Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Ashington,” I greeted as his glare met my own amused gaze. I then turned my attention to Miriam Bathurst because, after all, she was why we were gathered here, was she not? “Good morning, Miss Bathurst. You are as breathtaking in the light of day as you are in the moonlight,” I stated, knowing that couldn’t always be said for a lady in society. I’d brought her six yellow roses that I carried in the crook of my left arm but in my right hand, I held the posies I had brought for her aunt. If one wanted to impress the lady then one must flatter the mother, or in this case, the aunt. Wisdom my own mother had shared with me. Not that I had ever truly planned on impressing a lady any further than getting under her skirts.
“You have a beautiful home,” I informed her aunt then held the posies out to her.
She blushed like a debutant and gushed over the flowers. With a slight bow, I then turned to Miss Bathurst and held out the roses, a most unique shade of yellow. They had reminded me of creamy butter and I’d wanted them for her. She was unique and deserved something just so. This might be nothing more than a game for me, but Miriam Bathurst was indeed special.
“For you,” I said.
She smiled sincerely at me for what might be the first time and I realized it was a dangerous weapon. The way her eyes shone with the innocent gesture was almost knee weakening. Had I ever experienced such reaction from a woman’s smile before? This might possibly be treacherous territory that I should tread carefully upon.
“They are lovely,” she said with a softness to her voice. “Thank you.”
For this simple response, I would go buy her every butter yellow rose in London and that I feared was a weakness I could not afford myself. Miss Bathurst was a pawn for me, if my brother chose her for his future wife. Remembering such was important. Although she threatened to make that difficult.
“I didn’t expect to see you out at this hour, paying visits,” Ashington stated with a clear warning in his tone.
Flashing my best jovial grin, I met his glare. “Well, of course, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”
“It’s an honor that both of you chose to pay us a visit this fine morning,” Lady Wellington gushed, drawing our attention from each other and the obvious silent standoff. “Please won’t you both have a seat and I’ll ring for tea. Martha, that is, our cook makes the most mouthwatering biscuits you have ever tasted. They are Miriam’s favorite, aren’t they, honey?”
There was an amused twinkle in Miss Bathurst eyes as she nodded in agreement. Her aunt was obviously American from her accent and the casual way she had called the cook by her first name was no doubt what Miriam found entertaining. Most ladies would be embarrassed or horrified by such a slip but not this one. It was clear she held a fondness for her aunt and I admired that. She was not what my brother would choose for a wife, however, even if her beauty drew him in. Ashington would make sure his countess was as boring and proper as he was.
“Thank you, that is most gracious of you,” I replied when Ashington said nothing.
The over bright smile that showed too many teeth in a very alarming way flashed on Lady Wellington’s face and one couldn’t help but smile in return. It was most amusing. Yet another thing I doubted my brother could accept. A Baron’s niece was not one that would have been raised to become a countess. Especially one who was being introduced into society with an American aunt such as this one.
I moved my gaze to Miriam to see she was still trying hard not to laugh. Her full pink lips were pressed together in a gentle smile, but it was her eyes that gave way the humor she found in the situation. She wasn’t proper at all, and I enjoyed that too much it seemed.
“I imagine you didn’t expect to be visited by both Ashington and myself this morning. At least not at the same time. How, uh, lucky you are,” I said with a smirk on my lips.
A small giggle escaped her and that had been exactly what I’d intended to do. More so for myself than for Ashington. If I were to use a lady in my plans to humiliate my brother then I didn’t want to be fond of the lady. I might find it hard to use her as a pawn if I began to care for her. Miriam Bathurst was indeed a danger. I could care for her too easily. It was now of utmost importance I made sure Ashington chose Miss Ramsbury for his future wife.