Rupert. Every blade of grass could be of importance, and we simply lack the understanding to see it at present. Insects and flowers in a field might hold the keys to unlocking mysteries of health, or illness, or cure famine and hunger. What have I been teaching you all this time if it is not that?”
Rupert scrubbed his hands through his hair, remembering Alice and their last afternoon together in the meadow. While he had never questioned the importance of gaining the Royal Society’s approval before, at the moment, he could only think on leaving Alice. But she would understand, surely.
“How long do you need me here?”
“How long—? Rupert, you disappoint me.” Father shook his head slowly, wincing as he did. “Meeting Mr. Lee is important. I expect you to stay as long as he does. Get to know him and share your studies with him. He is on the committee for approving items for publication. When you tell him that the Duke of Montfort is one of your patrons, it will undoubtedly help your case.”
And see his work published in the journal, with Alice’s accompanying artwork and credit.
Rupert owed it to all of them, himself, the duke, and especially Alice, to put his work forward at any possible opportunity.
The day after tomorrow, plus two more days, and then taking his leave after that, meant staying with his family for five days.
That wasn’t too long.
If his father’s hopes proved true, if making Mr. Lee’s acquaintance furthered Rupert’s ambitions as a naturalist, then it would not be time ill spent.
“I will happily assist you in hosting Mr. Lee.” Rupert rose to stand, his father doing the same and matching him in height. “The duke will understand. I need to write him, of course, and inform him of my return.”
His father clapped a hand on Rupert’s back. “Wonderful. Now, let us find your mother. She will have questions about the duchess’s new style of decoration. Your mother has been after me for weeks to recover the chairs in her sitting room.”
Rupert allowed his father to lead the way, happy enough to be home that his smile was genuine. Even if his heart tugged at him and urged him to return to Alice as soon as possible.
Chapter 20
The day the duke’s eldest son came home, Alice received word that the family would breakfast together. Her duty was to assist the nursery maid in seeing the children were well dressed and prepared to enjoy the meal with the duke, his heir, the duchess, and any guests trailing the heir. Simon Dinard, bearing the honorary title Earl of Farleigh, was apparently a favorite of the entire family.
“Simon always brings back presents,” Lord James informed Alice, while she tried to make him hold still long enough to comb his hair. He wore a miniature version of a gentleman’s attire, looking every inch the duke’s son except for a cowlick above his left eyebrow. “Last time, it was the theater for the marionettes. And he sent me the clockwork horse for my birthday.”
Alice tried to hide her amusement at his enthusiasm. “I hope you enjoy seeing your brother for his own sake, too.”
“He’s a jolly enough brother, for all he’s ancient. I think he’s older than you, Miss Sharpe.” The boy screwed up his face. “How old are you, anyway?”
Lady Isabelle laughed from the doorway to his room. “James, you should never ask a lady her age!”
“Why not?” Lord James fixed Alice with a curious stare. “People ask me how old I am all the time.”
Lady Rosalind had joined her sister at the door. “Because you are a little boy.”
Thankfully, both sisters were properly turned out in their loveliest morning gowns. Their shared maid had seen to their hair, too, rendering them lovely young ladies. It occurred to Alice, quite suddenly, that the large party of friends their brother traveled with might well one day include those that would marry her charges. If his friends were in their early twenties, a match might be made for the fourteen-year-old Lady Isabelle in another four or five years.
The upper nobility tended to marry later than the middle and lower classes. Still. The possibility was there.
Alice cleared her throat and brought them all back to the point. “I am old enough to have you in my charge, Lord James. That is all you need know.” She finally tamed the lock of hair, though she doubted it would remain in place once the boy began his usual antics. “All of you