"A presentation, to show what we plan to do and outline some kind of timeline of events. We'll have to make it sound appealing, emphasize the medicinal properties and how it will be useful not just to us, but others as well."
Aurora bit the inside of her cheek. Truthfully, she hadn't thought of this when she had suggested this plan — out of all of the possible issues, she had never expected to be shut down before they could even start.
Another deep breath, and Aurora felt the tension lessen. Well, it lessened enough that she wasn't clenching her hands tight enough to hurt, at least.
Lord Winters must have sensed her discomfort because his expression softened. He went as if to reach out, before dropping his hand awkwardly into his lap.
"If we prepare well enough, His Grace will have no choice but to agree. Don't you think?"
A duke can do as he pleases,was what Aurora wanted to say. Instead, she forced a smile that spoke of false confidence.
"I believe we'll be just fine," Father said firmly. Firmly enough, that Aurora wasn't sure he actually believed it. "I work for His Grace, and I can assure you he's a reasonable man. If Her Grace chooses to attend too, I'm sure that she will see the good this project could do as well."
Although Father worked for them, Aurora had never met the Duke and Duchess in person before. She had never been allowed on the grounds and never thought to ask, considering it was her father's workplace. The thought of visiting now, of meeting them under such circumstances, inspired little excitement.
"You will be fine," Father reassured when he caught her eye. "We all will. Now, I'm afraid to say that I have work to attend to, so I must be off."
Aurora paled. "I thought you had today off?"
His look was embarrassed, as he stood from behind the desk. "Yes, well, as the Duke's staff, a day off doesn't really exist. I'm sorry, Aurora."
She floundered for a response. "We have so much to do," she countered, "and it isn't proper for Lord Winters and me to be alone."
"I put you in charge of the project, dear. What did you expect to happen?" Father asked. “Besides, the two of you are far too attached to your work to attempt anythingimproper.”
The joke made Elmore smile.
All right, so she hadn't thought about it too much. She had been purposefully not thinking about it, in fact, because such thoughts led to dangerous places.
Yet, Lord Winters appeared delighted as he stood to see Father out. "I think this will be a great opportunity to discuss what needs done," he said brightly, "and to see how we get on, just us two."
The arguments died in Aurora's throat. There was no sense in fighting this, she knew, because it had to be done. Father had to work, and they couldn't afford to wait until the one hour or two that he was free, to attempt real work.
Sinking into her chair, Aurora admitted defeat. "All right," she said softly, "Lord Winters and I will continue our discussion without you, Father."
Father was already at the study door, fixing his cuffs and glancing amicably between Aurora and Lord Winters. It was a look that saidI know something you don't,but there was no malice in it. Father didn't have a single malicious thought in him.
"Now, I should be back by seven o'clock, please do keep me updated on your progress."
Aurora wished to sink into her chair and disappear, but she forced herself to nod and smile.
"Good! I will see you tonight, Aurora."
"Goodbye, Father. Lord Winters."
He saw himself outside, giving a soft wave as he passed the study window to the stables. He usually rode to the Duke's manor by the country roads, which was quicker than attempting to maneuver the busy streets of London.
She watched him vanish around the side of the house, her heart dropping once the last of him slipped out of sight. Now, it was just her and Lord Winters.
She settled behind Father's desk, at the spot he had vacated. It felt right, somehow, since she was put in charge. The enormous seat was more like an armchair that one suited for a desk, stacked with fluffy pillows. Aurora sank into them with a sigh, and placed her hands on the desk.
"All right," she said, taking in a breath. Why was she nervous now?
Lord Winters hadn't moved from his window seat; his legs crossed neatly at the ankles, his hands were clasped on his knee, and he looked every bit the elegant Earl he was.
Aurora, she was sure, must have looked a mess in comparison. Her unruly curls never stayed in their braids or buns, and her entire body thrummed with tension. She had never been put together like some of the London girls, who all wore the latest fashion and never allowed a hair out of place.
Not that Aurora cared, obviously. What did she have to impress Lord Winters for? He would either take her seriously or he wouldn't, and putting on nice lipstick or whatever else wasn't going to do anything to help.