Page 10 of One Night of Surrender
Cole dropped his chin and regarded Val as if he were mad or an idiot or both.“You really want to debate semantics?I know better than anyone how Louisa tortured you, how deservedly bitter you are, but this is Isabelle.Surely she is different.”
Surely.The only thing Val was sure of was that he wasn’t going to open himself up to heartache again.Not to recapture a spectacular night.Not for anything.
“Once again spoken like a man whose happy future is secure.”Val lifted his mug.“Let us drink to that.”
“What are we toasting?”The voice belonged to Jack Barrett, who’d just arrived at their table.
“Cole’s happiness,” Val said.“Sit.We’re drinking Cole’s latest recipe.”
Cole waved the barmaid over as Jack sat down at the table.
“I hope it’s bitter as hell,” Jack said wearily.“I need something to wash away the day I’ve had.It’s a bloody tempest in the Commons since the attack on the Prince Regent.”As the conversation turned to matters concerning the country, Cole slid Val a look that clearly communicated he’d be standing by should Val need him.
But Val wouldn’t need him.He didn’t need anyone.
CHAPTER 4
On the third day of their stay at Val’s town house, Isabelle allowed herself to feel a modicum of relief.She’d steadfastly avoided their host and, because of her efforts, hadn’t seen him since he’d barged into her room that first night.
Every morning, she dined in the breakfast room with the girls, where they also had luncheon, and in between, they conducted schoolwork in the library, which was every bit as spectacular as Isabelle had imagined.She’d stayed up far too late the past two nights readingWaverleyand, as they finished breakfast, was eager to see what other delights she might find today.
“Shall we repair to the library?”Isabelle asked the girls.
Before they could respond, their father came into the breakfast room with a broad smile.“I hope you don’t have anything planned for lessons this afternoon, Mrs.Cortland.The dowager duchess is coming to take the girls—and you—shopping.”
Beatrice squealed with delight, while Caroline’s reaction was far more reserved.“What about Gunter’s?”Caroline asked.
“The trip will include a stop at Gunter’s after you’ve finished on Bond Street.I will meet you there, and I may even have a surprise.”He winked at them, and the girls erupted into excited chatter.
Isabelle exhaled with resignation.Getting them to attend to their studies this morning was going to require a great deal of effort.“Come, girls, we’ve Latin and mathematics to conquer before our excursion.”
It was as if she’d thrown a bucket of frigid water on both of them as they wilted and trudged from the breakfast room.Lord Barkley smiled as they walked past, oblivious to the difficulty he’d just caused.He was a kind father, but rather obtuse when it came to managing his children.
He handed Isabelle a purse.“Make sure you purchase something small for the girls—as well as for yourself.”He looked at the cap atop her head.“Perhaps a new frippery.”
“Thank you, my lord.”She took the small pouch and tucked it into her apron pocket where she kept a pencil and scraps of paper.
After a frustrating morning during which the girls could barely contain their excitement and a luncheon at which they ate next to nothing, Isabelle was more than ready to set the girls free.In fact, if she could have sent them along with the dowager and remained behind, she might have done so.
Was that because she was weary after the long morning, or because she was nervous to meet Val’s grandmother?Isabelle chose not to answer that and decided to stop asking herself such foolish questions.
Isabelle and the girls waited in the entrance hall for the dowager’s arrival.However, when the door opened, it wasn’t an older woman who came inside, but a young woman, probably five years Isabelle’s junior.
“Good afternoon!”she said brightly from beneath a wide-brimmed hat topped with a cluster of scarlet flowers and an orange feather.Her gown was a pale yellow and flowed from beneath her red pelisse.With vibrant golden hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a bow-shaped mouth, she had to be Val’s sister.
“I’m Lady Viola,” she said, confirming Isabelle’s suspicion.“Grandmama is in the coach—she didn’t want to get out only to have to get back in again—but I wanted to come and greet you.I’m so pleased to take you on an excursion today, even if the weather is going to be difficult.”By that, Isabelle presumed she meant the rain, which had been falling off and on all day.
Isabelle was secretly delighted to finally meet Val’s sister.“We’re pleased to meet you.Allow me to present Miss Spelman and Miss Caroline.”
Lady Viola looked down at Beatrice, who was only a couple of inches shorter than her, and at Caroline.“It’s lovely to make your acquaintance.”Then she transferred her warm gaze to Isabelle.“And you must be their governess.Mrs.Cortland, is it?”
Heat rushed to Isabelle’s cheeks as she realized she’d forgotten to introduce herself.“Yes.”She hastened to curtsey and gave the girls a sharp glance to remind them to do the same.
Beatrice comported herself beautifully, while Caroline lost her balance and had to steady herself lest she fall over.
“Well done!”Lady Viola said.“Shall we be on our way?”
“Yes, please,” Beatrice said politely but with an undercurrent of desperate excitement.
