A Study In Seduction(75)

“I shouldn’t think so.” Mrs. Boyd straightened from the bookshelf and dusted her hands. “I told her she could accompany you the next time you go.”

Lydia’s heart lurched. “What… what makes you think there will be a next time?”

“Of course there will be.” Her grandmother stacked a pile of books on the table, then bent to retrieve several folded papers that fell to the floor. “Lord Northwood didn’t ask you to his country estate because he wished to end your relationship.” Her eyes narrowed. “Did he?”

Lydia’s throat tightened. She shook her head.

“Well, then,” Mrs. Boyd said. She glanced at the papers and replaced them on the shelf. “I must say, Lydia, I never imagined things would come to this when you went to retrieve that locket. Have you gotten it back, by the way?”

“Not yet.”

“Good. All the more reason to keep his lordship’s acquaintance.” Mrs. Boyd’s lips curved into a smile. “Had I known this would happen, I might have pawned the foolish thing years ago.”

She swept the books into her arms and left the room. Lydia went to the window, staring down at the street, where wagons and pedestrians passed.

She couldn’t find it in her to be indignant over her grandmother’s attitude. Despite Charlotte Boyd’s manipulations, she had always wanted the best for Lydia. Like Alexander, her father and grandmother had always believed in her abilities, her intelligence. They believed she had something important to offer the world.

The difference was that Alexander also wanted her to believe in herself. Because he loved her. He loved her in ways she had never been loved before, in ways she hadn’t even known existed.

Longing sliced through her, cutting through thick layers of resistance. She couldn’t stop herself from envisioning what her life would be like if her wishes came true.

She sank into a chair by the window, resting her forehead against her hand. She would be Alexander’s wife, she would stand before a crowded lecture hall to explain her theories, she would pour her heart out to Jane and give the girl everything Lydia never had. She would be free—mind, body, soul.

Perhaps one day…

The little whisper of her heart brought tears to her eyes because her mind knew that one day would never come. Never.


Enough.

Alexander flexed his fingers in an effort to ease the tension hardening his every muscle. He’d worked too hard for everything—the Society, the exhibition, his family, his company—and it was all slipping from his control. He would not allow the same to happen with Lydia.

With unshakeable resolve, he descended the carriage on East Street. The housekeeper answered the door of the town house, her eyes widening at the sight of him.

“Lord Northwood! We weren’t expecting your—”

“Never mind, Mrs. Driscoll. Is Mrs. Boyd at home?”

“Yes, milord, she’s in the morning room.”

“Good. Tell her I am here.”

“One moment, please, yer lordship. Miss Kellaway is—”

“At St. Martin’s Hall. I know.”

“Just a moment, then, milord.” Mrs. Driscoll scurried off.

Alexander waited impatiently before she returned to usher him into the morning room. Mrs. Boyd stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt as she approached. She had an imperial quality that he admired, and he intended to use her calculated interest in him to his advantage.

“Lord Northwood, to what do I owe this honor?”

“Mrs. Boyd, has Lydia spoken to you regarding my intentions?”

“Your intentions?” A gleam of interest appeared in her eyes. “No, my lord. Might I inquire as to what they might be?”

“I requested her hand in marriage when she visited Floreston Manor.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened, her hand going to her throat. “Oh, Lord Northwood, I had no idea. Lydia never said anything to me.”

Alexander paced to the windows and back. “Perhaps because she refused the offer.”

“She refused?”

“Yes, but she gave me no satisfactory reason for doing so.”

“I’m sorry, my lord.” Mrs. Boyd’s fingers trembled a bit as she brushed a lock of white hair from her forehead. “I’ve no idea what to say, except that clearly my granddaughter has behaved in a very foolish manner.”

“Quite contrary to her usual nature,” Alexander agreed. “And I must explain that I told Lydia she can continue her work, that she will lack for nothing. You may be assured I will take both you and Jane under my protection as well.”