He studied me again. That unnerving stare of his seemed to analyze my answer, deciphering once more the truth from the lie.
“Excellent. Shall we walk together?” Lord Camden held out his arm to his sister, and I followed behind them.
“Excellent would not be my word for it,” I muttered under my breath.
Lord Camden turned and looked over his shoulder. “Did you say something, Miss Lewis?”
I gulped. “Nothing.”
“It was the bees buzzing,” Augusta said, covering for me once again. “They sound like voices, don’t they?” She shot me a look that told me to be more careful with my wayward habit.
But I soon forgot my embarrassment when I noticed Lord Camden’s gait and the barely perceptible limp. I could not help but wonder about his horse accident, how long ago it had happened, and the pain he must have endured. It reminded me of my stranger. Indeed, he almost had the look of him. Lord Camden’s hair was a shade darker and at least two inches shorter. And while he was over six feet tall, he might have surpassed Mr. Long. I believed him to be leaner too. If I squinted, I could almost imagine them to be the same.
I quickly blinked away the image. I did not plan to mistake Lord Camden as I had our carriage driver and so many other men. He was not one I should innocently daydream about, especially while I resided in his house. If I was to think on anyone, it would be Mr. Long alone. It washis leg I should be concerned for. Indeed, I often wondered if it had fully recovered. I believe the doctor thought it had broken in two places. Did he limp now? Was he blind? Hadhisinjuries kept him from confessing to a childhood love?
My stomach involuntarily tightened. I yearned to feel the connection between us again, but it was not right of me to pine for someone I would never see again. Yet, I could not help myself.
Why could I not let this man out of my heart?
Chapter 16
Atlas
Ihad been grossly misinformed. Tea with Lady Timbrell was no private affair. It was a lady’s code for an afternoon party. There was nothing casual or simple about the spread of dainty refreshments or the number of attendants. There were at least six other guests besides my family—only one of them male—and I dreaded the thought that more women might spring themselves on us at any moment. At one point, I would have relished the thought of being surrounded by women. Now, I would rather be home walking the grounds with one of my hired guards.
Guards who had discovered a trespasser on my grounds only last night. They had chased him, but the man had evaded them. Early this morning, we had discovered remnants of a small fire just off my property. Had it been a random occurrence, or did it mean my attacker had finally returned?
I did not want to ruin the party with a sour mood. I owed my family that much. I could be positive and enjoy a little tea. At least I knew my aunt’s opinion of Mary Anne and that it was not likely that she would be invited.
“Be the gentleman everyone remembers, Atlas, and speak to as many guests as you can,” Mother whispered, patting my arm. Had she been reading my mind? She motioned with her head to the rest of the party. “Much of the neighborhood has been anxious to see you out and aboutagain. Remind them of your charm.” She left my side and hurried to greet Mr. Bastion. Her greeting to him was surprisingly enthusiastic. I had always thought Mr. Bastion to be a sourpuss, but he smiled at Mother.
Perhaps he had had a lecture about trying to be charming too.
Of all the ideas. I had no desire to charm a room full of gossiping women. Admittedly, the old me enjoyed tantalizing gossip—dropping names of thetonand citing little known facts about them. But not anymore. Now the trivialon ditleft me dissatisfied and restless. If it did not bring me closer to discovering my attacker or my savior, I did not care to hear it.
Though sorely tempted to excuse myself, I held my ground. Since I was here already, I would use the time to observe Miss Lewis as planned. Was it too much to hope that I would learn her motives for coming to Rosemont? Perhaps I could charm her for answers. Now that made me smile. After sneaking up on her twice now, I had not learned enough to satisfy me.
“Who is this?” Lady Timbrell asked, approaching with maternal arms outstretched. “Not the new companion?”
My eyes found Miss Lewis just as she produced a demure smile. Today her hair was braided over her ears and pulled back into a twist the shape of an S. Her yellow day gown was equally fashionable. I was interested to discover what my aunt, Lady Timbrell, would make of her.
Augusta preened like she was showing off a new puppy. “Isn’t she wonderful? My brother insisted I keep her.”
“I insisted?” I did not believe those were my exact words.
Augusta shot me a glare. “He is being modest. He knows companionship is exactly what I need. Miss Lewis has become a fast favorite of mine.”
My sister spoke of her companion as if she were another one of her pets that she had collected. Poor Miss Lewis.
Lady Timbrell’s generous smile enveloped her rosy cheeks. “Is that so, Lord Camden? Then perhaps Miss Lewis can be favorites of us all.”
I took a step back and watched, with hands clasped behind my back, as Lady Timbrell took Miss Lewis by the arm as if they had known each other for years.
“What an enchanting creature you are,” Lady Timbrell said. “I daresay, you won’t stay a companion for long with those bright eyes and that striking dark hair.”
“You flatter me,” Miss Lewis said, clearly uncomfortable by Lady Timbrell’s forward manner.
Interesting. I had seen many emotions cross Miss Lewis’s face since her arrival: dazed, confident, embarrassed, flustered . . . and now it seemed I could add humility to my list. I felt like I knew her better than the calendar would justify, but there were moments when I couldn’t say I knew her at all. Where was her confidence with Lady Timbrell? I know she is an acquired taste. While forceful and sometimes intrusive, she was also the most loving, kind person I knew. Given some time, Miss Lewis would fall under her spell. With hair as white as snow and more years around the sun than she would likely admit to, Lady Timbrell’s endless energy and enthusiasm for life made her impossible to dislike.
