Page 31 of The Botanist’s Improper Bride

CHAPTER 11

Trevor wiped his clammy hands on his breeches, glancing down to make sure the dampness wasn’t obvious, before knocking on the door and stepping back, his hands fluttering at his sides as he tried to figure out what to do with them.

It had occurred to him that Seraphina may not realize he was courting her, and if he made it plain, she might react poorly.

At present, all she had shown was that she enjoyed his company more than that of a handful of other gentlemen and that she was eager to witness a scientific demonstration, which was hardly unexpected. Her father hadn’t allowed it previously, so of course she would be enthused by the opportunity.

The door opened, and the butler, Smithers, smiled at him, his thick mustache twitching at the corners. “Please come in, my lord. I’ll get Miss Dalton.”

“Thank you.”

Trevor entered the house and hovered awkwardly just inside the door, putting his hands behind his back in a way that he hoped seemed casual, but then realized that it looked like he was trying too hard to be normal and stuffed them in his pockets instead.

Only, he’d forgotten that his palms were still sweaty, and they rapidly grew wet against his thighs. He yanked them out, dried them on the back of his breeches this time, and managed to not look like an utter fool when Seraphina appeared at the top of the stairs, followed closely by a brown-haired maid.

His breath caught. On the previous occasions he’d seen her since coming to London, Seraphina had worn pale colors, as was apparently suitable for unmarried ladies—although goodness knew why because it wasn’t as if wearing bright red would tarnish a girl’s soul.

But now, her gown was the most lovely shade of emerald green, which contrasted with her fair skin and emphasized the slight pinkness of her cheeks.

He stammered out a greeting and bowed once she reached the bottom of the stairs. “I hope you’re looking forward to the show.”

She nodded, already grinning. “Very much so.” She gestured to the maid behind her. “This is Bessie. She’ll accompany us.”

He bowed shallowly to Bessie, uncertain of the protocol when meeting the personal servant of the lady he wanted to marry. “Good evening.”

She bobbed her head in return. “Well met, my lord.”

Trevor took Seraphina’s arm and escorted her out to the carriage. During the drive, they chatted about what the demonstration might include, since neither of them had attended one before. Trevor would have if he’d been in London, but he was already itching to get out of the city again. She was the only thing that could entice him to stay.

The Royal Institution was a tall, pale building with a columned portico at the front entrance and warm light glowing through the many windows. The carriage stopped long enough for them to disembark, and Trevor helped both women down, then stayed close by Seraphina’s side as they entered.

They were shown to the library, where dozens of people mingled, some talking and others examining the array of new inventions on display in cabinets throughout the room.

He stole a glance at Seraphina, his heart lifting at the sight of her brilliant smile. She looked absolutely delighted to be here, and he couldn’t believe his luck that he’d been the one to make it happen.

“It’s wonderful,” she murmured, her arm brushing his as she leaned closer. “I’ve always wanted to attend, but Father didn’t think it was proper for me to come without a suitable escort, and he didn’t want to personally indulge my ‘unfortunate interest in the sciences.’”

“Then I’m glad I can be your escort. I’m only sorry it took so long for you to get here.”

One side of her mouth curled in a way that made his heart hammer faster. “I’ll forgive you if you promise to bring me again.”

“Of course. People should be free to pursue whatever interests them, no matter who they are and what their background. All this nonsense about some people being encouraged while others are barred from entry is ridiculous. It makes no sense, and in my opinion, it’s just a way for people who are afraid that someone else might be smarter than them to try to maintain control.”

He hadn’t thought it was possible for someone’s eyes to get bigger, but somehow, hers did.

“I wish more people thought the way you do.” She linked her arm with his, and her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “You really are unique.”

“Have I upset you?” Her words sounded positive, but the tears didn’t match.

“Not at all.”

“Good.” He relaxed. “And yes, I’m unusual, I know.” He spotted one of his former professors on the other side of the room. “Come with me. There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

As he guided her through the crowd, he looked over a shoulder to make sure they hadn’t lost Bessie and found the maid right behind them.

When they reached Professor Adams, the gray-haired older gentleman turned toward them, and lines formed around his eyes and mouth. “Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Lord Fitzgerald?” he asked with a friendly wink.

“It’s good to see you, Professor,” Trevor replied.