A thrill of happiness caused her heart to flutter like the wings of a small bird. “Thank you. A lady always likes to be appreciated.”
“Shall we be off?” He held out his arm. “We should be able to avoid most of the crowds.”
Itwasmuch earlier than the fashionable were usually abroad. Even Silvia had not yet come down. Vivian tried not to give in to her disappointment that he did not wish to be seen with her. Dancing was one thing, but this . . . “Yes, let’s.”
His phaeton was waiting with a small boy in livery holding the horses. Once he had helped her up and taken his place, he gave the order to release the pair. The tiger hopped onto the back of the carriage. She’d heard of tigers, but was dubious about allowing young children to be in charge of blood cattle. “Is it safe to let a young lad take care of your horses?”
“I know there are those who think they should not be allowed to do so, but quite frankly, Stuie will get into trouble if not gainfully employed. I require him to attend classes with the other servants’ children. He is extremely bright, but inevitably finishes before the rest and requires occupation. As he loves horses, this seemed to be the best place for him. This pair is as gentle as they come. Now, I would not allow him near my grays.”
She felt like an idiot. Lord Stanstead was nothing if not thorough, a fact she should not forget. “Forgive me—”
“There is no need.” He waved one hand, keeping ahold of the reins with the other. “It’s a valid concern.” He flashed another of his smiles that made her catch her breath. “Especially from one who worries so much about the well-being of others.”
Her cheeks warmed and she knew she was blushing. “Thank you.”
“Were you able to speak with Phoebe?”
“I was. She and Anna have several projects that I am interested in.” Endeavors Vivian would have liked to institute at Beresford, had she been allowed to do so.
“Do you enjoy gardening?”
“Very much. My mother has a lovely old garden that she refused to allow to be destroyed for a lawn.”
“When I went on my Grand Tour, I brought back dozens of plants . . .” Lord Stanstead regaled her with stories of his old gardener, who appropriated the flowers and vegetables he took to his estate. “Now he acts as if they belong exclusively to him.” He slowed his horses. “Here we are.”
The drive to the museum was much shorter than she’d thought it would be. “Already?”
“Yes, normally it takes much longer.” He set the brake, threw the ribbons to his tiger, then came around to her. Rather than pull down the steps, Lord Stanstead lifted her as if she were as light as a feather. Having both of his hands around her waist sent pleasurable tingles through her torso and did nothing at all for her composure. This was not good. She’d never been breathless with a gentleman before. Perhaps now was the time to begin putting distance between them.
He set her carefully on her feet, placing her hand on his arm. “I think you’ll like the Elgin Marbles. They are all everyone has been talking about.”
“So I have heard. One is made to appear provincial if one has not visited them at least once.” She rested her fingers lightly on his arm, even though she would have preferred to hold on with both hands.
He paid the small fee at the entrance before guiding her unerringly to the famous artifacts. “I never thought there were so many!”
“Yes, it’s as if Lord Elgin shipped back most of the artifacts in Europe. The Greeks are already asking that those belonging to their country be returned.”
Vivian studied the sculptures and other pieces that clearly came off buildings. “Do you think they will be sent back?”
“Not after the price our government paid for them.”
“I have to say, some of my enjoyment in seeing them is lost. It’s as if I’m looking at stolen goods.”
Lord Stanstead leaned closer to her and now her stomach behaved like butterflies had taken up permanent residence. “I agree, but we mustn’t say anything. It would be considered notthe thing. They are here to be admired, not criticized.”
Vivian swallowed as the warmth of his body sank into her. “I understand. Perhaps we could leave now.”
“If you wish. Or we may visit other parts of the museum. There are some magnificent paintings.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
They spent the next hour or so touring the other collections, and discovered their taste in art was the same. Vivian had rarely enjoyed herself more. Gradually, other visitors began to arrive, most of them children with governesses and tutors, and she understood the reason Lord Stanstead had wanted to arrive early. It was much nicer to have the museum to themselves.
Once they regained the pavement, his horses could be seen being led by the tiger. “He is not driving them.”
“No. He’s only allowed to walk them.”
Lord Stanstead lifted her up into the phaeton. Vivian thought she would be able to ignore his touch if she knew it was coming, yet the anticipation made it much worse. A sense of longing she’d never experienced before invaded her senses. They were half-way back to Mount Street before she had control of herself again.
