A Study In Seduction(115)

“I’d be pleased to explain it in more detail, my lord, if you would—”

“Never mind, Lady Northwood.” Rushton waved his hand in dismissal. “I’ll take your and Dr. Sigley’s word for it.”

“Very wise, Lord Rushton.” Mrs. Boyd nodded her approval.

Lydia caught Alexander’s eye from across the room, as he sat playing a game with Jane. He winked at her. She smiled, her heart filling with so much love, so much gratitude, that she felt as if she were swimming in radiance.

For so long, her soul had been tight, crumpled, like a piece of clean white paper crushed into a ball. But now every time she sensed Alexander’s warm gaze on her, every time he touched her, she felt herself unwrapping, smoothing out. Releasing.

“Lydia, did Alexander tell you one of the most prominent mathematicians in St. Petersburg is a woman?” Talia asked. “You ought to meet her straightaway.”

“Our brother Darius might be acquainted with her,” Sebastian said as Alexander and Jane approached the group around the hearth. “He’s not a very social sort, but he knows a number of people. You will not lack for companionship.”

“Perhaps he might provide you with the names of suitable piano teachers so Jane might continue her lessons,” Mrs. Boyd said.

“Must I?” Jane made it sound as if her grandmother had asked her to dig a well. Sebastian grinned.

“Knowing Darius, he’s more likely to want to discuss insect species with you.” Talia gave Jane a smile. “I plan to visit you there as well. Are you looking forward to the trip?”

“Oh, yes.” Jane brightened. “I’ve always wanted to travel, you know, but we’ve only been as far as Brighton. This will be tremendously exciting. And Lord Rushton has agreed to take care of my fern while we’re away.”

The happy anticipation in her daughter’s voice made Lydia’s heart sing. She tightened her arm around Jane. Just a short time ago, she would not have imagined possible a future of hope and promise and freedom. A future in which she could be Jane’s mother in every sense of the word, could give the girl everything Lydia never had.

Over the past two weeks, a lovely calm had settled over Lydia’s soul, secured by the knowledge of her and Alexander’s love and devotion. And somehow, too, by the knowledge that this life on which she was poised to embark was the life her own parents would wish for her.

A life in which she would never be alone again.

“We will likely return to London in a few years’ time.” Alexander put his hand on Lydia’s shoulder and squeezed, as if he sensed the emotions tumbling through her. The heat of his palm burned through her clothes to warm her skin. “Once things have settled.”

“Yes.” Rushton’s brow furrowed deeper. “This will not ignite another public scandal.”

“It certainly will not, my lord,” Mrs. Boyd replied. “Especially considering how hard Lord Northwood has worked to restore your reputation.”

The earl slanted her a glance.

Mrs. Boyd thumped her cane for emphasis. “It is an impressive man who takes the reins and does what he can to rectify a perilous situation. Lesser men than Lord Northwood might have hidden themselves away. You are to be commended for raising such a strong-minded son.”

The earl frowned.

“After all,” Mrs. Boyd continued, “what is more important than looking after one’s family? And when Lord and Lady Northwood leave London, I trust you will carry out your duties with the honor and dignity that befits a man of your stature and position who—”

“Mrs. Boyd.” Rushton interrupted the woman’s sustained lecture by slamming his large hand against the mantel. “I thank you for your very strong views on the matter.”

Northwood coughed. “Mrs. Boyd, if you wish to remain in your house, I will ensure it is fully staffed. Perhaps you would also consider retaining a companion.”

“Perhaps.” Mrs. Boyd nodded again, looking to where Jane sat beside Lydia. “As for Jane, I expect you all to return on occasion so I might see her. And I might not be adverse to making the trip myself once or twice, provided suitable accommodations are arranged.”

“I do wish you’d come along,” Lydia said. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you here alone.”

“For heaven’s sake, I will not be alone, Lydia. I have my work, my circle of friends. And quite frankly, it seems to me that Lord Rushton might do well to engage himself in meaningful Christian good works, for which I am pleased to offer my assistance.” She nodded at the earl. “Please take no offense, my lord.”