A Companion for the Count: A Regency Romance by Britton, Sally (open ebook TXT) 📕

not put it that way.” He folded his hands behind his back and studied her, uncertain enough of her temperament not to risk saying more on the subject of protecting female sensibilities. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to recommend other titles to me during my stay. As we have similar tastes, I can only hope you have discovered some works I have not yet found. Would you do me that very great favor, Miss Arlen?”

Those lively eyes of hers narrowed, and she briefly chewed her bottom lip before speaking with vivacity. “I would be happy to introduce you to my favorite library shelves, my lord.”

“Grazie. I will be in your debt.”

She tapped her fingers on the book she held, studying him as she spoke. “Excellent. I enjoy collecting on debts and favors.” Then her smile reappeared. “You must excuse me, sir. Lady Josephine is expecting me.”

“Of course.” He bowed more deeply. “It was a pleasure to speak with you again.”

She curtsied. “Until dinner, my lord.” Then she took her leave, glancing over her shoulder only once at the door. He noticed the curiosity in her eyes, somewhat at odds with the mischief in her smile.

Then she was gone.

Luca relaxed, but hastily reminded himself of where he was. Whom he represented. Luca drew himself up to his full height, then went back to the gardens and the duke. Every discussion he had with the powerful nobleman would benefit his people. He had promised his king, and himself, to represent their nation.

Winning over the ducal family was of great importance. If he bent his will to that end, Luca’s time in England would prove fruitful indeed.

Chapter Three

Distracting the Italian conte might not prove as difficult as Emma had originally thought, given the interest he showed in her reading habits. When she reported her conversation with him to Josephine, the duke’s daughter appeared delighted and agreed that Emma might easily keep the man too occupied for him to attempt a courtship.

In Josephine’s room once more, Emma held the sheet of paper with their list of planned activities. She sat at Josephine’s dressing table while her friend dressed for dinner with the aid of her maid.

That evening after dinner, Josephine, Emma, Isabelle, and Rosalind would each perform something musical. A simple way to pass an hour, then fill whatever remained of the time before midnight with conversation.

“Tomorrow, we tour the gardens in the afternoon.” Josephine held still while her maid tugged the hem of her gown into place, then smoothed out the silk overlay on the skirt. “Mr. Gardiner and Miss Sharpe will accompany us, to answer any questions the ambassador might have about our plants.”

Emma grinned as she made note of the betrothed couple coming with them on the conte’s copy of the itinerary. “If we get the two of them talking about flowers or bees, they will happily take hold of the conversation and never let it go again.”

“Precisely my hope.” Josephine approached the dressing table and shooed her friend off the chair before taking it herself, giving the maid access to Josephine’s hair.

Emma had already dressed for the evening, so she did not mind taking a seat at the foot of Josephine’s bed. “The next day, your father is going riding with the ambassador. It looks as though they are occupied most of the day. We sent the invitations for dinner that evening, which is all we have planned.”

Meeting Emma’s gaze in the mirror, Josephine widened her eyes theatrically. “That suits me. The Hepsworth sisters will do all they can to keep the count’s attention. You and I might have a brief respite from him.”

The memory of the conte’s arm going around Emma to steady her came to the forefront of her mind, as did the intensity of his eyes as they had spoken about her book. “I cannot think it particularly kind to leave him to those two.”

Josephine turned in her chair, causing the maid to squeal. “My lady, your pearl pins!”

“Pardon me, Liza.” Josephine turned back to the mirror. “But Miss Arlen startled me.” She gave Emma an accusatory glare in the mirror. “You cannot show him mercy, Emma. It will only encourage him.”

Though tempted to laugh, Emma pressed her lips together and went back to the itinerary. “On the following day, your father has guests arriving, and we are to walk with the conte to Lambsthorpe during the afternoon.”

“We shan’t escape him there.” Josephine giggled. “Oh, I do sound terrible, don’t I? I am sorry. I cannot like my father hinting so heavily that he wishes for me to take an interest in a man. As it is, we know my options are limited. But I should much prefer to have options. Perhaps marry someone in London next Season.”

“All finished, my lady.” Liza curtsied, then tidied up the dressing table.

“Thank you, Liza. It looks lovely.” Josephine stood and ran her gloved hand down the front of her gown. “What do you think, Emma?”

Emma pursed her lips, taking in the high neckline and overly fluffy sleeves of Josephine’s least favorite gown. “I think there is a reason you have not worn that dress since last autumn. It truly does not suit you.”

“I know.” Josephine grinned triumphantly. “I have no wish to appear to my best advantage.” She retrieved her fan from the mantel and snapped it open. “After the Lambsthorpe outing?”

Emma looked down at the paper again, shaking her head at her friend’s dramatics. “We have invited your father’s guests to the lake for the afternoon. The boathouse is prepared, along with all the fishing equipment. Your mother is the official hostess, of course.”

“Of course.” Josephine paced the room, wafting the air before her with her fan. “And then a quiet dinner that evening with only the occupants of the house in attendance.”

“Then we have nothing to worry over for a few days, given that your father will wish to discuss politics with all the men, and Sunday we have the wedding