Page 4 of How to Enchant a Viscount
She hesitated only a moment before replying, “I doubt that will be necessary, my lord.”
His grin widened. “And yet, I think it will be.”
Maeve shook her head and turned away, making her way toward the celebration. Yet as she walked, she was acutely aware of his gaze following her, of the lingering amusement in his expression. Lord Pemberton was trouble and she had a feeling she had not seen the last of him.
Two
Brooks rolled out of bed with a groan. He had decided to stay at Thornridge’s estate a bit longer than he had originally planned, and it had everything to do with a certain lady. She had never given him her name, but that had not been necessary. He knew exactly who she was and intended to use the knowledge he had of her to become more acquainted with her. Lady Maeve Thompson was a beautiful and intriguing woman. She had seemed almost morose at her sister’s wedding. Oh, it had not been evident to all around her, but he was far more discerning than most. She had done an admiral job of hiding it with her false smiles, but he saw through her façade.
He did not doubt she was happy for her twin sister, but she was also not completely joyful at her sister’s new status. Was it because they were twins? Did she not want to be separated from her sister or was it deeper than that? He could not say just with a glance. Hence, why he had decided to remain at the ducal estate. That had surprised Thornridge, but he had not told Brooks he had to leave. There was no reason why one of his oldest friends would ever have done that. They were too close and knew each other too well to deny each other anything.
So it did not matter that it was out of character for Brooks to want to remain in the country or that he often preferred the excitement that the ton offered. Thornridge would not pry. At least not initially. If he started to act even more strangely, then he might ask a few pointed questions. Which meant that Brooks would have to proceed carefully. He did not want an inquiry because he found a young miss interesting.
He sighed and walked over to the large window and drew open the heavy drapes. Sunlight streamed into the room and bathed him in warmth. He frowned as he stared outside. If he wanted to learn more about Lady Maeve Thompson he would have to leave the room, and venture outdoors. The problem was he had no idea how to accidentally intercept the woman. If he paid a call on her it would be too obvious. How had Kendal courted his wife? Surely he had not started by using regular visits. Not that Kendal wasn’t at all proper, but he knew that their courtship had been far from the norm.
Brooks moved away from the window and prepared for the day. He pondered his dilemma as he dressed and then pulled on his Hessians. He supposed he could always go for a ride. That would help clear away his musings and help him to form a plan. Thornridge had a fine estate and some wonderful horses he could choose from.
Once he was dressed, Brooks strode down to the stables, greeting the grooms with an easy nod. He selected a fine chestnut gelding, a strong and swift animal that would serve him well for a morning ride. As he swung into the saddle, he had no real destination in mind—only the vague hope that he might happen upon Lady Maeve somewhere along the way.
He had observed her enough to know she enjoyed solitude, often slipping away from the crowd whenever she could manage it. She was not like the usual young ladies of the ton, who preened and fluttered about in search of admiration. No, Lady Maeve had an air of quiet contemplation about her, a mind that seemed always occupied with something deeper than idle gossip. That, more than her beauty, had captured his attention.
He guided his horse along one of the paths that led toward the wilder edges of the estate. It was a glorious morning, the sky a brilliant blue with only a few wisps of clouds stretching lazily across the horizon. The scent of fresh grass and wildflowers filled the air, and the rhythmic sound of his horse’s hooves against the damp earth was almost meditative.
Then, in the distance, he spotted her.
Lady Maeve stood atop a small rise near a grove of trees, her back to him as she gazed toward the horizon. A wooden easel was propped in front of her, and even from where he sat, he could see the broad strokes of her brush against the canvas.
Brooks halted his horse, considering his approach. If he startled her, she might disappear before he had a chance to speak with her. And while he had no qualms about pursuing a woman, he preferred the chase to be a fair one—not one in which the lady bolted before the game had even begun. Slowly, he dismounted, tying his horse to a nearby tree before making his way toward her. He did not bother to soften his steps; he wanted her to hear him coming, to give her the opportunity to decide if she would tolerate his presence or not.
As he neared, Maeve turned her head slightly, though she did not look directly at him. "I assume you are here for a reason, Lord Pemberton," she said, her tone laced with wry amusement.
Brooks grinned. "You wound me, my lady. Can I not simply be enjoying a morning ride and stumble upon a delightful bit of scenery?"
She turned then, arching a single, skeptical brow. "Is that so?"
He spread his hands in a show of innocence. "Truly. And yet, I must say, this view has become infinitely more interesting since I arrived."
Maeve rolled her eyes but did not seem truly displeased. She lifted her brush once more, her gaze shifting back to her work. "I should think you have seen far grander sights in London," she mused. "Surely, I do not compare to the glittering jewels of the ton."
His lips twitched as he studied her. He liked her. Far too much, but he would not think about that now. He had found her and it had taken little effort on his part. Perhaps fate had wanted them to cross paths. Brooks was grateful, whatever the reason was, that he had been able to stumble upon her.
"Ah, but you see, Lady Maeve, I find glittering jewels terribly dull," he countered, stepping closer. "They are lovely, yes, but they all catch the light in the same way. You, on the other hand, have an air of mystery about you. And I do enjoy a mystery."
She stilled for the briefest moment before continuing her brushstrokes. "And here I thought you preferred frivolity," she said lightly. He studied her painting and found she had some talent. He wished he could see more of her renderings. Especially if they were as excellent as her current work.
Brooks chuckled. "A man can have many layers, my lady."
"Indeed?" She finally looked at him fully, her gaze assessing. "And what, pray tell, are your layers, Lord Pemberton?"
He grinned. "If I revealed all my secrets at once, where would be the fun in that?"
She shook her head, returning her focus to the canvas. "I suspect you are a terrible rogue."
Of course, he was and it was prudent of her to take notice. He was not against using his skills to gain her attention. "Only when the situation calls for it."
A hint of a smile touched her lips, though she did not look at him again. "Well, my lord, unless you have any pressing matters to discuss, I fear you are interrupting my work."
"Ah, but what if I wish to commission a painting?" he asked smoothly. "A piece to remember this very moment." It was nonsense of course. He had not even know she painted when he had decided to find her. This was just a serendipitous opportunity and he was not above seizing it for his personal gain.
