Her eyes skimmed over the request to call to the school. This was just the beginning of the storm she could not avoid. She would honor his request, but for now, the letter she needed to write to Louisa’s father was much more pressing. And no harm would come to delay the storm for another day.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Puffs of clouds dotted an otherwise clear sky as Louisa stood waiting with Ruth for the arrival of Sir Aaron. After speaking to Mrs. Rutley the previous evening, Louisa had spent a great deal of time contemplating the advice she had received.
What her headmistress said was true. She, Louisa, had not used her marvelous education to demonstrate proper etiquette. How was the knight to learn by her example if she did not do her best? Bombarding Mr. Barker as she had was inappropriate and rash, neither of which depicted ladylike behavior.
Well, she was determined never to do such a thing again.
Today, she and Sir Aaron were to begin their shared quest of selling tickets to the upcoming play. Louisa had never been in this position before. In a way, they would become peddlers of sorts, and that sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. They would begin at Foxly Manor, the home of Lord Walcott, and from there, several others Sir Aaron had arranged. Louisa had written personally to six other households and hoped for favorable replies soon.
“We’re no better than London street urchins hawking their wares,” Ruth mumbled at Louisa’s side. “I thought those days were behind me.”
Louisa turned a shocked look on her friend. “London? I thought your family was from Rochester.”
Ruth tucked a strand of red hair behind an ear. “They were, but we took up residence in London. Why must I be the one to chaperone, Louisa? Listening to the two of you argue is going to drive me mad. I wish Mrs. Garvey had not left.” The last was said so quietly that Louisa was sure it was not meant to be heard.
Mrs. Garvey was one of the hired chaperones no longer employed by Mrs. Rutley. Louisa was glad the woman had found a permanent position. If that woman were sitting beside her rather than Ruth, who knew how much Louisa and Sir Aaron would complete today?
Mrs. Garvey would have been on them like a fly on a middle heap. At least Ruth would allow them some bit of privacy. To discuss their strategies for selling tickets, of course. If they shared in a kiss or two… well, that would be a bonus.
Louisa laughed at Ruth’s mumblings. “I’ve told you. Our days of arguing are over. We’re now working together on a common goal. Otherwise, how will we be successful?”
Ruth’s only response was that irritating arch of a single eyebrow.
Sir Aaron’s dark carriage came trundling up the drive, and when he alighted, Louisa could only stare. Had he taken extra care with his hair? Had his coat received an extra brushing? Not that he was disheveled in the past, but somehow, he seemed more… dashing.
“Ladies,” he said, giving them a bow. “Miss Dunston, were you able to secure an audience with any of the more prominent families who are still in residence?”
Louisa nodded. “Lord Walcott will see us this morning. I’m still waiting for replies from the others. But I have no reason to believe they will refuse.”
Sir Aaron smiled. “Very good. To Foxly Manor.” This was to the driver. “Shall we?” He offered a hand to help her into the carriage, which she took with a mixture of reluctance and excitement. Reluctance because she worried what his touch would do to her, and excitement for the same reason.
As she moved past him, the strong scent of lavender and citrus nearly sent her stumbling up the step. My, but he smelled so wonderful!
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She swallowed hard. “Yes. I’m afraid my skirts got in the way.”
As they settled onto the bench, Louisa studied the man across from her. Why was he smiling at her in that devilish way? And why did she feel as if his eyes could see into her soul? Was he wondering if they would kiss today?
Stop that!she told herself. Today had a specific purpose, and it had nothing to do with how he smelled or whether they would do something they should not. She was now a businesswoman and, therefore, had to set an example. That meant not falling for his charms.
No matter how much she wanted to do so.
The problem was she had no idea how any woman could resist him. Her mind drifted to the kisses they had shared, and a wave of heat washed over her. This was going to be far more difficult than she first believed.
“Your face is flushed, Miss Louisa. Are you ill?”
Louisa started. “Pardon? Oh no, I’m well.” She really did have to keep her mind on why they were together today. “I was considering how to broach the subject of the tickets to Lord Walcott. I’ve known him far longer than you have, so I should be the one to present our plan.”
Sir Aaron laughed. “So, you would like me to remain silent? Yes, I’m sure you’d be pleased if I allowed you to do all the talking at every meeting.”
Louisa gaped at him. How dare he question her motives! Then again, those who make accusations are more likely to be guilty of the offense of which they are accusing others.
Before she could comment, however, he slapped his knee and barked a laugh. “Your temper flares faster than lightning strikes, Miss Dunston. Forgive me, I was only teasing. You’re right. You should be the one to address him first.”
This man could send her emotions bobbing up and down like a ship on a stormy sea! And although he had sent her confidence soaring, she had to make sure they worked together. “After we speak to Lord Walcott, I say you should be the one to speak to the next gentleman. We can take it in turns. Is that fair?”