A Study In Seduction(27)

Alexander watched Sebastian as his brother sat at a card table, laughing at something one of the other men said. Perhaps he ought to take his brother’s advice, see what happened.

Alexander didn’t know what would come of pursuing Lydia Kellaway. He didn’t know if she would reject him. He didn’t know what his father would say. But he did know he would enjoy the pursuit immensely. And he dared to believe it might even make him happy.





Chapter Six




The sun burned low and bright in the sky, casting pale light onto the bare trees just beginning to bud with leaves. Street vendors selling flowers, oranges, penny pies, tarts, and hot green peas shouted out the quality and price of their wares. The calls of a fruit seller drew Lydia to a cart to purchase two apples.

“We’ll also have an iced lemonade at the gardens,” she promised Jane as they continued down New Road for their Tuesday afternoon outing.

“D’you think the hippopotamus will be out?” Jane asked. “And the orangutans?”

“We’ll have to see. I hear they also have a new animal from Africa, though I can’t recall what it is.”

She placed her hand on Jane’s shoulder to steer the girl away from a sleek black carriage that came to a halt near them. An old fear curled through her, and she quickened her pace without looking back.

“Miss Kellaway.” The deep voice stopped Lydia in her tracks. She turned to look at the man who descended from the carriage.

Lydia’s hand tightened on Jane’s shoulder. “Lord Northwood.”

He approached, the sun shining on his dark hair like a halo, his black coat stretching across his broad shoulders and chest. Lydia almost felt the awe radiating from her sister as the viscount neared.

“Good morning to you both.” He smiled at Jane. “You must be Miss Jane.”

“Yes, sir.”

“This is Lord Northwood,” Lydia told her sister, though she knew she couldn’t even begin to explain how she’d made his acquaintance. She glanced at him.

He was looking at her. With purpose. Her heart thumped.

What do you see when you look at me, Lord Northwood?

“What brings you here, my lord?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

“I thought I might convince you to accept transport to whatever destination you intend.” He tilted his head toward his carriage.

“Actually, we’re rather enjoying the walk, and—” Lydia paused when Jane tugged on her hand.

She glanced at the girl, resignation sweeping through her when she saw the pleading look in Jane’s light green eyes. Neither of them had ever had the opportunity to ride in such a luxurious carriage.

“We’re going to the zoological gardens,” Lydia said.

“Excellent. If you don’t mind my companionship, I’d be delighted to accompany you. Can’t remember the last time I visited the zoological gardens. I suppose Drury Lane doesn’t qualify.”

Jane giggled. “Can we, Lyddie? Please?”

“Only if his lordship doesn’t consider it an inconvenience.”

“I wouldn’t have offered if it was.” Lord Northwood opened the door and handed them both up into the velvet interior before issuing instructions to the driver and climbing in after them. The instant he sat opposite them, the space in the carriage seemed to shrink, making Lydia far more aware of his presence than she wished to be.

“You’ve an interest in animals, Miss Jane?” he asked.

“Yes, sir. More insects than animals, though.”

“Insects?”

Jane nodded. “Our father used to take me to exhibitions of the Royal Entomological Society. The first was about butterflies; then we went to one on spiders and another on insects from North America. We even went to an exhibition of tamed fleas. You wouldn’t imagine fleas could be tamed, but they can, you know.”

Northwood regarded her thoughtfully. “You might be interested in a section of a Society of Arts exhibition I’m organizing. We plan to have an extensive display of flora and fauna, including some new species of exotic insects.”

“Can we go, Lydia?” Jane asked.

“Of course. Perhaps you can write a report on the new discoveries.”

Jane rolled her eyes at Lord Northwood, who grinned. “Never lets up, does she?” he asked.

“Hardly. She’s been my tutor since I was little.” Jane’s expression closed off a bit. “But our grandmother says I need a broader education, so I’m to be sent away.”