Page 31 of The Dreaming Beauty
“You did. But not quite how delightful.” The duke’s eyes met Tansy’s and she froze. Why was he staring at her?
“Now you know.” Mr. Taylor’s words glossed over his brother’s. “Please, ladies, take a seat so I might hear all about how your week has been.”
Tansy slid back into her seat, remaining on the edge. How did one talk in front of a duke? She had been eager to come, and now she was eager to leave. His Grace clearly was not a mind reader, for he traversed the room and took the seat beside her, crossing his legs and extending his arms across the back of the sofa. Her back straightened, and she glanced at Aster for help.
Aster’s eyes widened and her smile tightened, but she did not announce that they should leave. Was no one capable of reading her mind?
“Miss White,” Mr. Taylor started. “Any new projects?”
Daisy looked from His Grace to Mr. Taylor and shook her head, despite the hours she had spent creating all week.
“Ah, I see. I should like to come see your progress on the existing project sometime soon, if that is permissible.”
Daisy ducked her head and did not answer.
Mr. Taylor frowned.
Aster spoke quickly. “We dined with the Farrises Friday last. Are you well acquainted with our mutual neighbors?”
Finally, someone with some conversation.Well done, Aster.
“Yes, they are good people. I am happy to see you have met them. I had hoped to introduce you to them myself this week, but my brother’s surprise return kept me away.”
Aster was quick to reassure him. “You were right to spend time with your brother after such a long absence. The Bellvues were all too happy to extend the introduction when I last ventured to town.”
Tansy now wondered if the Farrises had only extended the invitation after learning of her family’s connections to Mr. Taylor and if they had no desire for any real friendship. Instead of dwelling on the uncomfortable aspects of social circles, however, she pushed it from her mind and attempted to think of something to say next. She was no mute and could carry herself in a conversation. “How was your trip, Your Grace?”
He grinned at her. “A dream. Do you travel much, Miss Tansy?”
“No, not unless you count our journey from York to Whitfield.”
He laughed. “You are a wit, Miss Tansy. But no matter, traveling is not for everyone. What else can you tell me about yourself? Do you ride?”
“Not well.” If she had a horse, she could claim such a skill.
His smile lowered, but the glint of amusement did not fade. “Pray tell, what does Miss Tansy like to do with her time? I should love to know.”
Should she start with the household tasks or her time overseeing Daisy? “I... I...”
“She paints beautifully.”
Tansy looked up to see Mr. Taylor watching her.
“Her likeness of Rose Cottage is stunning,” he added.
His Grace’s smile widened. “You don’t say. I, myself, am an artist.”
She did not have to see his work to know there would be no comparison. “I can hardly claim to be anywhere near as good as you. I have had no formal training.”
“What a shame. We will have to remedy that.”
“Simon—” Mr. Taylor began, but he was cut off.
“Tomorrow. Come to Ashbury Court for your first lesson. And don’t bring a thing. I have an entire room dedicated to my art.”
Tansy hesitated. How should she respond? She had wanted lessons her entire life, but from a duke? It hardly seemed proper. “You are far too busy for me to take up your time, surely.”
“Nonsense. My mother is in New Castle, and until she returns, I refuse to do work for a single minute. That is what my brother is for.”
