“Please accept my apology for the misunderstanding upon our arrival,” Lucy began, forcing herself to meet his blue eyes. Was it embarrassment that caused the flutters within her or something else?
To her dismay, Emma stepped away to speak with someone, leaving Lucy on her own.
“Think nothing of it,” Mr. Raybourne said. “I’m certain your aunt won’t be the last to assume I’m a servant.”
“I hardly think anyone in their right mind would take you for a footman.” Her cheeks grew warmer as she took in his tall form and broad shoulders, only to see he could easily fill the role of a footman, who were prided for their good looks and fine physique. Too late, she realized her mistake. His remark hadn’t been an invitation to ogle him. Would she ever gain her footing with this man?
“I would be happy to assist you anytime.” His suggestive smile sent her heart racing even as her stomach dipped.
Her hope of putting their awkward beginning behind them was dashed. Good heavens. How did Emma flirt so effortlessly?
Before she embarrassed herself further, she smiled politely then turned to rejoin Emma. How was she going to manage an entire meal seated next to the man?
Pleasure filled Hugh as he sat beside Miss Gray at the long dining room table for dinner. He hadn’t expected to sit next to Miss Waverly but feared he’d be stuck with Mrs. Penrose or the like. Luckily, the grumpy woman wasn’t in sight.
He reminded himself not to be too forward with Miss Gray. His earlier remark had obviously made her uncomfortable. “Hello again.”
“Hello.” She smiled politely but kept her gaze on the table.
“I’m famished,” he said in an attempt to put her at ease as he adjusted his chair.
Lucy Gray was much different than her flirtatious cousin in both looks and manner. With dark hair, creamy skin, a hint of rose in her cheeks, and that shy smile, she was a gentle beauty rather than displaying Emma’s brightness. Her watchful eyes reminded him of a colt, uncertain whether to bolt or come forward to investigate.
He realized he very much wanted her to do the latter even if he was out of practice in dealing with shy ladies. He avoided them at London balls as they came with matchmaking mamas looking for the slightest infraction to pounce on an eligible bachelor.
“How is your aunt?” he asked as chestnut soup was served.
“She’s resting. I hope she’ll recover from our journey and join some of the activities on the morrow.”
“I gather from what Miss Waverly said that you watch over her?”
“Yes.” Her lips twisted to the side as if she debated what more to say. “My parents died several years ago, and I’ve lived with her since.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How kind of you to stay with her.” The notion of this beautiful lady living with an elderly aunt in the country didn’t please him in the least. She must be missing out on much of what life had to offer.
“Aunt Edith was kind to take me in.”
Why didn’t Miss Gray live with Emma and her parents? Yet Miss Gray didn’t seem the least bitter about her circumstances.
He turned the subject to the activities planned for the coming days before he slipped up and shared his opinion. It wasn’t any of his business and without knowing the details, he shouldn’t pass judgement.
The lady seated on his other side addressed him as the second course of Mackerel with fennel along with roasted beef and pickled vegetables arrived, and he turned his attention to her as he ate. But that did little to diminish his growing fascination with Miss Gray whom he could see out of the corner of his eye.
He soon found himself speaking with her again, partly for the pleasure of watching her. Her wary brown eyes seemed to notice everything and everyone. The graceful movement of her hands as she enjoyed the meal. The way her guarded expression shifted as she considered how to answer the various questions he asked.
Her cool reserve unexpectedly stirred him. What would it take to loosen her hold on her emotions so her true feelings would show?
“Do you enjoy living in London, Mr. Raybourne?” she asked. She met his gaze, the sincerity of it suggesting she truly wanted to know.
Her genuine interest was refreshing, so different than other people, including her cousin. Miss Waverly hadn’t asked him any questions that he remembered. In fact, he couldn’t remember the topic of their last conversation. Their exchanges tended to be flirtatious but meaningless. Perhaps he should rectify that. How would he know if Miss Waverly would suit him when he didn’t truly know her?
“I enjoy parts of the city,” he responded after considering her question. “But I would prefer to spend more time in the country.” His own answer surprised him, for he hadn’t admitted the desire to himself, let alone anyone else.
“Oh?” She tilted her head to the side, those lovely eyes holding on him, obviously expecting him to share more—as if she wanted to know more.
“In London, one tends to see the same people who talk about the same things. The country offers more variety in many ways.” He spoke of how he’d enjoyed long days spent riding and working with horses in his youth.
“Do you have family?” she asked as a raspberry cream trifle was served.
“Two brothers, one older, one younger.”
“You must’ve had an interesting childhood.”
He couldn’t resist telling her about one of the times they managed to escape their tutor to go fishing. Then he shook his head, realizing the meal was nearly over, and he’d dominated the entire conversation. “My apologies for rambling on. You’re very easy to speak with.”
She blinked at his compliment as if surprised. “The pleasure was mine. I’ve enjoyed our visit.”
The gentleman on her opposite side asked her a question, leaving Hugh a moment of quiet. He didn’t understand himself. Why had he told her all those things? He glanced at Miss Waverly who sat near her father at the end of the table. She was speaking to Jameson, her expression animated. Obviously, Jameson was one of her suitors. The viscount’s title would make vying against him for her hand difficult. Was this a competition or did the lady simply wish to get to know them better?
Regardless, Hugh was pleased he’d spent the meal beside Miss Gray. Her pleasant company allowed him to relax and not watch each word that passed his lips.
The ladies rose to return to the drawing room, leaving the men to converse with glasses of port. Jameson seemed to be doing his best to monopolize their host’s attention. Hugh knew he needed to put his best foot forward with Mr. Waverly at every opportunity if he wanted to win his daughter’s hand. But doing so on the morrow would suffice. For now, he was content to talk with the other gentlemen and enjoy himself.
They rejoined the ladies, and Hugh found himself searching the room for Miss Gray. The realization unsettled him. The goal of this house party was to win Miss Waverly’s eye. Her wealth was ideal if he wanted to pursue his hope of raising horses. Without funds, the dream would never come to pass.
His objective stood near the cheerfully burning fire, conversing with Edward Barnes and his sister. Barnes didn’t worry him overmuch and now was his chance to spend more time with Miss Waverly.
Hugh moved in their direction only to have Emma’s father clap his shoulder.