by Aileen Fish
Her aunt’s face softened. “This need of yours to nurture young horses might fade once you have children of your own. I’m not altogether sure you should base the rest of your life on a hobby you might outgrow in a few years.”
“But it’s not a hobby, it’s my whole life.” Joanna’s heart raced at the very idea she might outgrow the horses. “Would you advise Robert not to consider his fiancée’s feelings toward racing?”
“Of course not. He’s older and has the responsibility of keeping the family stable going. Or, if he chooses, he may sell it off.” Aunt Ophelia leaned gracefully forward and topped off Joanna’s tea. “I’ll not say, as you expected, that he is a man so he doesn’t need to consider her opinion. If Robert wishes for a happy marriage, he should look for a woman who enjoys spending time in a similar fashion, or one who prefers some time alone while he is away.”
“I thank you for that. I wish father had left me a few horses that I may take with me when I marry.”
“Perhaps Robert will allow you to take your mare with you.”
“I would rather have Patriot.” Joanna quickly held up a hand to stem the admonishment she expected. “Yes, I am aware he’s the future of Northcotte Stud and is probably not available at any price. This is what upsets me most. No matter whom I marry, the horses I train will never be my own.”
After leaving her aunt’s town house, Joanna and her maid went to Amelia’s home by hack. She greeted her friend with an excited smile. “I bear an invitation to play cards with us Thursday week. Do say you’ll come.”
“I must check with Mama, but I believe we’re available. Is this being held on your behalf?” Amelia sat opposite Joanna in the morning room, where the sun had already moved past the windows.
“It is. If all goes as we hope, Mr. Lumley will be attending.”
Amelia raised her dark brown brows. “Do you think he’s close to making his feelings known?”
“To be honest, I’m not even certain he has any feelings toward me. Yes, he singles me out to sit with at supper, and always dances twice when I’m available, but he hasn’t escorted me to any activities. Nor has he called on me.”
“What about all the times you’ve gone riding?”
“When we ride, I visit more with Lady Hannah than Mr. Lumley. He’s really nothing more than her chaperone.”
“He could send a groom to ride with her, if he didn’t wish to be in your company. Don’t be so hard upon yourself. I am certain he has a high opinion of you.”
Joanna tugged off her gloves while she let her friend’s words sink in. Could it be true? Did Mr. Lumley have an affection for her? He certainly hid it well. Yet he was the only man she’d met with whom she could imagine spending the rest of her life. “Well, we shall have to wait to see if he attends the card party. Then we can discover how strong his feelings are.”
“Who has your aunt invited? I’m afraid to hope Sir Richard might be there.”
“He was not on her initial list, but I can ask her. She might not know him well enough to extend the invitation.”
“It’s no concern. I shall enjoy the afternoon in spite of his absence.”
“We sent off invitations to the Lumley brothers and sister, including Knightwick if he is in Town. Perhaps you’ll be partnered with him.”
“I won’t get my hopes up. I doubt he’s in London.”
“There will be ample young men to partner us all, you can be sure of it. Some of my aunt’s friends’ sons have been invited. And I begged her to be sure none of the young ladies are prettier than we are,” she added with a giggle.
Amelia joined in her laughter. “Nor richer, nor more talented…”
“In our case, that would prove a very narrow list of ladies, indeed. It would be a very dull afternoon.”
“Not with our wit, and Lady Hannah’s. We shall have everyone quite entertained.”
“I hope you are correct. And now you must tell me what I’ve missed with Sir Richard. I haven’t seen either of you at the assemblies I’ve attended recently.”
“He took me to the opera one night, and we had ices at Gunter’s. He has invited me to ride in his curricle this afternoon.”
“How exciting. It sounds as if he might be close to speaking to your father. Has he hinted as much?”
“No, nothing as formal as that. He continues to ask what invitations I’ve for the week, though, and shows up at many of those events.”
“Is he very romantic?”
“I suppose. He has sent posies to me a few mornings after we’ve danced together at a ball. And he always pays me compliments.”
“Mr. Lumley flatters me often, but hasn’t sent flowers. Sir Frederick sent some one time.”
Amelia shuddered. “I can’t imagine that one has a romantic side. I should hate to see it, if he did.”
Joanna drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “He has spoken to Northcotte about marrying me.”
Amelia gasped. “He didn’t. Your brother turned him down, of course.”
“Not directly, no. I don’t know what sort of pull the man has over Northcotte, but my brother left the discussion open until a later time.”
“How could he? Did you tell him you would refuse an offer from Sir Frederick?”
“I don’t have a choice in the matter. I must marry by the end of the Season, or at least have a betrothal finalized by then. He won’t say why it has to be now. He says it’s best for the estate. I can’t be spending enough to be a hardship on him, when I only take what he’s allowed me. I even offered to go live with my aunt, if I haven’t found a husband by the end of June.”
“You may stay with us for the summer. Mama has mentioned returning for the Little Season if Sir Richard hasn’t offered for me. I’m certain you could stay with us in Town then. You would not need an entirely new wardrobe, just a warmer pelisse.”
“I appreciate your offer, but I know Northcotte won’t allow it. Aunt Ophelia has suggested I force Mr. Lumley to realize he desires me for a wife, and thus he’ll ask for my hand. That is why we’re having the card party.”
“Well, this shall be enjoyable to watch. What will you do?”
Lifting her shoulders, Joanna said, “I’ve no clue. I shall be vivacious and intelligent, and speak of nothing but horses, I suppose. Whatever it takes to turn his head.”
Chapter Thirteen
That evening, David paused a moment at the top of the grand staircase that swept into the Duke of Kemberling’s ballroom. He’d insisted to Mother, Hannah, and Trey they should arrive early, but apparently, all of London had done the same. He would never find Lady Joanna in this crowd, and if he did, her card would be full.
Trey nudged his arm from behind and spoke into his ear. “Are you afraid of the marriage-minded mamas below?”
“No, of course not. They won’t hound me until Knightwick marries.”
Grinning, Trey replied, “Then I shall be free for many years, if they leave me alone until you’re leg-shackled.”
David nodded, his lips clamping together. Although a small portion of his mind had opened to the thought of marrying Joanna, the rest of his body turned cold at the very idea. He wanted a family someday, but was nowhere near ready to take time away from Fernleigh. A family deserved that time.
Trey took a step down as newcomers pushed their way around the brothers. “Do you see Miss Clawson? I hope I’m not too late to ask for the supper dance.”
“No, but she is likely with Lady Joanna. Shall we hunt together?”
“We’ll divide the territory. I’ll circle to the left, you go right.”
David began to descend. “And how shall I notify you when I find them? The old banshee cry?”
“That would be effective, would not it?” Trey laughed. “But it would not earn us the gratitude of Her Grace.”
“Quite so. How about we say whoever finds them first requests the supper dance of Lady Joanna and Miss Clawson for the two of us? That way, we’ll both be set.”
“Perfect plan
. Happy hunting.” Trey wound his way through the mob at the foot of the stairs while David worked his way to the right, following the wall.
His height had the benefit of allowing him to see over most of the crowd, although some of the matrons’ turbans with their gaily-dyed plumage made him feel he was hunting grouse in the brush. He doubted they’d appreciate him pushing the offending feathers aside so he could see better. Worse, Mrs. Brighthouse broke into laughter while he stood behind her, and when the feather on her hat brushed his nose, he nearly sneezed.
He was partway down the short end wall and approaching the French doors when he caught a whiff of Lady Joanna’s perfume. She was nearby. Laughter rang out, sounding very much like Miss Clawson. He pushed his way toward the sound and found what he sought.
He smiled to the small group of Lady Joanna’s friends, and his lips spread wider when he saw her. “There you are. I’d begun to fear you were hiding from me.”
“No, never you, Mr. Lumley. We are always happy to see a friend.” Lady Joanna’s eyes were warm and welcoming.
His chest tightened, and all the air left the room. What was wrong with him? “I’m glad to hear it. I promised Trey I would secure the supper dance with Miss Clawson for him, and would be honored to escort you, if that one is unclaimed as yet.”
A grimace flitted across Miss Clawson’s face, but was not there long enough for him to be certain. “As it happens, I do have that dance open,” she said.
“As do I,” added Lady Joanna.
“Excellent. My sister is here, somewhere. If I may, I’ll suggest she join us if she doesn’t have an escort.”
“That would be lovely. How is Lady Hannah? I haven’t seen her these past few days.”
“She is well. I never see her anything less than at her best.”
Lady Joanna’s slender brows rose imperially. “How rude of her. I won’t invite her to any house parties if that is the case. My looks are most frightful in the morning when I wake.”
David swallowed at the image her words brought to mind. He saw no flirtatious gleam in her eye, so he assumed she had no clue how her words could be taken. And he was not about to inform her. “If she has her way, she’ll be married soon and too busy with her new life to attend house parties in the country.”
He saw Hannah approach just as he finished the sentence. She greeted everyone in the circle, then asked, “Who’s having a house party?”
Lady Joanna chuckled. “No one. We were speaking hypothetically. Your gown is exquisite. Is that design from Paris?”
David watched Lady Joanna in awe. She gracefully swept the conversation downstream with no lingering trace of it. She would be a badger in the House of Lords. The old codgers would not know what hit them.
Music began to play, and a pair of young men appeared and led Miss Clawson and Lady Joanna into the center of the room. Hannah was left behind with David and Sir Richard, who’d just joined them. Before David could offer to stand up Hannah in the dance, Sir Richard spoke. “It appears we are both in need of a partner. Will you do me the honor?” He held out his hand.
Hannah smiled, her relief barely hidden. “It would be a pleasure.”
Trey finally found David after the first song in the set finished. “I saw Miss Clawson dancing already. Did you reach her in time?”
“Yes, we’ll be their escorts.”
“Ah, good. Glad to hear it.” Trey patted his unruly hair back into place.
“What held you up?”
“Mother insisted on introducing me to a matron with six daughters, five of whom are out. Can you imagine? Five girls, all of whom had the misfortune to inherit their mother’s bulbous nose and weak chin. And I’ll be dancing with three of them.”
Inwardly, David cringed. “You didn’t mention my name in their hearing, did you?”
“No. Mother said she was certain you’d gone off to play cards, so don’t make a show of dancing all evening.”
“Thank heavens for that. I don’t plan to dance with anyone other than Lady Joanna, but will stand up with Hannah and Miss Clawson, should they lack partners.”
Trey’s eyes narrowed as he watched the dancers move in their direction. “Is that Sir Richard with Hannah?”
“Yes.”
“Blast it. I was afraid he’d be here.”
“Problem?” David asked.
“He’s always in the way at these assemblies. He spends most of the night beside Miss Clawson. The only time I can speak freely with her is when we dance.”
“Is he a friend of her family?”
Trey frowned. “I don’t know, but he appears to be claiming her as his own.”
David studied his brother’s face, the lowered brows and downturned lips. “And you wish to have that right yourself?”
Trey shook his head as if awakening. “What? No. I’ve no wish to marry yet.”
Folding his arms across his chest, David bit back a smile. “You can’t have it both ways. The lady is looking for a husband. Either declare yourself and ask her to wait until you grow up, or walk away and leave her to a man who’s ready now.”
“What do you mean grow up? I don’t see you in any rush to meet the parson.”
“There’s no rule that you can’t marry before us. Mother would be thrilled to hear one of her sons was settling down.”
Trey grimaced and continued to watch Miss Clawson float about the floor.
When Lady Joanna returned and her dance partner went off in search of some punch, David resumed his position at her side. She looked into his eyes as if she wished to read his thoughts, then said, “You weren’t able to find a partner? There are plenty of young ladies wanting to dance, if you look about.”
“I hadn’t noticed. I was watching only one lady.”
Her eyes widened. “I see, and is she dancing this set without you?”
He moved a step closer, lowering his voice. “I’ve the pleasure of speaking with her for a short time, at least.”
She smiled and glanced down. “Very short. I’ve a partner for the next set.”
“But I’ve your company when most men will be envious, in between dances. That is enough for me.”
She nibbled on her lower lip. A sudden urge struck him to taste the damp pink flesh there. David cleared his throat and broke eye contact with her. He listened to her chat with the young man who brought her a glass of punch, wondering why, when he finally decided to spend time with her, she had an unending stream of dance partners.
At supper, he finally had her alone. Alone, with Trey and Miss Clawson, Sir Richard and Hannah all crowded around the end of one table. He turned to Lady Joanna. “What do you—?”
“Lady Joanna, did you see the dress Miss Smithers is wearing? Pink. Not a pale pink, or pink sprigged. Bold as you please pink. And the ruffles. Have you ever seen that many ruffles?” Hannah stopped to draw her breath.
“‘That many’ is correct,” Miss Clawson agreed. “I counted nine at the hem, and three at the neckline.”
David looked at the other men, and both appeared to be quite interested in the food on their plates. He took a bite of something that swam in a white sauce. It tasted pleasant enough, but was not worthy of a worshiping gaze. “Lady Jo—”
His sister and Miss Clawson chattered away, overpowering the sound of his voice. The only way he would be heard over them and the rest of the guests would be to yell, which was not conducive to a private conversation. He had nothing to say that couldn’t be heard by others, but he sought the intimacy of words shared just between the two of them.
Lady Joanna patted her lips with the white linen napkin and offered him a smile. “This meal is delicious, isn’t it?”
“Quite,” he called back, even though she sat beside him. “I’ve heard their chef was trained in France.” He hadn’t heard any such thing, but gossips said anyone who was anyone wanted a French chef.
She lifted a brow and took a nibble of her food.
They continued in this manner until they all had set do
wn their forks and napkins. David leaned and spoke in Lady Joanna’s ear. “Shall we escape to the garden?”
She nodded. As he rose, so did the other men, and the six of them paired up and wound through the tables to the French doors leading outside. Oil lanterns hung in the trees, lighting the paths through the manicured beds of colorful flowers. David walked slowly, keeping a casual attitude about him. “This is much nicer. The cool air. The quiet, even with the voices of our friends so close.”
“It’s quite pleasant. The light in the trees gives them such a mystical appearance. One might believe in fairies and magic.”
Seeing the light dance off the loose curls at her neck made him feel the magic. He longed to touch one, to see if her hair was as soft as it looked.
“Are you in Town long, or will you be leaving for another race meeting soon?”
Did she want him to stay in Town? His breaths grew shallow. A breeze sent a whisper of her perfume to him, and for a moment, he couldn’t breathe. He paused in the shadow between two trees, turning to face her. “I…I’m not certain what my plans are.”
“Did you receive the invitation to my aunt’s card party on Thursday? She invited your family.”
“Then I’m certain we shall all be there.” If Mother had mentioned it, he hadn’t paid attention. He’d get the details in the morning.
“I’m glad.” Her lips trembled, drawing his gaze to them. He stepped closer, tempted. He bent his head, glancing at her eyes to judge her permission. She looked…hopeful. Leaning closer, he inhaled her citrusy scent and brought his lips closer to hers—
Lady Joanna shrieked and batted her hand in front of her face. “Get it away!”
David jumped back. “What?”
“That…creature.”
A large moth dove past. David swatted at it, waving like a Bedlamite until he finally knocked it away. Laughter rang out down the path.
