Effie took a stroll around the room, trying to learn more about Lord Montcrest. But the serious room didn’t reveal any secret passion for animals, sports, or music. The expensive furniture had been likely chosen by someone who had heard about cheerfulness as a passing comment. The brocade drapeswere so heavy they could be used as theatre curtains, and no recent family portraits or still nature hung on the wall.
The only touch of colour was a wooden toy horse on a shelf.
“Lady Vaughan. Lady Euphemia?” Lord Montcrest’s deep voice rose in question as he said her name, but still…it could be interpreted as frightening or accusatory, depending on one’s mood.
His dark suit matched the house and drew attention to his limpid blue eyes. They were such a contrast to the rest of his grim persona that they attracted her attention.
“Good morning, my lord.” She smiled.
Jane gave a nod of her head but kept her gaze on him.
“I didn’t expect your visit.” With his bright golden hair and clear blue eyes, one would expect him to have an angelic look; it couldn’t be further from the truth.
He was anything but angelic. His lines made him handsome, but they were rough, and his stern expression broke the illusion of a celestial appearance.
“I’m here to see Zeus. How is he faring?” she said.
He nearly smiled, but he must have changed his mind because the smile never had the chance to fully develop. “He’s recovered, thanks to your prompt intervention.”
“May I see him?”
Jane slanted her an alarmed look, perhaps because Effie had taken the initiative and not waited for him to offer.
He took his time. His face gave nothing away. “Of course. The stables aren’t far.” He rang the bell.
“Are you enjoying the sunshine?” She waved towards the window.
“Not really. I’m working.” He showed again a fleeting smile.
Jane became suddenly fascinated with a ribbon on her sleeve.
“My lord.” The butler appeared a moment later.
“Harris, I’ll be showing the ladies to the stable. I will be back shortly.”
Harris glanced at her. “Yes, my lord.”
She and Jane followed the marquess out of the house and around it towards the stables in the rear. The stables were essentially part of the house; one of the advantages of being a marquess and having a very large backyard, she guessed.
Jane grimaced as she sidestepped the puddles of mud and dung. “Effie, dear, you know I’m not fond of mud.”
“We’ll be quick.”
“My lord.” A stable hand bowed at his passage as he swept the stable alley.
“My lord.” The groom removed his flat hat to bow.
He acknowledged them both with a few shy nods. Inside the stalls, he turned to Effie. “There’s Zeus.”
At hearing his voice, Zeus lifted his head from the manger and whinnied, relaxing his ears. The change in Lord Montcrest’s face was immediate. A full smile stretched his lips; dimples appeared on his cheeks, and a certain softness appeased the hard lines of his face. If he looked like that all the time, she would swoon.
“He’s in excellent shape.” She caressed Zeus’s muzzle.
“The asafoetida works.” Even his voice sweetened and sounded more excited. “He’s more lively than last night.”
“Good morning,” a young voice said from behind them.
Effie turned around. A boy in riding breeches took off his hat and bowed.
