Page 36 of Almost a Countess

Trevor eyed him, seemed to think overhis words, then shook his head. “She does seem much changed sincethe winter. More self-assured, certainly, and bolder than I’ve everseen her.” He sipped his drink, his face pensive. “When I knew herin the fall and winter, she was extremely docile.”

A snort of laughter erupted from Finn.“Docile is definitely no’ a word I would ever use tae describe MissHarper, my lord.”

“I’m beginning to seethat.” Lord Trevor shifted his tall frame from one foot to theother and regarded Finn with a little less hostility and a bit morecuriosity. “Lieutenant Scarlet told me you are accused of treason.However, Miss Harper says it is a much less serious crime. Can youtell me—”

A sudden flurry of activity and anactual shriek from Lady Trevor stopped Trevor’s inquiryflat.

“What the devil?” Trevorput down his drink. “Violet, are you quite all right?”

“Yes, my dear. Pay us nomind.” His wife was now laughing with Dora.

What the deuce was going on? He andTrevor exchanged a glance, Trevor rolled his eyes, then they turnedback to their drinks and conversation.

****

“Dora!” Violet let out alittle shriek that drew the immediate attention of Finn andTris.

After they reassured the gentlemen,the men went back to their conversation and Violet put her armthrough Dora’s and pulled her close. “My dear, what are yousaying?”

Fire brushed her cheeks, and Doraresisted the urge to fan them lest she draw more attention from theothers. “That may not be the proper word for what I want, Violet.But I know nothing about courtship, and I need to know what I cando to make Finn desire me. The way Tris desires you.”

Violet pursed her lips. “You motherdidn’t teach you how to attract a gentleman’sattention?”

Shaking her head, Dora frowned. “I wasbetrothed to Tris from my seventh birthday. I guess she thought Ididn’t need to know such things since we all knew who I was goingto marry. It’s putting me at a distinct disadvantage now.” Shecocked her head. “Did your mother teach you?”

To her surprise, Violet blushed asdeeply as Dora had. “My mother died when I was quiteyoung.”

“But you did learn fromsomeone, didn’t you? You made Tris fall in love withyou.”

“That was a very differentthing, Dora.” Her friend looked so uncomfortable Dora began toregret asking her. “We met under trying circumstances thatcontributed to our falling in love.”

“I would consider findinga fugitive on a creek bank who could be arrested at any momenttrying circumstances as well.” Dora hadn’t meant to soundbelligerent, especially when Violet’s words actually gave her hope.“I beg your pardon, Violet. I didn’t mean to snap at you, but I’msimply at a loss for what to do.”

“Do you affect him thatstrongly, my dear? I know you said you are drawn to him, butmarriage is a serious commitment. He is almost a stranger toyou.”

“But he doesn’t feel likea stranger, Violet. That is the thing.” How could she explain thefeelings she had whenever she and Finn talked or laughed together?Like she had found her home after years of fruitless searching. “Heis like discovering a piece of music you can play perfectly becauseit is so much a part of you.”

“Oh, my dear.” Violethugged her, and Dora thanked God once more that her friend washere. “I hope Lord Aberfoyle knows what a treasure he has in you.He will not deserve you, but if he truly loves you, that may beenough.”

“But how do I discover ifhe has any tender feelings for me at all?” That was the crux of theproblem. She knew her own feelings quite well but had no idea if hereturned her affections to any degree.

“As you said, you mustspend more time with him. If he has any inkling he is interested inyou, he will wish to be alone with you as well.” Nodding, Violettook up her tea. “Therefore, we must arrange for you two to go onan outing tomorrow.”

“Just the two of us?” Amore exciting prospect Dora could not imagine.

“I know you should have achaperone, but as that ship has sailed already, I do not think youneed stand on ceremony.” Frowning, Violet held her teacup raised ina thoughtful pose. “Dancing is one of the most romantic activities,but alas we have no balls to attend until much later, and that willbe in London in any case. The next most romantic thing I can thinkof is a picnic.”

“A picnic.” A vision ofher and Finn sprawled on a plush blanket in a bucolic setting,eating delicious little sandwiches, cookies, and cakes rose beforeher. Could there be a more perfect backdrop for them to come toknow each other better? She sat up, all excitement. “Can it bearranged?” She shot a look over at the gentlemen, who seemed to begetting on rather better. “Tris will not wish for me to go andcertainly not without a chaperone.”

Violet patted her arm. “You preparefor the picnic. Invent some pretext for Lord Aberfoyle to accompanyyou. Let me worry about Tris.” Her smile was secret and knowing.“When the need is great, there are always ways to distract agentleman.”

Chapter 15

Excitement made Dora’s steps unusuallylight on the staircase next morning as she came down to breakfast.Violet had promised her time alone with Finn, a chance to see iftheir attraction might be mutual. It wouldn’t be easy to steal timeto allow their acquaintance to ripen, but Dora had faith in herfriend. If anyone could get Tris out of the way, it was hiswife.

The breakfast room was empty, eventhough it was already ten o’clock, the usual time the meal wasserved. With so many guests this morning, Dora had instructed Mrs.McComber to serve it in warming pans from the sideboard so everyonecould help themselves. She took a plate and began to fill it. Shedidn’t wish to eat overmuch if there was to be a picnic thatafternoon, but the dishes smelled heavenly, and her mouth watered.By the time she returned to her seat at the long walnut table, herplate was piled high. She’d never eat all of this, but she’d make astart, at least. “James, I shall require a large pot of tea,please.”

Dora had actually finished most of herbreakfast when Violet entered, looking well rested andvery…satisfied.