Page 51 of The Mistletoe Countess
Brandon’s expression flickered with surprise for a second and returned to its controlled posture. Hopefully Grace recognized the res-ervation of the staff as wholly English, but Frederick knew they were on their guard, anxious that the new Countess of Astley might prove as tedious and unmanageable as the last. Or as difficult as his mother. Since Grandmama’s death, there had been very few kindhearted ladies of the house, and never one so very…ebullient.
“I hope you rested well after the events of the evening.”
“I did, I think.” Her gaze rose to his as she reached for a strawberry. “And I was happy to see you kept your promise.”
His promise? At the twinkle in her eyes, understanding dawned. Sleeping beside her.
“I am a man of my word, Lady Astley.”
“I’m glad to hear it, my lord, for I am very fond of words.”
She took in a deep breath and adjusted her serviette in her lap, glancing about the room as she did. Did she notice the peeling wallpaper? Or the wooden trim in need of repair? Or the uneven tilt of one of the sconces?
“I think this is the best breakfast room I’ve ever seen.”
He paused his glass to his lips and stared at her. The woman with a silver-lining view. He’d gotten much more than he deserved or anticipated in this botched contract-turned-hopeful-beginning. His chest expanded with a strange sense of gratitude that nearly brought him to tears. What in heaven’s name was wrong with him?
“What an excellent use of morning light.” She gestured toward the glass doors at the end of the room. “And do those lead out onto a terrace?”
“With a fine prospect of the river and hills beyond.”
“There’s so much to discover, isn’t there?” She glanced about again, absently raising her glass to her lips before turning her attention back to him. “What do you like best about Havensbrooke?”
He lowered his glass to the table and sat back, pondering the novel question. “Well, I…” He looked to Brandon, who only raised a dark brow in response. “I love the memories I have of my grandparents here, as well as other things.”
She rested her chin on one hand and wiggled her brows at him. “Like?”
He enjoyed her playful prodding so much that he refused to sully the moment by correcting her posture. “Like the gardens, especially when they are in good shape. And the Great Hall, as you well know. There’s a room beneath one of the back stairways where Grandfather and I stored wooden bric-a-brac we’d attempt to create on our own, though neither of us knew much of woodworking.”
Her wrinkled-nosed grin encouraged more.
“Grandfather had a tree house built for me once. I don’t even know if it’s still standing.” He hadn’t thought of it in years. “My grandmother and I used to take a walk up the hillside to the vista and talk of stories and history and God. It’s a special place to me. And I love the east wing with its turrets and morning light. I’m actually rather pleased at the notion of moving our sleeping quarters back to that portion of the house. The third-floor observation balcony points toward the west for the best views of sunset.”
“I want to see all of it.” She sighed, turning back to her breakfast. “Every place.”
“Why?”
“First of all, I think the more time we spend in your sunny memories, the more strength we’ll possess to combat against the more shadowy present.” She took a sip of her tea. “And if they’re important to you, I imagine I’ll find them charming too. Each place will teach me more about you, and I want to know you best of all. It’s what special friends do, you know.”
Special friends.He’d never imagined anyone wanting to know about such treasured and intimate things, but why did he keep expecting Grace to follow some prescript pattern? Nothing about her fit anything he’d ever imagined. “I would like to share them with you.”
“Should we start today? Perhaps with the vista? Or the gardens?”
His hope deflated. “I’m sorry, darling, but I’ve been called away.” He slid the telegram toward her.
“But we only arrived.” She read over the paper, her face brightening. “Would the inspector need my testimony too? I can take very good note of details sometimes, especially during life-threatening moments.”
Brandon’s head shot up.
“I believe my account and Patton’s should suffice, and I need to attend to a bit of estate business while I am there, but Mrs. Powell and Elliott will be happy to assist you while I’m away.”
His reassurance failed to resurrect her smile. The choice was unfortunate in timing, but he’d not wait another day without putting this plan into motion for her…and for his peace of mind. “But I do have a very special place to show you that may keep you duly occupied during my absence.”
Her frown deepened. “Please tell me it doesn’t involve finding toilets or evading spiteful dowagers.”
Brandon coughed.
“Not at all.” He cleared his throat to cover his desire to laugh. “It’s more to your particular tastes, I believe. When you’re finished with breakfast, I’ll show you.”
