Chapter 2

The crowd loudly toasted Lord and Lady Lupton to the success of the new hunting lodge and gardens whilst Athena silently observed the group. Their work was complete, and it was time to take their leave to another contract. 

She had enjoyed her time at Haddon Hall, although the stress of knowing Craig was pursuing relations with Lady Octavia had certainly dampened the past month.

Still the project had been a success. As usual, her vivid artistic designs coupled with Craig's knowledge had produced a dazzling success. High society wanted to embrace the creativity of metal sculpture and exotic plants from afar and shake off the Georgian style of columns and stark white stone.

"We must give special thanks to our talented designer and artist, our guide throughout the process, Miss Athena Thornfield."

She was startled out of her thoughts and gave a wide smile and polite nod to her hosts. The spring weather made her green eyes sparkle. Her curled brown hair shone against her open rich green overcoat.

Under the coat she wore a green floral linen dress tied tightly under the bust with green ribbon, highlighting her slender shape. A cusp of cleavage was visible from the cut of the fashionable neckline. Around her neck was a golden circular locket, the last trinket from her father.

"I can only hope our additions stand the same test of time as Haddon Hall, still impressing us all after one hundred years."

Lord and Lady Lupton beamed at the praise. She knew she had hit the right spot in flattering them, and anyone else in the crowd who wondered what her services could do to their ageing, unfashionable properties.

Her eyes swept the crowd and landed on a tall, dark-haired exiting a finely guided carriage. He was tall, with dark chocolate eyes and closely cut brown hair. His fine clothes fit like a glove, his wealth and breeding seemed to ooze from every pore. 

Though Athena was from a privileged background there were few in the world as wealthy as the Fairfax dynasty. Money, power and land were dominated by their business interests. Baron Oliver Fairfax was the younger brother and had initiated the proposal for her next project. She had prepared the drawings and sketches based on his description and a portfolio for his review was waiting in her room. Felix, the older brother she knew by his wealth alone. Not a town in the country existed without a bank linked to his family name. 

It was understood that he had assigned a full-time board of directors his trusted to run things. The money flowed to Felix but not the stress. He had spent his early twenties travelling Europe and now preferred to spend his time at Fairfax Manor, rarely engaging in polite society. 

This enormous contract would secure her and Craig's finances for at least three years. Though they had significant savings they had no family estate to fall back on and so together they had resolved to make their fortune. Haddon Hall had been a success, their reputation continued to grow so why was she nervous at the sight of this dark-haired stranger.

“Baron Fairfax, delighted you could make it!” hollered Lord Lupton, the excitement in his voice at such an illustrious guest.

Baron Oliver walked briskly towards the gathered crowd as if unaware of his celebrity. Surrounding Athena was a collection of the regions great and good, Lords, Dukes, and other feted noble families. They all took note of his arrival with scurried glances and discrete whispers. The herd of braying, red-faced men all moved to offer him handshakes and pass their regards.

Athena realised she had stopped still as she watched him progress through the crowd and tried to occupy herself with something other than staring. She coolly observed his short black hair, dark eyes, and a strong jaw that the sparkle of youth could not render severe.

Baron Oliver made his way to Henry Lupton, the eldest son of her employers. He was tall with the same ice blue eyes as his sister Octavia. Athena was thankful Henry had not entertained her presence in the house with any flirtation. Lady Lupton had observed her movements like a hawk, constantly on the watch for impropriety.

As she strode into the house and up the stairs, to the pleasant sunlit room she had been allocated, her heart raced. This project would be her most ambitious yet.

They had only communicated via letter so far, hopefully, his arrival signalled good news. As she retrieved the portfolio of drawings from her bureau, she recognised the angry footsteps of Craig thundering down the stairs. A slam of a distant door told her he had gone out via the servants' exit and not joined the party. She saw Octavia tripping lightly down the stairs, their eyes briefly met but the annoyance in her eyes at being seen by Athena was quickly replaced by a fake smile and greeting to some friends in the distance.

Ah, she thought, definitely time to leave Haddon Hall. Finding no further sign of Craig she made her way back to the garden party and was swiftly captured in conversation by Lord Samuel Worthington. He was a typical middle-aged aristocratic heir with a delicate constitution. Whilst all the other guests wore light spring coats he was heavily wrapped up with a fur-trimmed cape.

“Tell me, Ms Thornfield, are there many women in your field?” he queried in a tone that was not complimentary.

“I believe I may be unique Lord Worthington"

"I have to say I find it staggering you take on such work" he muttered crossly.

"I find that to be a positive in this era of change and new thinking. I must be doing something right” was her bristled response, resisting the urge to go further.

“Hear hear” a firm voice replied causing Athena to turn around.

“Ms Thornfield” Lord Lupton announced like a prize partridge, “may I introduce Baron Oliver Fairfax, I understand you have submitted one of your enticing design briefs for Fairfax Manor?”

Athena maintained her composure and refused to be shaken by the grandeur in front of her.

“Baron Fairfax, it is a delight to make your acquaintance.”

Lord Worthington realised he was no longer required for the conversation and made his harrumphed excuses to leave. Athena found her hand swiftly grasped and a soft kiss placed upon the top.

"Enchanted to finally meet you after all our correspondence, I assume you have some final designs for me to review?"

"Indeed I do sir, may I assume you are accepting the contract terms?"

"Correct Ms Thornfield, I see you are as encouragingly direct in person as in writing." 

His eyes sparkled dangerously as he gauged her reaction. Athena had dealt with his type before, men who presumed she was part of the deal. 

"In matters of business absolutely" was the most pleasant reply she could muster, turning at smiling at her current host she recovered her poise "Lord Lupton may I borrow your study for a period?"

Suddenly Oliver Fairfax's good looks and easy manner lost their attractiveness and a feeling of sickly sleaze replaced her initial admiration.