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“I am, and of most great works of the English language.” This was his opportunity to espouse his idea. That must be why it pleased him so much to see her, for he could not deny the elevation in his mood. “I spend most every afternoon ensconced in the Temple of the Muses.”
“Truly? I’ve yet to visit. I’ve heard it’s a marvel to behold so many books, organised so adroitly to be located and read at one’s leisure.”
“But you must go, Your Grace. You, especially, would enjoy the experience.”
Her smile faltered slightly.
“Ah, you speak of my rumoured love of reading.”
He nodded. “Is that not the case? I don’t normally give much credence to rumour, but thought surely one so harmless could only be true.”
Were it not, he must simply get her to the Muses and show her the glory to behold in such a collection of books, and her interest would immediately be sparked.
“Oh, yes, certainly I enjoy reading, but perhaps I might become more diverse in my pursuits. I thought, maybe, the pianoforte.”
Her eyes shone silver at the mention of the instrument.
“You enjoy music?” he asked.
“Passionately.”
He wondered that the gossip pages hadn’t fixated on that, for her enthusiasm transformed her to even greater beauty so notably, none could miss the change.
“Still, we agree reading is important.”
“We do.” She placed light fingers on his sleeve, sending warmth through him. “And if it is terribly important to you, then certainly it is to me.”
Samuel swallowed. Her eyes were so hopeful, yet her demeanour somehow tentative. Almost as if she would welcome… He shook his head slightly, to dispel madness.
“Yes, ah, books are important, and London requires a library, Your Grace.”
Her hand slipped from his arm. “Are there not several?”
He pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Indeed, but all with paid membership. I wish to establish a free library, where anyone can be a member and enjoy the loan of works. I’d hoped the idea could be introduced to your brother by marriage, Mr. Mclintock. He’s well known for his dedication to bettering the circumstances of London’s poorest.”
“Oh.” She frowned. “Yes. I can certainly mention the idea.”
“You think me forward in the request.”
“No.”
“Yet, you’re displeased,” he pressed, unable to bear the disappearance of her smile.
She gave a little shrug, lips taking on a wry twist.
“I suppose I hoped you enjoyed speaking with me for my sake, not for my connections.” She shrugged again and started to turn away.
He couldn’t let her depart while thinking such things. He caught her arm, then stared down at the softest skin he’d ever felt. She raised her eyebrows, cheeks pink.
“Mr. Carmichael?”
Samuel snatched his hand away.
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but you must know, I do enjoy speaking with you, regardless of your connections.”
She turned back fully. “That’s kind of you to say.”
“Forget I mentioned the library.”
