His mouth opened and closed several times before he said, "You're very astute, Victoria. Is my bumbling about in society so very obvious."
"Not at all. You are a most sought-after gentleman when you do attend events, even if you stumble at times. You enjoy being here at Rosedale, and I can see why you do. The house and gardens are spectacular, but to leave it all, for months on end, travel and mingle as one does abroad, I do think you would hate.”
“Oh no,” he argued. “I would like to travel. Who would not, but I do see why you would think that of me.”
“When one gets to know you, such as I do, as little as that is, one cannot help but pick up on nuances. I want to help you if you would allow it."
"You wish to help me? In what way?”
“I’m a widow, and with that unfortunate event, it also grants me some freedom that other unmarried ladies do not have. While I have no wish to marry again, I think you would like a wife. Is that correct?”
“I have always wished to marry, to have a family, fill my home with love. You think me a foolish romantic, do you not?”
She could never think him so. If only she had married such a man as Lord Melvin and not Paul. What a disastrous mistake and one she could never repeat. “With my guidance and help, my connections, I think I could have you wed before the end of next season. Find you the perfect bride. Are you willing to allow me to train you in the art of courtship? It could also help in building your confidence so you too can travel someday.”
Lord Melvin stared out at the ruins a moment, mulling over her words. His lips pulled into a pensive frown. He had lovely lips, supple and the shadow of stubble along his jaw drew the eye. Oh yes, the women would be falling at his feet, panting with want after she was finished with him.
“Very well, we have an agreement.”
"Excellent, then we shall start with lessons on how to make you a rake of the first water."
He frowned. "Is it not supposed to be diamond of the first water?"
Victoria waved his words away. "Never mind that, whatever it is, we'll have you prepared for next year's season in no time. Even if you cannot find a wife, you will be more confident in crowds and open to conversation with people you have just met."
"You're only here for a few days. That will not be long enough, I fear, to help me."
"Leave that with me. I can ask for more time. If Mama thinks that I fancy you, she will want to stay. Not that I am," she reminded him, wanting the rules to be clear before they started. "Do not concern yourself. We shall have enough time."
Victoria wrapped her arm about Albert’s, ready to return to Rosedale and to start their lessons. He glanced at her with a knowing look and already he appeared more roguish than she’d ever seen him before Her stomach fluttered. "Come, let us return to the house. We have much to do."
“Indeed,” he drawled. “We do.”
Chapter 8
Albert waited for Victoria to meet him in the conservatory the following morning. After dinner the night before, she told him she wished to meet him in that particular room for some suggestions on making a woman more likely to swoon into his arms.
Whatever that meant.
He waited on the wrought-iron seat that sat against a matching chair and small, round table. His conservatory was aflush with flowers, scents, and even a couple of orange trees, a fruit that he enjoyed best.
The sound of slippered feet echoed out in the corridor, and he stood, bowing when Victoria entered the room.
She looked as sweet and natural as the plants surrounding them. Her soft-pink muslin gown accentuated her figure, and he wasn't without so many rakish wiles not to notice she filled her gown out in the most advantageous way. He may be a nervous, clumsy man, but he still enjoyed the sight of breasts on a woman, and Victoria had a lovely handful. He sighed. If only he would be the lucky chap to win her heart.
He'd conclude that with her helping him, it would at least put him in close quarters to her, and maybe he could have a chance of winning her affection. Not that she saw him as anything but a clown in need of guidance to find a wife. To be more socially capable and travel without having to have his hand held.
"Good morning, Victoria." He took her hand, kissing it. She wore no gloves today, and he reveled in the softness of her skin and the sweet blush that stole over her cheeks.
"Good morning, Albert," she returned, taking back her hand and sitting down on the vacant chair at the small table he was occupied at before. "You are already showing an improvement to your gentlemanly wiles."
He joined her, throwing her an easy smile, while his innards were all a-twist. She did that to him. Made him as nervous as a virgin on her wedding night. What would she say should she know that he had never slept with a woman? He hated to think of
