Elmore cleared his throat, willing those thoughts away. It also had the unfortunate effect of drawing Aurora's attention to him; and her gaze fluttered down to the notebook.
"Oh," she muttered, "that's me."
"It is." He should have felt embarrassment at being caught, he mused, and yet Elmore didn't care.
Not when Aurora's eyes widened with intrigue, and she leaned forward for a better look. Her lips formed a delicate smile.
"It's an excellent likeness," she commented, "you've got my hair perfectly. Those eyes, they need work though."
Elmore only bit back a laugh, because of course she would have found the only issue. Still, it was an almost-compliment, and he was more than willing to accept.
He stood then, brushing down his trousers. "Would you like to go, then?" he asked, "I don't wish to keep you, but I would like to see the rest of the garden."
She turned to face the way they had come, past the wildflowers and towards the side of the house.
"I don't see why not," she agreed, "but not too long. Father will be home soon, and our conference with the Duke is close."
"Ah, yes. We're well prepared, don't you think?"
Her smile wavered. "I hope so. We've done all we can."
Elmore felt her insecurity, but it only strengthened his resolve. "We're doing a good thing, I'm sure that his Grace will see that. Now, could I perhaps see the herb garden again?"
Hesitant laughter spilled from her lips, and it was lovely. "Of course."
Chapter 18
Aurora Washam
Two days later, it was time for the official presentation to the Duke of Stonehull. Aurora and her father spent the entire morning preparing, and Aurora was ashamed to admit that she spent more time than necessary just on choosing what to wear. It had to be pretty but not too extravagant. Respectable, but not dull. They all had to make the proper impression, and given that she was the only one whom the Duke had never met before...well, it didn't do to look a mess.
Given the fact that she was to present the idea as her own, she had to look the part as well.
Eventually, she chose a dark blue dress with cropped sleeves and a modest neckline. It wasn't as colorful as her usual choices, like her favorite pink gown or the bright yellow she had worn last summer, but it was plain enough not to attract attention while still expensive enough to make her appear put-together.
Dressed now, Aurora returned downstairs to find Father in the sitting room with Lord Winters at her side.
"Lord Winters," she greeted, "you're here early."
When she had seen him drawing her on Tuesday, it had brought up some uncomfortable feelings. Naively, she had hoped that two days apart would have allowed her time to sort through those thoughts. Yet seeing him now, sitting casually in her favorite armchair with his arm thrown across the side, she felt a flutter in her chest that couldn't be ignored.
"Your father suggested that we should all go together," he replied. As always, he was oblivious to her thoughts. "So I brought my carriage along for us to ride in."
Carriage? Her stomach twisted, and she prayed that it was something simple. She didn't want to turn up in something lavish, because then the Duke would think they were trying to upstage him. At least, that seemed like a thing a duke would think.
"It was kind of him, no?" Father asked. He was wearing his best waistcoat and tie, a dark grey that contrasted the lightness of his hair. He was fiddling with his cufflinks now, the last touch to the outfit.
Of course, Lord Winters looked as excellent as ever, a thought that made Aurora frown. Aurora wasn’t even sure why she cared what he looked like.
Yes, he was attractive enough, but it wasn't as if that was her business.
She was far more concerned about the upcoming conference, and what it entailed. It was the moment of truth; both for whether the Duke would allow them to continue,andfor whether Lord Winters was genuine in his desire to collaborate.
He isn't Christopher,she reminded herself; yet the risk of him becoming so was too great to bear.
Once the group was ready, they set off in Lord Winters' carriage. It was plain grey, nothing like the gaudy horrors she had imagined; but it was still comfortable and spacious inside.
Father and Lord Winters were happy to chat amongst themselves, leaving Aurora to think alone.