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

Chapter Twelve

R ichard arrived at Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s private home earlier than expected and was ushered into her drawing room. The room was elegantly furnished, with rich drapes and a thick Axminster carpet.

“Please, have a seat, Mr. St. John. Mrs. Dove-Lyon will be with you shortly.”

Richard acknowledged the butler with a nod. As the door closed, rather than sit, he paced the room.

His thoughts were a tangled web of frustration and doubt. He still reeled from this morning’s breakfast. He should have warned Wolf about the award. He could have saved everyone from the pain that followed.

He stood at the window and took a deep breath. But in the windowpane, he was back in the concert hall and saw the shadow of distress on Christina’s face, and his blood boiled all over again. How could Wolf abandon her?

He paced the drawing room, trying to walk off his annoyance. The last thing he wanted to do at the moment was present the astronomy program to the committee.

His mind drifted back to Christina’s sister’s wedding. It had been a beautiful ceremony, and he had the pleasure of spending most of his time with Christina. They had danced, laughed, and talked about so many different things.

He complimented her on her dancing ability, but what captivated him most was their conversation about astronomy. Her eyes had ignited as she spoke ardently about the stars and constellations, explaining how they could be used to navigate.

Her knowledge and enthusiasm had enthralled him, and at that moment, he realized she was intelligent, kind-hearted, passionate, personable, and beautiful. In a word, she was wonderful.

They discussed books and poetry, sharing thoughts on Jane Austen and Lord Byron.

“Sometimes she reads in the evening.” With a mischievous glint, Christina said, “I tried to read a novel by candlelight, but the candle gave up before I did. It seems even wax has its limits!”

Richard chuckled at the memory and her playful wit.

He turned at a sound at the door. Mrs. Dove-Lyon entered and stifled his smile.

“Richard, you’re early. The others won’t be here for at least another thirty minutes.” She glanced at him, went to the cellarette, and poured him a glass of claret.

“Thank you,” he paused, choosing his words carefully. “It was a rather eventful evening last night.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Yes. I went to the concert hall when I learned about the award they planned to give Wolf. I told them it wouldn’t be well received. I never thought he would…It must have been quite a shock for Christina.”

Richard’s jaw tightened. “Indeed. She was quite distressed.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon moved closer, her voice gentle. “You were there for her, though. That must have meant a great deal to her, or have I misunderstood your feelings about her.”

Richard sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Is it that obvious?” He turned and faced her. “Wolf’s influence is strong, and I fear his charm overshadows my…”

“Sincerity?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon smiled subtly. “Do not underestimate yourself. You possess qualities that Wolf can never emulate. Your integrity, loyalty, and genuine warmth even your vulnerability are the traits that truly matter.”

He looked at her, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “Do you truly believe that?”

“I do. You have much more to offer a woman,” she replied. “And I have my reasons for wanting to see you succeed. My wager with Wolf depends on it.”

Richard’s brow furrowed. “A wager?” A crafty smile spread across his face. “I’ve heard of your wagers.”

She chuckled softly. “It’s a harmless bet. Wolf was complaining how every woman falls at his feet. I disagreed with him.”

“Christina,” he said, nodding. “You mean a woman with scruples. Or do I sound bitter at having come up short?”

“I knew she would see the real Wolf, the man beyond his flirtations and charm. And you, Richard Samuel Arthur St. John, are not a failure. And before you ask, I read your full name in the marriage registry at Nathaniel and Louise’s wedding.”

Richard’s heart pounded. “You helped Nathan and Louise. Help me. I need Christina to see that I am the right man for her.”

She placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You do not need to show her anything, Richard. You’ve instinctively done everything I would advise you to do to win her heart. You support her passion for astronomy and are always there when she needs you. You’ve even created your own project to keep her close. What else could there be? Just be yourself. Your steadfastness and sincerity will shine through.”

Richard hesitated, then spoke with more conviction. “What if Wolf’s charm blinds her to my intentions?”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon shook her head gently. “Christina is perceptive. She values integrity and loyalty. She will see through Wolf’s pretense in time. You must have patience. Wolf cannot maintain the thin veneer. He will show his true colors. His mercurial spirit has a mind of its own. And when the right moment arises, and you will know when it does, express your feelings for her.”

Richard took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. Patience, he reminded himself. “I hope you’re correct.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon smiled warmly. “Exactly. And remember, your love for Christina is genuine and deep. That is something Wolf can never match.”

Richard’s heart swelled with a mix of hope and determination. He met Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s gaze. Were his feelings so easy to see? Or was Mrs. Dove-Lyon a romantic at heart? Her colonel always said people underestimated her. “Thank you. Your words mean more than you know.”

A gentle rap on the door announced the butler, who ushered in the others from the Society. As they entered, took their seats, and were served tea, Richard couldn’t help but wish that Christina was with him. This was her project. She should be presenting it to the committee.

He sat with his portfolio and Christina’s presentation and waited to begin. He imagined her standing confidently at the front of the room, sharing what attracted her to astronomy, her voice steady and captivating. She’d go on to explain the details of the children’s program with such clarity and excitement that everyone in the room would be drawn in, just as he had been.

The sound of chairs being pulled out brought Richard back to the present. He straightened in his seat. He would present the project with the same passion and sincerity as Christina.

He would win Christina’s heart.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” he began. “Thank you, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, for hosting this impromptu meeting. I am here to propose an exciting and innovative children’s program, Celestial Navigators Explore the Night Sky . Allow me to share the details with you…”