The Training of a Marquess (21 page)

Harry poked his head inside the front door. “A carriage is coming,” he yelled.

Chapter Sixteen

Claire willed her heart to slow down. She wanted to make a good impression when she met Lady Anne, but feared Chase’s mother was going to think she wasn’t good enough for her son.

Although glad he’d convinced her—ordered more like—to change out of the black gown, she wasn’t entirely sure it was the right thing to do. Well, she couldn’t stand in the hall all day debating with herself. The twin’s excited voices filtered through the door as they told their Grandmamma they were learning to swim. Claire took a deep breath and stepped inside.

“And we get to swim in our drawers!” Harry exclaimed just as she entered the room.

The image of seeing Chase in his drawers sent heat upward to her cheeks. Bells in hell. All the room’s occupants turned their eyes to her. Oh God, did they know what she was thinking? She froze and turned to Chase in panic. His eyes were alight with unholy glee, and she had the urge to pound him into the ground.

“Ah, Harry, we don’t mention our drawers when ladies are present,” the devil lord said.

He did not look at Harry when he said it. No, he stared straight at her and mentioned his drawers. She didn’t think her face could get hotter, but she could feel it doing just that.

Lady Anne was attempting—with little success—to keep a straight face. Claire relaxed a little. She forced her feet to move forward, grateful when the twins came and took her hands.

“Grandmamma, this is Lady Claire. She’s our new friend,” Bensey said.

“She talks to horses and she’s teaching me to do it,” Harry added.

“Claire, I would like to introduce you to my Mama, Lady Anne,” Chase said.

Claire curtseyed. Lady Anne was the tiniest woman she had ever met and how in heavens had she produced such a big, strapping son?

She reminded Claire of a lovely china doll with golden hair and blue eyes. She would have known Lady Anne was related to Chase, but would have guessed an older sister.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kensington. I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused by taking you away from your home. I do thank you.”

“A pretty speech, but unnecessary, my dear. When I received my son’s letter requesting my presence, I frightened my maid, Lorrie, half out of her wits when I shrieked in a most unladylike fashion, ‘By the saints, Lorrie, pack my trunks’ and then performed a little jig.

“My reaction to Kensington’s letter was due in no small amount to a bout of ennui that could only be cured by seeing my son and grandsons. So no apologies, please, as it is I who should be thanking you, Lady Derebourne, for being the reason Kensington…I suppose I need to learn to call him Derebourne…invited me to Hillcrest. How exciting to learn my charge talks to horses and is going to teach Harry how to do this marvelous thing. Why, imagine their surprise when I tell my friends. Who would have ever thought such a thing possible? However do you do it?”

Claire found herself taking extra breaths on Lady Kensington’s behalf. Wherever did such a small woman store away so many words? Her nerves eased on seeing the amused smile on Chase’s face.

“It is simple, really, Lady Kensington. I could teach you if you wish.”

“Oh, my heavens, no. I have no desire to know what my mount thinks of me. I have never been able to achieve even the status of adequate horsewoman, and if a horse is having amusing thoughts of my incompetence, I so do not want to know. It is my size, you see.

“The few times I have allowed someone to talk me into climbing atop a horse, it was an embarrassment for both me and the wretched animal. There is not enough of me to weigh me down, you see. I bounce atop a horse like a feather in the wind. God invented carriages so that Bensey and I would have a dignified way to get from one place to another without being the entertainment of a snickering beast. I would, however, love to watch you teach Harry how to talk to a horse, if you don’t mind. What a clever skill for Harry to have. Please, my dear, my father was a duke, so call me Lady Anne.”

They were still standing. Chase and the boys seemed used to Lady Anne’s rambling speech. It might take her time to become accustomed to it, but Claire was captivated by the woman’s charm even though the mere idea of conversing with a duke’s daughter and the mother of an earl and a marquess was beyond her wildest imagination. She curtseyed again Was there more she should do when meeting such a noble woman?

“Come and have a seat next to me, Lady Derebourne. We shall have a nice chat and become acquainted. I just know we’re going to be good friends, you and I.” She sat on the sofa and patted the space next to her. Claire obediently took a seat.

“Harry, Bensey, I believe Mr. Edwards is awaiting you. After your lessons, please dress for dinner and you can spend time with your Grandmamma then,” Chase said.

After they left, Chase settled in a chair close to Claire and she wished he had taken the one near his mother. She was too aware of him and feared she might give herself away.

“Now then, have my son and grandsons been behaving themselves?”

Claire nodded, and opened her mouth to speak, but Lady Kensington continued on. “It must have been difficult for you when Kensington…blast, I’ll never remember to call him Derebourne. How could I when he’s been Kensington for so long? What was I saying? Oh, yes. When my son arrived towing along two small boys, it must have overwhelmed you. I know if I were in your place, I would have resented a stranger coming in and taking over my home. It’s obvious the twins like you and that you like them. A friend of the boys is a friend of mine.

“You have such pretty hair, my dear. It’s almost silver. Very unusual, but striking.” She gave Chase what Claire thought to be a calculating look. “Kensington wrote—” She stopped and sighed. “It’s going to take me forever to imprint Derebourne on my mind. To address him as Derebourne feels like I am speaking of someone else. How should I address you, Kensington?”

“Whichever you prefer, Mama.”

“Why, I prefer Kensington, of course. When I say Kensington, I know I am speaking of my son, but, silly me, when I say Derebourne, I am not sure who I am speaking of.” She tapped Claire on the hand. “Do you mind, my dear, if I continue to call him Kensington? I know the Derebourne title is an old one and highly respected, but to me, my son is a Kensington. Of course, when among other company, I’ll have to somehow remember to refer to him as Derebourne.”

Claire thought she might dance on the rooftop at midnight if this endearing lady asked it of her. “Then you must continue to think of him as Kensington.”

Lady Kensington bestowed a brilliant smile on her. “When I read Kensington’s letter, I knew I was going to like you.”

What had Chase said about her?

“Now, where was I?” Lady Kensington said. “Oh, yes. In his letter to me, he said you will be going to London in a few weeks. I see you are in half mourning, but if you are anything like me, you cannot wait to give your black and lavender gowns to charity. We are going to have such fun ordering you an entirely new wardrobe.

“I have two daughters, but they are not out yet, so I will be able to practice on you and then maybe I’ll get it right with them. It’s only fair I warn you, do not allow me to choose your gowns. For that, you must rely on Kensington. If he says a gown will look lovely on you, you should believe him.” She patted Claire’s hand again. “You mustn’t worry, my dear, you are going to be a smashing success. The gentlemen are going to overwhelm you with their attentions.”

Claire found herself taking extra breaths again as she tried to keep up with Lady Kensington’s various changes of subjects. She darted a glance at Chase to see his reaction to the last comment. He wasn’t smiling, but she wanted to. Lady Kensington might prove to be an ally in her campaign to win his heart.

“Do you think so, my lady?”

Lady Kensington nodded. “I am certain of it. Don’t you agree, Kensington?”

She smiled at her son with such innocence that Claire realized his mother knew exactly what she was doing. Hadn’t Chase said she had the eyes of a hawk and the instincts of a fox? Did it mean Lady Kensington approved of a match between her and Chase? Yet, how could she? They had only just met.

“If you are certain of it, Mama, then it must be so. How was your journey? I trust you didn’t have any problems?”

“You are changing the subject, Kensington. But that reminds me. I met the most interesting family at the coaching inn when we stopped for luncheon.”

As she regaled them with her story, Claire’s mind drifted. Had he been jealous at the thought of gentlemen paying attention to her? He still hadn’t changed his mind about taking her to London. The closer the time came to go, the more she looked forward to it.

She had never been to Town and wanted to experience the balls and musicals—wanted to go to the theater, the opera and the museum. But she wanted to do it on Chase’s arm. Whether she got what she wished for would depend on the success of her plan. What would Lady Anne think of The Training of a Marquess?

****

Chase asked himself if he was an idiot for insisting on taking Claire to London and giving her a Season. He was used to his mother’s long-winded stories and had learned to listen with half an ear while his mind contemplated other things. And the only other thing on his mind lately was Lady Claire. What if some man did catch her interest?

He’d never understood his father fighting a duel over a woman, but for the first time, he could appreciate why a man might do such a foolhardy thing. Of course, his dissolute father hadn’t fought the duel because he had any particular feelings for the woman. He’d only had the misfortunate to have been caught by the woman’s husband and a challenge had ensued.

Even though he’d sworn to never go down that road, if any man hurt Claire, he would challenge the man without hesitation. He would just have to not let it come to that. As he would be with her and able to watch over her, he’d be able to step in at the slightest hint of trouble.

If she met someone she wanted to marry and the bloody man was worthy of her, then Chase would give her his blessing and step out of her life. He gave a little grunt of satisfaction. Taking her to London was the right thing to do.

“Are either of you listening to me?” Lady Anne asked. “And good heavens, Kensington, you sound like you’re growling. Don’t you feel well? Perhaps you should go have a lie down. I know a little nap always helps me when I’m not feeling quite the thing. I had a nice snooze in the carriage and now feel refreshed and quite clearheaded. Off with you, now,” she said, waving her hand at him. “It will give Lady Derebourne and I time to become better acquainted.”

Chase blinked in confusion. “Off with me?”

Lady Anne tsked. “The poor creatures can be so dense at times. Go away, Kensington, and leave us ladies alone to have a nice chat.”

He had serious misgivings about leaving his mother alone with Claire. She hadn’t been here an hour, and already she was meddling. There had been no expectation he’d be able to hide his interest in Claire, but had hoped it would take his mother longer than a few minutes to see it.

Apparently not.

He stood. “You’re free to tell her to mind her own business, Claire. In fact, I wish you would.” He walked over to his mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Behave yourself, Mama. I’ll have Mrs. Smithfield send in a pot of tea,” he said and left, closing the door behind him.

Apprehension stirred up Claire’s nerves again. Why did his mother want to speak to her alone?

“Now then, my dear.” Lady Anne patted her hand. “How serious is this thing between you and my son?”

It was the shortest speech Lady Kensington had made since Claire had entered the room. She wished desperately for her to go on talking in her usual fashion, but Lady Kensington kept her mouth closed.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Claire hedged.

“Don’t be silly, my dear, of course you do. I haven’t seen my son interested in a woman since his wife passed. I want him to be happy, and I think you may be the woman to make it so. He watches you and you sneak looks at him. If you tell me you care for him, then you can count on me to support you. Do you care for him, Lady Derebourne?”

“I care for him,” she admitted. A heavy weight lifted and she met Lady Kensington’s astute gaze. “I love him, but he thinks I don’t know my own mind.”

“Why is that?”

Claire had never talked to anyone other than Chase about her father and her marriage, but she knew Lady Kensington wouldn’t be satisfied until she had the whole story.

There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Smithfield entered with the teacart, giving Claire time to collect her thoughts. After Claire served her, Lady Kensington set back on the sofa and sipped her tea. Her dainty little feet didn’t touch the floor and Claire’s affection grew for this talkative, diminutive woman.

“I guess I should start at the beginning,” Claire said.

“That usually is the best place to start. Though I can talk your ears off…my children have been known to call me Chatty Attie, but that’s neither here nor there. I can manage to keep my mouth closed long enough to listen. Tell me your story, my dear.”

Claire told her new friend about her father, her husband and her son. She spoke of her sheltered life and how the horses had given her purpose. She told the mother of the man she loved why the stubborn man insisted on taking her to London. And though she hadn’t meant to, she told Lady Kensington about the plan she called The Training of a Marquess.

The thing that amazed Claire the most—aside from confiding in someone she had just met—was that while she talked, Lady Kensington had not uttered a word. It was probably the reason she said so much. If she’d been interrupted, Claire thought she probably would have been more guarded in what she said.

“The Training of a Marquess.” Lady Kensington clapped her hands. “I absolutely love it. You must follow through and begin your strategy to ignore him. He will hate it and will follow you around like a neglected puppy trying to get your attention. This is so exciting. I couldn’t be more pleased that I’m here to see this play out. My son needs a good shake up. He doesn’t speak of Teresa, so I’m encouraged he talked to you of her. Did he tell you what happened?”