Page 25 of The Dreaming Beauty
Miss Bellvue frowned, turning her exquisite face into an unbecoming pout. “It is not like you to use flattery, Mr. Taylor. I do not think it suits you.”
“It isn’t flattery if it is the truth.” He smiled at Aster and Iris and even Daisy, and a small part of Tansy’s heart warmed. He did not need to defend her family, nor should he, but it was the sort of kindness a person appreciated most.
Mrs. Bellvue gave her daughter a sympathetic pat on her shoulder. “Surely professors see the world in a way we cannot quite understand.”
“I am sure you are right, Mama. I would never question Mr. Taylor’s intelligence. I cannot wait to see this Rose Cottage for myself.”
“It isn’t quite ready for company,” Aster said, an unusual pink touching her face. “We are still redecorating.” Tansy knew there were no plans or funds for redecorating beyond the new rugs they’d purchased. At least, no plans in the near future.
“I know what a ghastly undertaking that can be,” Mrs. Bellvue said. “I refurbished my drawing room last year, and it took months to import our furniture.”
“Import?” Iris made a noise that sounded like she was choking.
Mr. Taylor cleared his throat, effectively covering up the noise. “I am sorry I missed your visit last week.”
Miss Bellvue smiled appreciatively. “But it was so good of you to help your brother’s tenants. We understand your absence completely.”
Tansy almost choked herself over Miss Bellvue’s sickly sweet tones and the misrepresentation about Mr. Taylor’s time. In truth, he had spent more time at Rose Cottage than with any tenants. What would Miss Bellvue think about that?
Daisy shifted restlessly beside her, which gave Tansy ample reason to end their conversation with their opinionated acquaintances.
“We will be there tomorrow, Mr. Taylor,” Mrs. Bellvue assured him. “And we will bring you those lovely strawberry tarts you adore.”
“Thank you. I shall be home to receive you this time.”
Tansy caught Aster’s eye and motioned to the road with her head.
Aster gave a subtle nod. “It was so nice meeting you both, but we really ought to start our walk home.”
“You walked?” Mr. Taylor blurted. “I mean, of course you walked on such a beautiful day. But I must, as a gentleman, insist on bringing you home in my carriage.”
“If they want to walk, you must let them,” Miss Bellvue said.
“But we don’t,” Iris insisted. “I did not get my usual nap during the service, and I find I could benefit from a ride.”
Tansy grimaced. She opened her mouth to object, but Mr. Taylor spoke first. “There you have it. Mrs. Palmer is fatigued. Excuse me, Mrs. Bellvue, Miss Bellvue. I shall see you tomorrow. Do extend my greetings to Mr. Bellvue.”
From her aunts’ satisfied grins to the Bellvues’ surprised faces, Tansy nearly groaned out loud from embarrassment. She loved her family, truly she did, but many times over the years she had thought she would die from awkwardness.
Mr. Taylor put his arm out to Aster, who readily accepted it. Iris followed, and Tansy pulled Daisy after them. Of course, Daisy started counting the horses, and they lagged behind the others. Once at the carriage, Mr. Taylor helped them all inside. Tansy was last to ascend, but Mr. Taylor put his hand on her arm to stop her. His touch made every muscle in her body freeze.
“Mrs. Wood just agreed to bring you all to dinner on Tuesday. What was that you were saying the other day about not coming to visit?”
Tansy’s muscles thawed starting with her brow, and she quickly narrowed her eyes. “You must have manipulated the situation.”
Amusement flickered across his face. “What situation?”
Tansy lowered her voice to a whisper. “They were uncomfortable after meeting your friends. You know that.”
“Perhaps, but you seem to be the only one uncomfortable now. Your aunts like me. Perhaps you should follow suit.”
She drew back. Like him? He couldn’t mean in a romantic sense. He made a decent friend, but that was all she could allow. “Tuesday, you say? I can only hope she will come to her senses before then.” She bypassed his hand and climbed into the carriage, not missing his soft chuckle. The carriage interior—a blue velvet—was fine indeed, and the seats were wider than she could’ve imagined. She had been in a number of carriages before, but this was by far the finest.
Sinking back into the seat, she told herself to relax. At least they would not be walking home. Her attempt at positivity faded as soon as she thought it. Riding away in Mr. Taylor’s carriage while the entire parish watched would give everyone the wrong idea. But what was she to do about it? As much as she wanted to put up boundaries between her family and Mr. Taylor, it would be difficult if he kept trying to win them over with his generosity.
He pulled himself inside and took the seat next to her. She quickly moved over and squished Daisy against the wall to make room for his long legs and broad upper body. Even with her knees tucked away from him, his hip and much of his thigh touched hers, causing a tingling all the way down to her toes.
The carriage lurched forward, and Mr. Taylor’s arm pinned hers to the seat. Her breath caught, and heat flooded her cheeks. Suddenly she could not think straight. Mr. Robinson had never affected her this way—nor had any other man.
