He tucked her hand over his arm and led her back to the picnickers. “But it is my game, Mother. How I treat Miss Ellison is my concern, not anyone else’s.”
A twig cracked. He turned to see Miss Milton’s furrowed brow as she stood nearby, next to Thornton. “Ah, Miss Milton, Thornton. Do you wish to see if the view at the hilltop is as glorious as the guidebooks suggest?”
At their assent, a small climbing party was formed, consisting of all of the younger ladies and gentlemen, while the older ladies, save for Cousin Maria, declared themselves too tired to attempt such a steep ascent.
With Thornton and Miss Milton at the lead, Nicholas was kept busy assuring the other young ladies that their efforts would be well rewarded. The wooded copse provided shade, and their excitement was palpable, although it quickly descended into complaint as the path led higher.
During one of these sunnier sections, he heard a voice behind him say, “Thank you, Miss Ellison. I’ve heard it is a marvelous sight.”
He turned. Lavinia and his cousin were trailing the others by several lengths, Maria leaning heavily on Lavinia’s arm, who only smiled encouragement.
“Come now, Miss Pettigrew. It’s not that far to the top. And then you may see that wonderful view you said you’ve wanted to see for so long.”
“No, my dear.” His cousin stopped to fan herself. “I think I’ll walk back.”
“Ladies? Do you require assistance?”
“Oh!” Maria fluttered. “I’m so sorry, Nicholas. I did not mean to interrupt—”
“Nonsense. We had grown worried about you.” He offered an arm to each. “Allow me.”
Maria took his arm eagerly, but Lavinia hesitated. “Please assist Miss Pettigrew, my lord. The path is not wide enough for three. I can walk alone.”
“I would not have you walk alone, Miss Ellison.”
Her cheeks pinked, and after a moment, she rested a small gloved hand on his arm.
Warmth glowed through his heart to have her so near. She uttered no complaint, even as Maria exclaimed about the heat, the height, the buzzing insects. Instead she diverted the older woman, pointing out a tiny robin perched on the sprawling roots of an ancient fig, the glimpsed vistas of the River Severn, and sharing snippets of history about the Battle of Nibley Green.
“Miss Ellison is a veritable guidebook, is she not, cousin Maria?”
Lavinia stiffened as Maria offered a soft affirmative.
“She is one of the most fascinating ladies I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. I’m very glad she agreed to come today.” Nicholas met Lavinia’s gaze and smiled. “Thank you.”
She offered a small smile, and they proceeded up the last section to the peak. Despite his cousin’s flagging spirits, he couldn’t be sorry, because her slowing steps allowed him more time to enjoy Lavinia’s musical voice, her sunny smile, the way her bonnet revealed two delectable curls upon her neck.
“Livvie!” Miss Milton hurried toward them. “We’d become convinced you had turned back, even though you are the one most used to tramping around.”
“It may take a while before I can match my previous exploits.”
Of course. Her illness. He was a fool to suggest such an excursion. “Do you wish to rest?”
“Thank you, my lord, I am happy here.”
Miss Milton shot him a troubled look and led Maria to a slight incline where the others were exclaiming at the patchwork of fields and villages far below.
Lavinia walked closer to the edge. “It is spectacular, is it not?”
Sunlight caught the wisps of hair playing around her face, her upturned face proof of her pleasure. He studied her beautiful, soft pink lips. What would her kiss be like? His heartbeat quickened. “I find it delightful.”
She glanced across and saw his attention still firmly fixed on her. Her cheeks suffused with color. “Is this more of your nonsense, my lord?”
He smiled. Perhaps one day she might believe him.
She faced the wide swath of natural wonder and sighed. “I cannot help but think of God’s magnificence when I see such beauty.”
“‘For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen …’”
Her eyes widened.
“I don’t know if I ever thanked you for pointing out such verses to me, Miss Ellison.”
“The captain told me you now … believe.”
“It will take me dozens of years to attain a smidgeon of the faith Thornton has, and I can never aspire to your great goodness, but I hope you will be patient with me.”
Her eyes kindled, yet she did not drop her gaze, her smile more beautiful than the view before them.
For a moment, perfect ease flowed between them, contentment highlighted further by sunny skies, birdsong, and the hush of breeze in the trees.
A cough lifted his focus. Thornton stood with Miss Milton, and both wore frowns. Just beyond them stood a glowering Miss DeLancey.
His stomach tensed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
THE FOLLOWING DAY, Lavinia was surprised by a visit from Sophy. After exchanging reminiscences from the picnic, Sophy paused, and said, “Livvie, there’s something you should know.”
Lavinia looked up from her embroidery and smiled. “That I am to wish you happy?”
“No, no,” Sophy giggled. “Captain Thornton is all that is amiable, but he has not, that is, he would not—”
“Be enamored of the prettiest girl in Gloucestershire? No, why would he? If he were not that would make him a very foolish man indeed, and I am certain the captain is no fool.” She smiled as Sophia colored. “How feels your mama?”
“Oh, she likes him enormously. Papa, too. But”—her smile faded—“that is not what I needed to tell you.”
“What troubles you, Sophy?” She glanced at her last uneven row, sighed inwardly, and bent to unpick her stitching.
“It … it’s something I overheard yesterday.”
“Come, Sophy. You know eavesdropping on others’ conversations never ends well.”
“I didn’t mean to. But when the earl said—” She bit her lip.
Lavinia fought the flicker of interest. She attempted to rethread her needle, but it suddenly proved difficult indeed. She would not ask. She would not—
“It was about you, Livvie!”
Sophy’s insistent voice drew her gaze to her face.
“It’s all a game! That’s what he said to his mother. That you are only a game to him.”
Something cold stole over her soul. Surely his looks, his words, his kindnesses, his profession of faith could not be designed. She slowly placed the needle down as Sophy continued.
“I didn’t think you would care too much, you’ve always railed about his type and about how he doesn’t fulfill his duties. But I had wondered if perhaps, after your illness, you seemed a little tender toward him. And I would hate for you to be hurt by him.” Sophy’s bottom lip trembled.
Hurt by him? How many times had that occurred already? A chuckle of disbelief escaped, sounding more like a groan. At Sophy’s widened eyes, she forced iron into her words. “Thank you, Sophy, for your concern. But I cannot be hurt by mere words.”
But his actions …
“So you are unhurt?”
She lifted her chin. “I am quite well.”
“I am so glad! Of course, Mama says anyone can see he must marry someone of his rank, like Miss DeLancey, and that if anyone from around here was to think he’d condescend to their level, they must be a trifle touched in the attic.” She giggled. “He is tremendously handsome, though. So I don’t blame you for looking.”
Mortification scorched her cheeks. What had she done to give such an impression? How blatant must it have been for Sophy to notice, of all people? Why, why, why hadn’t she listened to her aunt’s lessons in propriety?
“Can you imagine having the countess as your mother-in-law?” Sophy’s eyes widened. “She always looks like a gargoyle!”
She had no words.
No rejoinders. Shame at how meekly she’d been taken in rippled across her insides. What stupid pride for her to have dared think—
No. She would dare no longer.
“I’m glad I told you. Captain Thornton wasn’t sure I should.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Are you sure you feel well, Livvie? Your voice sounds funny. Anyway, I was so worried, and I couldn’t just ask anyone, and the captain is so kind and knows the earl so well, I thought I’d ask his opinion. And he agreed that the earl would marry only someone of his social standing and said Lord Hawkesbury’s actions were reprehensible.”
For some reason, this assertion from Nicholas’s closest friend filled her eyes in a way none of the other comments had. But hadn’t the captain warned her previously? She bit the inside of her bottom lip to stop the tremble, shifted the talk to Sophy’s anticipations, and was not at all sorry when her guest soon departed.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING Lavinia was thankful the Sunday school demanded her full attention. The earl and his party—save the Winpooles—had arrived in good time, and she had managed to keep away, her embarrassment too raw to encounter any knowing gaze. Spending time with the children, while exhausting, proved sufficient diversion from self-recrimination, until the congregation was released and she could linger in the small room no longer. She moved outside and chatted to a number of congregants, all the while keeping an eye out to avoid Lord Hawkesbury. Now that she was in possession of his true intentions, what could she say to him? A restless night had refused to proffer any answers. She glanced past Eliza chatting quietly with the blacksmith’s family but couldn’t see the dark head and broad shoulders anywhere. Where—?
“Ah, Miss Ellison.” She turned to meet the earl’s warm eyes. “I had begun to wonder where you were hiding. Out with your children again?”
“Yes.” She stepped back. No one would have reason to question her motives today.
“Miss Ellison? Are you well?”
She dropped her gaze. “Quite well, my lord.”
“I fear this may be the last service I attend for a while. We travel to London tomorrow.”
“So soon?” She winced at her breathlessness.
“Yes.” He sighed. “I received word yesterday of some business I must attend to immediately. And my parliamentary duties mean I will not be back this way for many months.”
Many months? Her chest grew tight. Proof that Sophy’s assertions were correct. How much of a fool was she to have thought otherwise. “I trust you will have safe travels, my lord.”
She looked away to see his mother watching avidly. Lavinia pressed her lips together.
“Is this all you have to say?” He grasped her hand.
“Unhand me, sir.” She pulled it free. “You may need have no care for your reputation, but I must.”
“So the reverend’s daughter has finally decided to take heed of herself.” His silky voice dropped as he leaned closer. “I shall make my farewells to your father and aunt this afternoon.”
“Nicholas!” hailed the countess.
He grimaced. “Until then.” He bowed and went to speak with his mother, leaving Lavinia is a whirl of conflicting emotions—and more determined than ever to avoid him.
AFTER LUNCHEON, LAVINIA removed to her sanctuary, holding the pup in her arms as she carried the basket. It was foolish, perhaps, to think she might get any painting done, but the puppy’s antics guaranteed she would not be morose. And she would not waste this beautiful afternoon waiting inside to be further insulted by a man such as the Earl of Hawkesbury.
The light was growing dim when she finally returned. The puppy’s quivering exploration of his surrounds had meant she’d spent more time chasing him than painting, with the result that her hair was in disarray and her clothes were rather dirty. Definitely not fit company for anyone—not that she need mind. The hour for visiting had well and truly gone.
She hurried past the small stone barn, rounded the corner, and crashed into a large form. “Oh, my goodness!” Her basket clattered to the ground, her wooden paint case falling open as Nicky scampered away. “Oh no!”
She fell to her knees, picking up the dirt-encrusted cakes of pigment, flicking at the specks uselessly until a large folded handkerchief was handed to her, but the embroidered NS was such fine handiwork that could not be soiled. “Thank you, my lord, but—”
“Just use it, please.” As she bent to clean the ground he snapped, “For yourself! Get a servant to do that!”
Her eyes filled. She pressed her lips together and dabbed at her dress while the earl disappeared inside. A moment later he reappeared, closely followed by her aunt and Lily.
“Lavinia! What—”
“It appears Miss Ellison is determined to remain as elusive as ever.” The earl’s hazel eyes glittered dangerously. “Did you forget we were coming to see you?”
She tossed her head, hating the fact that her traitorous cheeks heated. “I am sorry, Lord Hawkesbury. I was of the impression it was Papa and my aunt you were coming to see.”
His eyes narrowed, his lips lifted to one side.
“Lavinia, go upstairs and get changed.”
“But Nicky—”
“Forget him. His lordship was about to go searching for you. He and the captain have been waiting for over an hour!”
Shame hurried her movements so it was only minutes later when she appeared in the drawing room. The captain and earl rose at her approach.
“Miss Ellison! At last. We had begun to despair of seeing you.” Captain Thornton smiled.
“My apologies, sir.”
“Note the singular,” the earl drawled. He flicked the captain a wry look before coolness settled on his features again, his gaze hard and watchful.
She focused on the captain. “I do hope you have enjoyed yourself these past weeks.”
“Nothing could be more delightful. I have enjoyed renewing friendships.”
“I know you will be missed very much in these parts.” She smiled at his flushed cheeks.
“Again, the singular.”
She glanced at the earl. “I beg your pardon?”
“Nothing, Miss Ellison.” He waved a hand. “Pray continue.”
She conversed awkwardly with Captain Thornton a few minutes more before he rose and took her hand. “I hope to see you again soon, my dear Miss Ellison.”
She smiled back warmly. “I hope for that, too.”
After pressing her hand he retreated to converse with her aunt and Papa by the door. She turned uncertainly to the earl.
He possessed her hand in both of his, his eyes darkly glittering. “My friend has spoken my sentiments exactly.”
“How unfortunate then that I am never in London.” She pulled away but his grip was like iron.
“Is this all the farewell you give me?” His voice was low. “Am I to be left so unsatisfied?”
She gasped. “What satisfaction could you wish to have?”
He shook his head, gave a grim smile and a mocking bow, and muttered, “What a fool.”
She felt hot. Cold. Hot again. He thought she was a fool?
As Papa and Aunt Patience escorted the men outside, she sank onto her seat, pressing her lips together tightly, willing herself not to cry while disillusionment chased anger faster than any hooves outside. Only after a lengthy period did she become aware of the loud howls from her pup, now trapped inside the laundry, whose cries echoed her mournful spirits.
He was a fool. A complete and utter fool. To have thought that chit might actually hold some regard for him? A fool!
Midnight’s sides were heaving by the time they arrived at the stables. He felt a moment’s remorse for his horse before Thornton dragged him away to a corner, out of the groom’s hearing.
“What is wrong with you? You raced from there like we did from Burgos!”
“I need to get inside. Everyone is waiting—”
“And they will be waiting a lot longer until you pull yourself together! Stamford, yo
u cannot go in like this. You look like thunder!”
He heaved out a breath. Another. The red spots dancing before his eyes gradually faded.
“Stamford, I’m your friend. You know that. But you’re starting to concern me.”
“A thousand apologies.”
“You cannot treat people in such a high-handed manner and expect them to like it.”
Remorse bit. “I am sorry, Thornton.”
“I don’t mean me! Miss Ellison. You’ve treated her abominably.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You should beg hers! Can you deny you’ve been toying with her affections?”
“Toying! I do not answer to you.”
“No, of course not. To whom do you ever answer?”
“You are being most unfair.”
“Unfair? Your treatment of Miss Ellison is unfair. It is just as well we leave tomorrow to put an end to this. These past weeks you’ve singled her out with smiles and attention, but for what? What possible reason? To be leg-shackled? Is that your game?”
“I do not play games.”
“Miss Milton heard you say so! To your mother, no less! Do you dare deny it?” He threw a hand through his fair hair. “Your intentions are what, then? She is your prey, your sport, is that it?”
“No!”
“So your intentions are honorable. You do wish to marry her.”
Heat filled his cheeks. He replied stiffly, “I have no desire to become betrothed—”
Thornton snorted. “For shame! You may lie to yourself, Stamford, but you can’t deceive me. What did you think? That you, an earl, could marry a commoner?”
“Miss Ellison is not common.”
“Of course not. But your rank demands you choose someone of similar status.”
“Careful, Thornton. You begin to sound as snobbish as my mother.”
“Pshaw! For years I’ve heard you go on about family duty and responsibility. And now your rank demands you choose a wife from among your peers.”
“But I don’t want any of them!” He winced. He sounded like a whining brat.
“You may have many things in this world, but you can’t have Lavinia.”
The Elusive Miss Ellison Page 22
