Page 30 of Dared By a Lyon
“I must apologize to both of you,” she said, her face slightly flushed. “I insisted on finding my way here myself this morning. This manor house is gorgeous, but it’s massive. And I got confused in the halls where your family paintings are—and a little anxious I’d miss seeing either one of you. But when I examined the painting, I was standing in front of it, it was the one with you and your lovely sister in it, my lord. And it seemed she was pointing toward a hall, so lost as I was, I took it, and here I am!” she said happily.
Gabriel and his mother looked at each other, her wearing a self-satisfied grin. But luckily, Miss Vickers seemed oblivious to it.
“I can understand that, my dear,” the countess said. “This house has been added to several times over the past few hundred years.”
He had to admit, he thought Miss Vickers to be the most refreshing young woman he’d ever met. That she had a tender heart was clear, but she also had a way to make them all smile, including Caro.
Miss Vickers selected her breakfast and set her plate down on the dining table, across from his mother. “I was afraid the buttered eggs would be cold,” she said, chuckling. “But they are still warm and made exactly the way I enjoy them. And I love that Mrs. Fitz always seems to add shavings of cheese. It makes it so tasty.”
Gabriel chuckled. “Your enthusiasm makes breakfast taste even better than usual, Elizabeth. I cannot recall the last time anyone got excited about eggs.”
She smiled at him. “I confess, breakfast is my favorite meal.”
Before he could comment on that, his mother changed the subject.
“What time will you and Miss Vickers be going on your ride, darling?” she asked, as if their earlier conversation had never happened.
He looked at Miss Vickers. “Elizabeth, what time would suit you? I thought we might bring a picnic basket and have a bite to eat while we are out.” He glanced at his mother and back to Miss Vickers. “Is there anything you particularly enjoy eating in a picnic setting?”
Miss Vickers chuckled softly. “I’m thrilled to be able to get out and ride after being stuck inside for this long because of the rain.” She turned to his mother. “Lady Ravensthorpe, please don’t take offense at that. Your house is lovely, but I am used to spending a great deal of time outdoors. I enjoy the outdoors and prefer it to being inside for days on end.”
“In Boston?” the countess asked.
“Yes. I assure you, I frustrate my mother. But Boston has large parks, just like Hyde Park—places where you can ride.I enjoy the city, but Mama often teases that someone played a cruel joke on her and switched her child when she wasn’t looking. She enjoys Society, whereas I can take it or leave it.”
“But you came to London…” the countess persisted, looking perplexed.
“Yes. Because my cousin wanted to come. And for the adventure. I thought it would be a lovely escapade—and my cousin adores Society.” Miss Vickers’s expression grew thoughtful. “I hope she’s starting to feel better. She said she’d try to join us if her headache had passed. I’m hopeful she will.”
“So, the picnic…” Gabriel said.
“That’s so thoughtful of you, Gabriel. A picnic sounds lovely, and I’ll be happy with anything you choose to bring. Just getting outside in the sunshine will make it perfect, I promise. It’s such a considerate idea to bring food. I’m really looking forward to riding again—it’s been a couple of months since my last ride.”
A few minuteslater, Caro and Biscuit entered the room. Caro held her finger to her lips, demanding that Biscuit be on his best behavior.
“Good morning, Caro,” Ashlyn said, thrilled to see the little girl. She had been spending time with her in the evenings, hoping to teach her more sign language. “Are you and Biscuit having a good time?”
Caro nodded and smiled.
“That’s good. Biscuit is obviously enjoying himself,” Gabriel said.
“Sweetling, what do you have there?” the countess asked her granddaughter.
Caro unrolled what appeared to be a drawing and handed it to her grandmother, who looked at it and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. She handed the picture to her son.
Gabriel stared at it and showed it to Ashlyn.
The picture looked like a delightful drawing of Caro and Biscuit, both smiling happily on the front lawn of a huge house. Ashlyn supposed it to be Gabriel’s estate. Next to them, there were figures of people—a tall, dark-haired man and two women, also with dark hair. Over the house were two big, fluffy clouds.
“Is this a picture of your mama and papa?” Gabriel asked.
Caro shook her head. She pointed to one of the clouds and, with an open hand, palm up, touched her thumb beneath her chin and looked to Ashlyn.
“Are you saying your mother is in the clouds?” Ashlyn asked. “An angel?”
Caro nodded and touched the other cloud. Again, taking her open hand, palm up, she touched her forehead with her thumb.
“And your papa is in the clouds?”
