The Lyon’s Alliance (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Eleven

C hristina turned toward the door as it opened. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon.” She rose from her chair, glanced at their guest, and gestured to a chair. “It is good to see you. Please come in.”

“I would tell you that I was in the neighborhood.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon walked across the room and sat in the chair next to her. She took off her gloves and deposited them in her reticule. She glanced up when she was done and fixed Christina with a penetrating gaze. “But that would be a total lie. I came here to—” She paused, her expression softening. “I was worried about you when I noticed Wolf was missing last night and relieved when St. John came to your aid.”

“As was I.” She chuckled. “Richard was charming. When I think about the incident, he took control and managed to defuse the situation without any fuss.” Something she hadn’t realized until that moment. “I did panic for a moment, but his presence helped me to maintain my composure.

“We’re working on a project, creating a children’s astronomy program.” For some reason, she felt that she needed to give Mrs. Dove-Lyon an explanation. “Our goal is to teach children how to navigate using the stars. He visited this morning to show me the document he will present to the board.

“I enjoyed his company at Louise’s wedding. He’s a down-to-earth gentleman of noble character and unwavering integrity. Last night, he was my Sir Galahad.” The idea made her smile.

A soft cough brought Christina out of her wool-gathering. “Yes, I’m looking forward to hearing about the program and the board’s decision.”

“He’s very bright and very generous,” Christina continued. “He has taken a prominent role in spearheading initiatives to support the transition of rural farmers into city dwellers. His efforts have been instrumental in developing programs focused on providing assistance, education, and employment opportunities for those seeking a new livelihood. So far, all his efforts have been very successful. I am certain this one will meet the same fine standard.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s smile told her she was speaking too much, at least about Richard.

“Richard’s presentation will be the bright spot on today’s board agenda. I am not looking forward to the meeting. They will have to go over last night’s concert, including the award ceremony. I disagreed when they decided not to inform Wolf about his award in advance. ‘A surprise,’ as if the man liked surprises. I told them it would not work, but they wouldn’t listen. They went to great lengths to keep it secret.

“Here I am going on and on. I did not come to gossip.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon let out an exasperated sigh. “I feel responsible for what happened last night.”

“How so? You didn’t abandon me. He did that all by himself.” Christina leaned forward and placed her hand on Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s. “And to allay your fears, he called on me this morning.”

“Yes, I see.” She looked at the returned shawl on the table next to her. “I also noticed your shawl on the bench in the lobby last night. You had already left with St. John. I started speaking to a friend, and when I turned around, Wolf appeared. He had your shawl, and I assumed it was to bring it to you.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s concern for her was as genuine as it was for Wolf.

“Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” Christina sat back. “You know why he left the concert hall.”

“Yes. I’ve been aware of Wolf’s ghosts for some time. He doesn’t share them with many people. He tries to laugh them off, but we both know that many retired soldiers still fight the ravages of war in their own way. My teacher was the Colonel. I assume yours was your father.”

Christina nodded. Her father had never discussed his time in the service. He suffered in silence. There were times when he would withdraw far away from the family even though they were all in the same room.

“When Wolf was here earlier this morning”—it was time to change the subject—“to return the shawl, he extended his deepest apologies.”

The woman nodded. “Yes, that’s good. I see you’ve also read the morning paper.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to someone else being the brunt of the ton’s gossip.” Christina sighed and glanced quickly at the London Chronicle on the table, her mind drawn to Wolf’s departure moments ago.

As Mrs. Dove-Lyon rose to leave, Christina couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. “But, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, you just arrived.”

The older woman smiled understandingly. “Yes, my dear, but you appear to have other things on your mind. We can speak at another time.”

“I’m sorry.” The last thing she wanted was for Mrs. Dove-Lyon to leave. “I find myself conflicted.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon sank back into her seat. “I can only stay a few more minutes. I’m hosting the Society’s committee this morning. What has you so upset?”

Christina took a breath, ready to confess. “He is the most aggravating man in the world.”

A soft chuckle escaped Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s lips. “You must be speaking about Wolf. He is exasperating. On the other hand, he is gallant, funny, very nice to look at, and passionate. Some would say too passionate.”

“He is also quite talented.” Christina’s gaze drifted out the window as she spoke, the faint rustle of leaves outside punctuating the room’s quiet and no sign that he remained in the garden. “As well as smart. I am certain he lives a flamboyant life, breaking rules and even hearts to hide who he really is.” She turned back to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. “And I think you are well aware of that.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s expression sobered, her eyes taking on a distant look as memories stirred within her. “You are correct. The Colonel knew him as well as I do. He has many positive attributes.”

Christina waited several minutes. Mrs. Dove-Lyon didn’t say anything. Christina licked her lips and took a deep breath.

“I enjoy his company. I look forward to being with him. He is all the things you said. He lets many believe he is self-centered. They don’t see that other side of him.”

“And you do?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s gentle voice confirmed what Christina knew. The woman understood the viscount.

“He could have given me any excuse about his absence last evening. Instead, he told me the truth. For him, the painful truth. He doesn’t let people into that private space very often.

“I find myself having feelings for him against my better judgment,” Christina admitted softly, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery of her handkerchief. “I refuse to get caught up in his handsome appearance and full pockets.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon regarded Christina with a shrewd gaze. Her lips pursed in thought. “He is a complicated man. Do not fool yourself. He is self-centered and ornery, but all those wonderful things as well. Do you want me to relieve you of the gala responsibility and make arrangements to attend next week accompanied by Wolf?”

Christina shook her head, her brow furrowed in uncertainty. “I don’t think that is the solution.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon continued to study Christina, her gaze becoming more piercing by the second. “What are you not telling me?”

Christina nervously smoothed out her skirt, her heart pounding. With a steadying breath, she turned to face the older woman, her voice barely above a whisper.

“He kissed me.”