Page 74 of Aurelia

“Did you need something, Miss Burton?” the earl repeated, making her realize that she’d been staring up at him like a slack-jawed dunce.

“Er, I had some questions about three of the new samples but Arthur answered them.” She had told herself to be grateful for that, too.

“I am glad he could help.”

“And I also wanted to thank you for sending Charles to pick up Miss Clifford yesterday, that was most kind of you. She greatly enjoyed her tour of the castle.”

“You are welcome,” he said, turning his cool gaze toward his son and lifting an eyebrow. “Fancy seeing you here, Guustin. Are you developing an interest in art? Or perhaps you are considering a hobby as a naturalist?”

Guustin’s lips twitched at his father’s arch tone. “I regret to say that I have no talent in either direction, my lord. I came to see Miss Burton’s work and invite her to visit my mother this afternoon.”

If the offer surprised the earl, he did not show it. Instead, he said, “And what paintings did you see?”

“A pink bird, a red ant that is not an ant, and—er…”

“A panther?” the earl guessed with a sardonic look.

“Yes. Quite an impressive animal.”

“Indeed.” His pale blue eye rested broodingly on Aurelia, making her squirm.

And then he turned to his son and said, “Could you come to the library? I just received a letter from the shipyard in Glasgow and wanted to ask you a few questions.” It might have been phrased as a question, but Aurelia could tell Captain Walker knew it for the command it was.

“Yes, of course. I can come right now.”

The earl glanced at Aurelia. “Don’t worry, I shan’t keep him long, Miss Burton.”

Something about the faint curl of his lips made her feel… guilty. Was she doing something wrong talking to Captain Walker? Was he displeased about this visit to his son’s mother?

Aurelia realized the two men were waiting on a response from her and hastily said to Captain Walker, “I need to change into my habit and then I will meet you at the stables.”

“Of course. Shall we say a half hour?”

Aurelia nodded and Captain Walker followed his father from the room.

Twenty-five minutes later Aurelia had finished dressing and was pinning on her hat when the door to her room flew open and Lady Celsa skidded to a halt.

“I’m sorry!” she blurted, and then knocked on the door, giving Aurelia a sheepish grin. “You were late, so I thought we were not going today.” Her eyes flickered over Aurelia’s clothing. “But now I see—”

“I cannot go with you today, my lady,” Aurelia said, picking up her gloves and whip.

“Why not?” Celsa demanded.

“Because your brother invited me to meet his mother and—”

“He’s not my brother!”

“There is no need to raise your voice as I am standing right in front of you,” Aurelia said calmly. “I am sorry for being imprecise. Your half-brother invited me to—”

“He’s not that, either.”

Aurelia opened her mouth to ask her what she meant, but then decided—based on the girl’s scowl—that right now wasn’t a good time to engage in a conversation.

Instead, she said, “I will ride with you tomorrow.” She strode toward the door and looked pointedly at Celsa when the girl continued to block it.

Instead of moving, Celsa crossed her arms and took up even more space. “Don’t act like you don’t know the truth.”

“What truth?”