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

Chapter Fifteen

Monday, April 30, 1821

T o say that Christina was excited was an understatement. She nearly danced down the rain-soaked street and into the bookshop. She carefully held the folio containing the plan she had put together for the program she and Richard had developed. She folded her umbrella and brushed the droplets from her skirt, but several inches above her hem remained damp. She hadn’t navigated all the puddles.

Mrs. Murthy lifted her head from the books she was unboxing. “I took the liberty of clearing all the books off the large table in the back room. I’ve laid out tea and biscuits on the desk for you and Mr. St. John.”

“That wasn’t necessary. I thought we would be at one of the tables by the reference books. Few people go there.”

The housekeeper-turned-bookseller stepped away from the box and gave Christina her full attention. “I think you need quiet and some refreshments to work on your program. The back room is a perfect place to work without being interrupted. It would be the ideal place to hold classes, book clubs, or readings. All it needed was a cleaning.”

Christina nodded in agreement, her mind buzzing with possibilities. “That is a wonderful idea. You must present it to Mother and Father. I am certain they will see the opportunities.”

Mrs. Murthy noticed the wet trail Christina had made from the door. “You’d best go by the brazier in the back room and dry out your hem. I’ll bring Mr. St. John to you when he arrives.”

Christina headed for the back room. When she stepped in, she hardly recognized the room. The stacks of books were neatly arranged in a bookcase, and the clutter was cleared away from the table. The picture of the woman reading a book propped against the wall now hung prominently, and a curtain draped the cleaned window, allowing the light in.

She placed the folio on the table, stepped to the brazier, and lifted her hem. While her hem dried, she marveled at Mrs. Murthy’s care and effort in improving the room. It was a good room for classes, book clubs, or readings.

After a few minutes, with her skirt relatively dry, she sat at the table and opened the folio. She looked up as Mrs. Murthy came to the door.

“Mr. St. John.” Mrs. Murthy stepped aside. Richard entered carrying his own folio and sat next to Christina. Mrs. Murthy quietly left.

“Now that the board has approved the program, we should work on the details, logistics, and financing.” Christina set a document in front of Richard. “This is the plan I’ve prepared.”

He glanced at the papers, then at her.

“I’ve given the program a great deal of thought. These children are not necessarily scholars. The best way to appeal to them is to get them excited in an active and engaging manner.” She gestured to the parchment. “I’ve developed a course outline that will take them on a journey through the night sky, teaching them how to navigate using the stars.”

Richard leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on. You have my undivided interest.”

“First, we’ll start with the basics—identifying the major constellations and understanding their significance. Then, we’ll move on to more practical skills, like using an astrolabe to measure the altitude of celestial objects.”

Richard nodded, following along with her explanation. “And what about the activities? How will the children be involved?”

“Ah, that’s the best part,” she exclaimed. “Each session will include activities that reinforce the concepts we’ve discussed. For example, in the session on measuring celestial altitude, the children will have the opportunity to construct their own astrolabe and practice using them under the night sky.”

Richard’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Construct their own astrolabe? That sounds ambitious.”

Christina chuckled. “They’ll use stiff paperboard and string. Growing up, I learned best when I was challenged and encouraged to think in unconventional ways. I want to pass that on. I believe in students thinking creatively. Plus, it’s a chance for them to use their hands and truly engage with the material, just as I did.”

Richard nodded thoughtfully. “I’m impressed with your passion and ingenuity. It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

Christina grinned, a sense of pride evident in her expression. “I have indeed. I believe this course has the potential to spark a lifelong love of astronomy in these children, and I’m excited to see where it leads.” She glanced at her plan. “It would be wonderful for the children to see the sky through a telescope. I know how I felt the first time I saw the stars close up.”

“I’ve had Dollond & Company install a telescope at Aldbury Hall. We can bring the children there.”

Christina whipped around, her eyes locking onto Richard. “That is a costly expense. Will the board reimburse you?”

Richard’s face lit up. “I don’t expect them to. It is a personal purchase.” His gaze lingered on her as he watched her reaction.

The light in Christina’s eyes was unmistakable, and as she stepped closer. Richard could see her excitement. “Richard, a telescope is absolutely marvelous! It will greatly enhance our lessons.”

He seemed to be warmed by her enthusiasm. Her spirit was infectious, and he couldn’t help but share her joy. “I’m glad you’re pleased, Christina. I thought it would be a valuable addition to our program.”

Her response was immediate. “Oh, it’s more than that!” Her voice rose, and he found himself swept up in her vision. “With this telescope, the children will be able to see the stars up close, to witness the wonders of the universe firsthand. It’s like bringing the heavens down to Earth!” Her gaze held that of a dreamer, and Richard knew he had made the correct choice.

“Have you ever seen a starburst?” she asked him. Her passion made him smile. He shook his head. “Ah, what you are missing. It is a brilliant display of light that radiates outward in all directions from a central point.”

Christina noticed the way Richard’s eyes lit up, clearly swept up in her enthusiasm. He reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m thrilled that you’re so passionate about this. Your enthusiasm is infectious.” His touch lingered, sending a warm shiver down her spine.

“I’ve brought along an astronomy map for inspiration while we do our planning.” Richard handed her his folio.

Christina’s eyes widened as she eagerly accepted the map, unfolding it to expose a detailed depiction of the night sky. “This is wonderful.” She flicked her gaze from the map to the notice board on the wall. “We can hang it here.”

Christina’s hands moved with purpose, her fingers slightly trembling, not from nervousness but from sheer anticipation. She gathered the map and a handful of brass tacks from the desk drawer, feeling Richard’s eyes on her. She knew he could see the excitement in her every step. The board was a blank slate, ready to be transformed into a window to the stars. Together, they would bring the heavens a little closer to Earth.

“Here, let me help you before I leave,” Richard said in a low murmur, his hand extended toward her. His touch sent a jolt of awareness through her, and she hesitated, caught between the practical task at hand and the charged atmosphere around them.

“Leave?” she asked.

“I wanted to tell you the board meeting results and give you the map.” He hesitated a moment and then added, “I wanted to see you even though I cannot stay long.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” She stared at his eyes and glanced at the wall. “We should put the map on the wall before you leave.”

“The tacks, please.” His fingers brushed hers as he took the small metal pins. “You hold your end. That’s right. A little higher. Perfect. Now hold it steady.” His nearness was intoxicating, their breaths mingling in the confined space.

Once he had completed his side with the same care, he leaned back to assess their joint effort.

“A celestial tapestry waiting to be explored,” she murmured.

“A celestial tapestry?” He gazed at her.

“In the quiet of the night, when the world holds its breath, the celestial tapestry unfurls. It is woven from stardust and moonbeams, a cosmic quilt stitched by the hands of ancient gods.” Christina chuckled. “The headmistress of my school asked me for a poetic explanation of the night sky. That was my answer.”

As they stood side by side, admiring their handiwork, a surge of gratitude washed over her. She turned to Richard and found herself speechless with emotion, unable to contain the overwhelming sense of appreciation she felt for him.

“Thank you, Richard. You’ve made this course even more incredible than I imagined,” she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

He returned her grateful smile, his eyes holding hers. “I am glad to know that I played a part in bringing this program and your vision to life.”

And then, Christina threw her arms around him. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and she pulled him into a tight embrace. Richard’s arms enfolded her, solid and steady. The outside world faded, leaving only the two of them—partners, collaborators, and more.

As Richard’s chest rose and fell against hers, Christina felt a rush of warmth flood her senses. With a soft sigh, she nestled closer to him, her cheek against his shoulder. There was something undeniably secure in his embrace, a feeling she belonged there, with him and among the stars they had just pinned to the board.

And in that quiet moment, as their breaths aligned, the universe seemed to conspire. The map on the wall faded into insignificance, replaced by the uncharted territory of their hearts. Christina tilted her head, her lips brushing his collarbone, and for the first time, the boundaries blurred. The kiss was inevitable—a celestial collision, a fusion of longing and possibility.

Richard’s lips met hers, and the world shifted. The constellations spun, and the room dissolved. In that stolen breath, they tasted the promise of discovery—the wonders of the universe and the mysteries of love.

As they pulled back slightly, Christina couldn’t help but detect the way Richard’s eyes sparkled as his gaze met hers. It was as though they shared an unspoken understanding, a connection that bound them together in ways words could not express.

But all too soon, reality intruded upon their moment.

“Christina.” His chest rumbled. She didn’t want to move. She snuggled closer. He laughed, and she nearly swooned because she could hear and feel it. Contentment.

Reality intruded again. With a pang of regret, Christina nodded. “Your meeting,” she murmured, though she was disappointed.

“Please, don’t look so distraught.” He pressed a final kiss on the top of her head.

Christina wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped up in his embrace, to forget about the outside world, and to simply be with him.

“I would much prefer to stay here. I have left the best for last. The board has invited you to attend tomorrow’s luncheon. We can see when the board would like to start the sessions. I know you would like to move the program forward. I’ll gather you tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.”

His words held a promise—a bridge between their stolen moment and the practical world.

She nodded. Reluctantly, she watched as Richard made his way to the door.

“Until tomorrow then,” she called after him.

With a reassuring smile, Richard nodded as he glanced back at her one last time before disappearing into the bookshop and out the shop door.

Wolf sat in the dimly lit gentlemen’s parlor of The Palladium Association. He was surrounded by the heavy scent of tobacco smoke and the amber glow of whiskey glasses. He had been there for hours, steadily working through a bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac, his preferred indulgence. With each sip, the rich and complex flavors washed over him, momentarily numbing his senses and quieting the relentless churn of his thoughts. His fingers idly traced the rim of his glass, the burn of the alcohol offering a fleeting distraction from the guilt of leaving Christina at the concert. Perhaps another bottle of Remy would wipe that away.

“What’s got you in such a state? I know you enjoy your cognac, but you usually share it with us,” Lord Lambert inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.

The others leaned in, their interest piqued by Wolf’s evident agitation.

“Trouble in paradise, Wolf?” Lord Gambridge teased, a knowing glint in his eye.

Wolf let out a frustrated sigh. “You could say that.” He emptied the last of the Remy into his glass and took a gulp. “Bloody hell,” he muttered, more annoyed than frustrated. “Someone has her attention, and I don’t like it one bit.”

The room fell silent as his friends exchanged knowing glances. They were well aware of Wolf’s penchant for charming the ladies, it seemed this latest attraction had managed to capture his heart in a way no other woman had.

“Now you know how the rest of the gents feel. You’ve been immune for much too long. It’s time you were inducted into the club. The first thing you need to learn is that you never drink alone.” Gambridge motioned to the butler for more drinks. “The second thing, if you ask me, is that you need to plot your revenge. It doesn’t matter that you’ll never take action, but there is something rewarding in planning it.”

Wolf raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. “And what do you propose I plan to do?” He raised his glass to Mr. Abernathy, the club steward, in a silent request for another bottle of Remy.

Lord Gambridge’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “You could consider to plant seeds of doubt about the gentleman’s intentions. Insinuate to the young lady that the cad is not to be trusted and that his motives are suspect. A woman as discerning as she will surely question her attachment in light of such allegations.”

The steward returned with a bottle and began refilling everyone’s glass.

A smirk played across Wolf’s lips as he entertained the notion. “Yes, casting doubt upon the man’s character could sway her affections to me.”

“Yes, an intriguing proposition,” he conceded, nodding in approval and refreshing his empty glass. “You sow the seeds of doubt and observe with delight as the cad’s influence wanes in her eyes.”

Lord Lambert stopped the steward from leaving, finished his drink, and held out his glass for more. He cleared his throat and offered his own counsel. “If I may interject, there’s another angle worth exploring. Appeal to her sense of duty and propriety.”

Wolf raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. “Go on.”

“Highlight the rogue’s unconventional behavior,” Lord Lambert continued. “Mention his disregard for what is acceptable and his cavalier attitude towards propriety. A woman of her standing will surely be wary of associating herself with someone who flouts convention so brazenly.” Lambert leaned in, his voice low and firm, “It’s about perception. Whether or not the rumors are true is irrelevant. It’s the shadow of doubt you cast that matters.”

A thoughtful expression crossed Wolf’s features as he considered the advice. “Yes, appealing to her sense of duty could sway her affections away from the rogue and towards me,” he mumbled. “An astute observation,” Wolf conceded, nodding in agreement as he lifted his glass to his lips and swallowed deeply. He lowered the glass, licking his lips.

“Expose the rogue’s indiscretions and watch as her reservations grow,” Lambert said.

“It’s quite simple, really.” Tarleton joined the discussion. “Associate the gent with that financial scandal in the London Chronicle . Especially if he’s been spending a great deal of money lately.” He nodded at the paper lying on the footstool. “Let your young woman know he’s been seen cavorting with known criminals. That should send her running back into your arms.”

Wolf glanced at Abernathy, who poured the last glass and nodded, dismissing him.

The men continued their conversation, but to Wolf, their voices blended into an indistinct murmur, a gentle hum that resonated in his mind. As the evening grew late and the last of his companions departed, Wolf found himself alone with the remnants of his thoughts and more than one empty bottle of Remy.

He chuckled at the theoretical suggestions proposed, born from his own musings and the whisperings of his ego. With a weary sigh, he leaned back in the chair, the effects of the alcohol finally catching up to him. His eyelids grew heavy, and with a final, defiant nod to no one in particular, he fell asleep.