Page 13 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Daphne’s smile appeared, brighter than it had been in weeks. “I think he would rather suffer a thousand battle wounds than appear incapable.”

Felicity patted her niece’s hand. “Then we most certainly will get our dance instructor.”

“Aunt Felicity? Did you hear what Mrs. Lane said, after we talked about needing to visit points of interest in London?” Daphne tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows raised. “What do you think she meant?”

Mrs. Lane had muttered as she made notes in a little book, and Felicity had not thought the woman meant for them to hear, “It’s about time the master gets dragged out of this house. Back to the land of the living.”

Turning those words over in her mind, Felicity finally shook her head. “I haven’t the faintest idea. Perhaps he has not ventured into Society much since the loss of his parents.” That had to be it, did it not? “Most likely, Colonel Halstead isn’t an entirely sociable person. It happens, you know, with confirmed bachelors. They become rather settled in their ways and see no reason to step outside of the place where they are most comfortable.”

“He seemed perfectly polite, though.” Daphne folded her hands in her lap, her gaze turning to the rather bland painting of a meadow above the fireplace, the only décor of note in the entire room. “One would think someone set in their ways would be a miserable grump rather than a kind gentleman.”

“Kind gentleman?” Felicity repeated and laughed. “That is quite the opinion to form when you have only seen him twice, once when we arrived and once at dinner.”

“Mrs. Lane likes him.” Daphne shrugged one shoulder upward. “And he was kind at dinner.”

“He has avoided us all day today, though.” Felicity frowned at the painting, its colors all drab browns and muted greens. “Hardly the sign of an attentive guardian.” He had not been at breakfast, had not sent them a note to excuse himself, and had sent the housekeeper in his stead. Where was the man?

The door to the room opened without a courteous knock, and Felicity turned her head to see who had walked in with such authority. She ought to have guessed, of course, that only Colonel Edward Halstead would move through Briarwood with such confidence. She hurriedly came to her feet, as did Daphne, and both curtsied to him.

“Colonel Halstead,” Felicity said, keeping her tone everything that was polite. “Good afternoon. How pleasant a surprise, to see you at last.”

The gentleman bowed slightly, and a slight twitch to his lips surprised her. He’d taken her jab with good humor. Interesting.

“Miss Price. Miss Daphne. I have reviewed your requests.” He gave Felicity a rather pointed glance as he paused, and her stomach twisted somewhat unpleasantly. “They are…extensive.”

An argument rose to her lips, but before she could give it voice, he continued in a low, measured voice.

“However, I see no reason why they should not be met.” He smiled broadly at Daphne, and the smile made him look less a stern military man and more a kindly benefactor. A handsome one, too. “You will have your instructors, your seamstress, and all the rest. The pianoforte was ordered this very morning.”

Daphne gave a happy gasp and took half a step forward in her joy. “Oh, thank you, Colonel Halstead. Truly. This is wonderful news. I promise we will be mindful of the costs⁠—”

He waved a hand to gently interrupt her. “Nonsense, Miss Daphne. It is my duty to look after you, and I will happily spend whatever necessary to make certain you are comfortable and well turned-out—as is my duty.” He glanced at Felicity again, tucking his hands behind his back. “As it so happens, I must tend to some matters in London myself. I will escort you both to Town in two days’ time. We will check off as many things from your list as we can, and schedule another visit after that. If such a plan is agreeable to you?”

It could not be more clear that he was asking for her opinion, and not his ward’s. Felicity hesitated only a moment before adding her gratitude to her niece’s. “That is very kind of you, Colonel Halstead. Thank you.” She curtsied, then put a hand on Daphne’s arm. “We must carefully plan for the occasion to make the most out of it.”

She glanced at the man, wondering if he would correct her—if she was meant to come with them on this London outing, or if she was meant to remain in the home at all.

But he merely continued to stand there, smiling. Pleased with himself. Why?

Asking him outright if she was staying would not be wise, especially in front of Daphne. He had to know she yet waited to learn her fate on that matter. Until Felicity knew, she would be horribly off balance. “I…I appreciate your willingness to see to Daphne’s needs, Colonel Halstead. It is most reassuring.”

She still wasn’t certain she trusted him to look after Daphne. But this was a start.

His lips quirked upward, and a flash of amusement went through his eyes. “I am relieved, then, for I should hate to disappoint you, Miss Price.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, confused by his smile and doubly so by his words. Disappoint her? Whatever could he mean? She wasn’t accustomed to being anyone’s concern. Disappointing people required them to expect something of you first. It was easier, safer indeed, to be the one anticipating needs, not the one whose feelings others measured.

As a woman, and a single one at that, she had long since learned that the only way to assert herself in male company was to use directness to her advantage, and Felicity had no hesitation in doing so. “Your housekeeper said the most interesting remark as she left us earlier. I am therefore quite surprised at your eagerness to escort us to Town.”

Daphne blanched and turned to look at her, but Felicity kept a serene smile on her lips. She knew what she was doing.

“Did she?” Colonel Halstead gave a subtle shake of his head. “I cannot imagine what that might be.”

“She said something about…oh, let me see.” Felicity tapped her chin as though having to search to remember the words that were on the tip of her tongue. “Dragging you back to the land of the living? I think that was it.”

Releasing a slow exhale, the gentleman shook his head as a soft laugh escaped him. “Mrs. Lane has never been one to hold her opinions quietly, and I have always respected her for that.”

She lowered her hands to her sides, curiosity swelling. “What, precisely, did she mean?”