Page 37 of The Earl and His Lady

He had promised she could have the time she needed.

It would be the very worst sort of thing for him to act on any of his thoughts or feelings at this point.

But—he still ought to give her the courtesy and respect due his wife.

Part of that would be involving her in the care of their shared properties.

And the day was very fine.

Visiting the tenants would be the perfect way to show his appreciation for her place in his life, and it would be an excellent opportunity to come to know each other better. After all, they ought to be friends. At the very least.

Nodding to himself, Lucas ignored the rest of the work on his desk and went in search of his countess. It was noon. Perhaps they could take the midday meal together before venturing out of doors? He wondered if she would prefer to ride a horse or in a gig.

After walking through the ground floor and seeing no sign of her, he went up to the first floor. He started down the hall when he heard music.

Did Virginia play the pianoforte?

He walked in the direction of the music room, listening to the gentle melody being played. The door to the room was ajar and when he looked inside he saw Virginia seated, her left hand in her lap and her right lightly pressing the keys. Her eyes were closed.

Should he interrupt her? Or wait?

She began to play faster, her fingers using more strength to press each key, and then her left hand lifted to join in the dance. Her eyes stayed closed, but her hands moved more rapidly, drawing the music up into a daring crescendo. His breath came quicker in anticipation of the grand sounds that must follow, ready for the song to take him as a fast-flowing river might carry him away.

But the music abruptly stopped and she turned, her eyes flying open, to face him in the doorway.

They stared at each other and Lucas realized her normally fair cheeks were completely pink.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said, his voice echoing strangely in a room now empty of music.

She shook her head and stood. “It’s quite all right. I should be going about my business anyway.” Virginia closed the instrument and approached him, her hands folded before her. Today she wore a dress more black than gray, with a white fichu at her throat and gray threads embroidering the bodice.

He was grateful for the reminder of her state of mourning. Perhaps it would help him keep a level head.

“Would you like to come with me this afternoon to meet the tenants?” Blurting his invitation hadn’t been his intention. It seemed the theory of keeping a level head was out.

Virginia paused, several steps from him, and considered him. Her eyes didn’t look very tired. He hoped that meant she’d slept late and not that she’d avoided breakfast with him.

“That would be lovely,” she said at last. “I’ve been thinking that I ought to start my work outside the house. Everything here runs so smoothly, I hardly feel necessary.” The smallest of smiles curved her lips upward.

“Surely not.” He nearly took a step forward but it would be the wiser course of action to maintain distance. “This is your home. I hope you are running things as you see fit.”

Her eyebrows arched upward and she stepped closer. “I meant it as a compliment, Lucas. You have a remarkable staff. As we said, an army. But I am coming to learn their ways and they are expert at learning mine. Perhaps you and I ought to talk about a few thoughts I’ve had. I would not want to make any changes without your leave.”

Lucas tried to sound nonchalant. “I am not overparticular in how my household is run. As long as there are few troubles between servants and my meals are on time, I am satisfied.”

Virginia chuckled. Had he said something to amuse her? “That is the way of it with men. Keep them fed and unburdened by domestic concerns and they will be happy.” She came all the way to the door and his new awareness of her heightened his senses.

She smelled like oranges again today. It must be her perfume. And her eyes no longer held the wounded look he’d seen in them the night before.

“We cannot all be so easily understood,” he argued, tucking his hands behind his back. He stepped aside, giving her room to exit if she wished it. As Virginia walked by him and into the hall, he saw her look at him askance.

“Perhaps not in every aspect of personality. But it is the duty of a wife to determine such things about her husband. When would you like to make your visits?”

The change back to the original topic saved him from making anymore foolish remarks. “After luncheon? Would you prefer to ride or should I have the phaeton prepared?”

She didn’t even stop to think. “The phaeton, if you please.”

“Very well.” He gave her a courteous bow. She smiled and made her curtsy, but as she turned to walk away, Lucas thought of one more question, one more thing to keep her standing near him a moment longer. “What were you playing when I walked in? I was quite riveted.” Lucas suppressed a groan. Had he sounded inane?