn pointed down the opposite hallway and said to Blake, “Off with you.”
The reference to Blake’s riddle had Lucy grinning. Had Lady Redburn instructed him to go down the right path? Heaven? Or hell?