Page 26 of Not Just Any Earl
But if she was the Lady in Lavender, why hadn’t she owned up to it this morning? Or, if not her, then why not Lady Fosberry? He’d made his intentions regarding the Lady in Lavender perfectly clear. For all her kindness, Lady Fosberry was far too worldly to let an earl slip through her fingers, particularly an earl who’d compromised her young friend.
Compromised her, yet she’d sat there on Lady Fosberry’s settee, as cool as you please, and very likely lied right to his face. Or, if not outright lied, then certainly evaded, because he was sure she knew more than she was saying.
He should be furious, even insulted, but as he gazed down at her, he found himself inexplicably and utterly charmed. There was something about Emmeline Templeton that didn’t make sense, and he intended to find out what it was.
“Lord Melrose? Is there something I can fetch for you?”
Johnathan wrenched his attention away from her back to the shopkeeper. “No, thank you, Mr. Beale, but I’d be pleased to wait while you and Miss Templeton discuss distillation. Miss Templeton’s knowledge about perfumes is impressive, indeed.”
Emmeline Templeton’s lips pinched into a stubborn line. “You’re mistaken, Lord Melrose. I don’t know anything more about scent than any lady who’s fond of roses.”
Johnathan saw his chance, and seized it. “Lady Finchley’s roses are among the finest in England. I’m certain you must have visited her gardens since your arrival in London?”
“No, my lord. I’m not acquainted with Lady Finchley.”
“Then you must allow me to escort you through her rose garden tomorrow. The family isn’t in London for the season, but Lady Finchley is a distant cousin of mine. Her housekeeper will be pleased to allow us to visit the gardens.”
If Johnathan had been a vain man, he would have been mortally offended by the horrified look that passed over Miss Templeton’s face at his invitation. “That’s, ah…very generous of you, Lord Melrose, but I don’t think—"
“Come, Miss Templeton. Perhaps we’ll find this elusive damask rose you seek for your sister’s perfume.”
Ah, now that got her attention. A look of such intense longing passed over her face Johnathan’s chest swelled with…well, something in response, and whatever it was, it wasn’t at all pleasant. It felt almost like—
Jealousy. For God’s sake, he was jealous of a rose.
Still, she hesitated. “Lady Fosberry may not like it.”
“Let’s ask her, shall we?” Johnathan offered her his arm, nodding his thanks to Mr. Beale. “You must allow me to escort you back to your carriage in any case, Miss Templeton. I can’t permit you to wander about Jermyn Street alone.”
She stared at his proffered arm as if she hadn’t the faintest idea what to do with it, and the awkward moment dragged on until at last her gloved fingers landed lightly on his sleeve.
As soon as they stepped out the door, they encountered Lady Fosberry and Juliet Templeton bustling down the sidewalk toward Floris. “Emmeline, thank goodness! My dear girl, where in the world did you scamper off to? You mustn’t…dear me, Lord Melrose! What did you come from?”
“Good afternoon, my lady. I’ve just been to Floris, where I found Miss Templeton conferring with the shopkeeper on distillation techniques.”
Lady Fosberry gave Emmeline a fond smile. “Yes, that sounds like her.”
“I happened to see her as I passed, and didn’t like her to remain unescorted.”
“Well, thank goodness someone found her!” Lady Fosberry turned a stern look on Miss Templeton. “My dear Emmeline, you can’t simply wander about wherever you like. Why, White’s is just around the corner, and no doubt stuffed to the brim with drunken rakes.”
Johnathan choked back a laugh. “She’s perfectly safe now, my lady.”
“Yes, well, you’re very good to return her to us, my lord. Come along then, Emmeline. We’ve taken up enough of his lordship’s time.”
“A moment, if you would, Lady Fosberry. I beg you’ll allow me and Lord Cross to escort all three of you ladies on a visit to Lady Finchley’s rose garden tomorrow. Miss Templeton has already consented.”
“Has she, indeed?” Juliet Templeton frowned as her gaze moved between Johnathan and her sister.
“She has. With your permission, of course, Lady Fosberry.”
“Why, yes, that sounds delightful.”
“Wonderful. Lord Cross and I will call for you all tomorrow afternoon, then.”
“Such a wonderful treat for Emmeline! She’s mad for roses, you know, and would otherwise not have a chance to see Lady Finchley’s, as I’m not acquainted with her ladyship.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lady Fosberry.” Johnathan bowed, then handed the ladies into the carriage. Once they were settled, the driver flicked the reins, and the carriage rolled down Jermyn Street and disappeared around the corner onto St. James’s Street.
