Lady Abigale’s Wager: Brides of Somerset Book Three

by Lynne, Karen

  Sir Andrew lost his train of thought as his body vibrated.

  Abby said no. She’d given her heart to someone else. Hope began to bubble inside him. “Sir George, I believe I shall make room in my schedule and accept your invitation to attend Lady Phelip’s wedding.”

  “Good, good.” Sir George grinned. He waved his hand, getting the attention of an assistant. “Would you bring me some paper and ink?”

  The paper was soon procured, and Sir George wrote the address, date and time of his sister’s wedding before handing it to Andrew. “My sister will be pleased.” Sir George beamed.

  Andrew floated out of the club; a weight had been lifted, and the world was sunny again.

  * * *

  Abby floated around the house in a daze. She was surrounded by happy couples, which made her heart even heavier. Even the sight of her nephew didn’t cheer her up. It only reminded her of Master William. Her father had returned a few days before, cheering her a little. She sat in the drawing room with her family, helping her aunt stitch lace onto her veil. Her dress was simple, and the veil only came to her shoulders, but it would suit her. Eliza’s father, the vicar, would perform the ceremony, with family and a few close friends attending.

  Her father sat in a comfortable chair. They had just finished breakfast, and he was going over the posts for the day. Cracking the seal, he opened a letter.

  “Lucy, you will be happy to hear Sir Andrew will be arriving tomorrow. I’ve invited him to attend the wedding. I didn’t think you would mind as you wrote such good things about him.”

  “Sir Andrew?” Abby dropped her aunt’s veil. Her heart picked up speed as the air left the room. Her head swayed as she struggled to stay upright. Her aunt reached over and took her hand, grounding her to reality. “Sir Andrew? That’s wonderful news, George. When did you speak to him?”

  “I saw him in the club earlier this week in London. Funny thing, Abby, he thought you were marring Mr Dalton. Is that the name of the gentleman you refused?”

  “Yes, Father.” Abby found her voice. The room started to come back into focus. She was just being silly. She never fainted. She could do this. She could see Andrew again. Her aunt let go of her hand, watching to make sure she was steady again. “Well, this is good news, isn’t it, Abby?” Her aunt smiled. “We should be glad to see Sir Andrew again.”

  Abby smiled while nodding her head, trying to contain her tears, which she felt were ready to fall any moment. Sir Andrew thought I was engaged to Benjamin. No wonder he had avoided her.

  Eliza had risen to come to her aid. “Abby, would you help me with something?”

  She guided her out of the room, wrapping her arm around her waist, and led her into a private sitting room where they could talk. Eliza handed her a handkerchief while Abby sat in a comfortable chair surrounded by greens and golds. This room had always made her feel calm.

  Eliza sat in a chair by her side, her nose scrunched up. “You never told me that Isabella’s brother Benjamin had asked you to marry him.”

  “I didn’t see the point. I said no.” Abby blew her nose.

  Eliza shook her head. “But Benjamin Dalton. I never figured him to ask someone to marry him.”

  Eliza had married her brother William a few years ago. They were all three friends growing up. Eliza’s father was the vicar, and she had gone to Bristol where her aunt, Mrs Notley, was to sponsor her for a Season in Bath. Fortunately for William, they married before she had her Season. They were not impressed with Benjamin Dalton.

  “He was different than you described him. He treated Isabella with respect, and we became friends.”

  “I am glad if he has changed. Now – what is this about Sir Andrew? You must tell me everything.” Eliza sat back, making herself comfortable.

  Abby giggled as she dried her tears and told of her adventures, leaving nothing out. Including her trick to get Sir Andrew to bring her to Bath, escaping another day of riding with Mrs Packett daughters.

  They laughed until the tears rolled before sobering. “Abby, that was a perilous thing for you to do. You’re very fortunate that Sir Andrew was honourable and a friend of your father’s.”

  Abby ducked her head. “I know. It seems Sir Andrew has tamed some of the wildness in me. I do not desire to run about willy-nilly anymore.” Abby sighed.

  “Can it be that Lady Abigale is growing up?” Eliza teased.

  Abby’s lips turned up, showing her bright smile before they dropped again. “I don’t think I can face Sir Andrew yet. Why don’t we make a trip to Bowood House and visit Susan tomorrow morning?”

  “I think that’s a lovely idea,” Eliza agreed.

  * * *

  Andrew arrived at Montacute, home of Sir Edwards, just before noon on the day before the wedding. The roads were dry, allowing him to make good time with his team of four. The estate was vast, and it took a while to reach the main house. When the house came into view, his breath hitched at the size, for it dwarfed his estate in Bathwick. Would Lady Abigale be satisfied living at Bathwick after being raised here? He shook the thought off. He would not doubt himself.

  Handing the reins off to the groom, he descended from his curricle. His man, Baley, directed the unloading of his luggage. He didn’t know how long he would be here, but he vowed not to leave until Lady Abigale consented to be his wife.

  Before he reached the door, Sir George appeared with open arms. “I am glad you’ve made it safely, Sir Andrew. Come, I want you to meet my son.”

  The family was gathered on the back terrace. “My son, Sir William.” A young man stepped forward, his colouring similar to his sister’s.

  “I believe we’ve met before in London, but it has been a while, Sir Andrew.” Sir William shook his hand.

  “My sister, Lady Lucy Phelips, and her intended, Mr Alfred, whom you already know.”

  “Sir Andrew.” Lady Phelips came forward. “I was pleased to hear you were coming to the wedding. George tells us there was a little mix-up, but I’m glad it was straightened out. We missed you in Bath.” She gave him a pointed look.

  It appeared Sir George had been talking, Andrew thought. He didn’t see Lady Abigale as he quickly scanned the room.

  Mr Albert stepped forward, offering his hand and wrapping his other one around his intended. You would have thought they were twenty years younger by the way they looked at each other. “We are glad to have you, Sir Andrew.”

  “Thank you, Mr Albert.” Andrew nodded.

  William stepped forward. “Sir Andrew, do you ride?”

  “I do, but it has been a while.”

  “I thought we would take a ride over the estate to give you a tour of the place, but let’s get you fed first. My wife and sister have ridden over into Lady Susan’s for the morning. They should be back later, which will give us time.”

  Sir Andrew was disappointed at not seeing Lady Abigale but looked forward to riding. True to Sir William’s word, he was fed well then shown to his room where his man had already unpacked.

  “I’m going riding, Baley.”

  “Yes, my lord.” He quickly pulled his riding clothes from the wardrobe.

  In no time, Andrew was following William to the stables. He was impressed by the fact that the horseflesh was housed in two large buildings.

  “We keep the mares over in the other building,” Sir William explained. “Our stallions are here.”

  He followed Sir William into the stable. Stalls lined both sides, with a tack room towards the end and hay in storage. “You have excellent stock.” Andrew admired a black stallion, daring to touch his nose while he reared, head up-and-down. A groom had two beauties already saddled.

  Andrew followed William out into the road, taking it slowly until he got the measure of his mount. He was fine horseflesh. Soon they were galloping, the air rushing past relieving the tension Andrew had been feeling for the past few weeks. William stopped on the crest of a hill where they could see over the countryside. A small village set off to the right, and tenant
farms dotted the landscape.

  William pointed to a large estate in the distance. “That is Bowood House, Lord Malmesbury’s land, which borders ours.”

  Andrew breathed in the air. It was a welcoming contrast from London’s oppressive heat.

  “My father tells us you thought my sister was engaged to Benjamin Dalton?” William shook his head.

  “You find that hard to believe?”

  “The Benjamin Dalton I knew, yes.” William continued to shake his head. “I met him a few years ago while I was courting my wife Eliza in Bristol. I thought he was arrogant and treated his sister abominably.”

  Andrew thought about the young man he’d seen in Bath. This didn’t fit the description of Mr. Dalton he knew, but he didn’t know him very well prior to Lady Abigale coming to town.

  “The Mr Dalton I’ve known this past summer is very amiable and treats his sister with respect. He’s developed a fondness for your sister.”

  “Yes, I can believe it. My sister is very likeable, but I am glad to hear Benjamin has improved.” William turned to study him. “Sir Andrew, are you going to ask my sister to marry you?”

  Andrew was caught off guard with the blunt question. “Sir William, I . . . Don’t know . . . Why would you ask me that? Has your father said something?”

  “No not in so many words, but I have eyes. You show up for my aunt’s wedding after finding out my sister is not spoken for. When my father mentioned that you were arriving today, I saw my sister’s reaction,” William explained. “Abby has not been herself since she returned from Bath, then when your name was mentioned and that you were coming, she brightened up again.”

  Andrew took courage that he would be well received.

  “Do you love my sister?”

  Andrew laughed at William’s bluntness. “I see you are as open as your sister, Sir William. Yes, I do. I do love your sister, and she has captured my son’s heart as well.” Andrew surprised himself with the admission.

  “You have a son, then.”

  “Yes, he will be three this year. He has taken a liking to your sister, and I believe she likes him as well.” Andrew thought of the drawing he had tucked away in his pocket.

  “Come,” William spurred his mount forward, “I believe I see the ladies.”

  Andrew followed as they galloped towards a copse of trees where he could see three ladies on horseback. As they neared, the three riders turned and moved to greet them. A handsome brunette came alongside William. “Sir Andrew, I’d like to introduce my wife, Lady Eliza, and our friend and neighbour, Lady Susan, the Countess of Malmesbury.”

  “Lady Susan, Lady Eliza,” Andrew tipped his hat, “I am glad to meet friends of Lady Abigale’s.” His eyes shifted to Abigale, who had moved her mount beside him. A small smile played about her lips, and golden wisps had worked with their way from their pins, softly blowing across her cheeks. Andrews swallowed. She was so beautiful. Her friends had moved away, strolling, talking among themselves and occasionally looking over their shoulders as they gave them some distance.

  “Andrew, why have you waited so long to come and visit me?” she asked. Her lip trembled with a little pout. She had used his Christian name. All he wanted to do was wrap her in his arms and kiss that pout away. He reached his hand over but drew back, looking towards her friends.

  She noticed his movement and withdrawal. Slapping her reins, she turned her mount, moving towards a wooded area. He watched her friends slowly disappear in the distance before following her. She led them to a wooded area by a brook before she dismounted. Tying the reins to a tree, she grabbed a twig and snapped it off as she walked towards the water. He followed, dismounting and leaving his horse alongside hers, and came to stand beside her. She snapped the twigs between her fingers.

  “Why would you think I was engaged to Benjamin?” Abigale asked.

  “Benjamin?” She just used Mr Dalton’s Christian name.

  “We are friends, that is all.”

  “You said you really liked him,” Andrew confessed, feeling uncomfortable with where this conversation was leading.

  “You saw us, didn’t you?” she whispered. “In the gazebo by the lake? But you didn’t stay to hear it all or else you wouldn’t have assumed what you did and left me.”

  Andrew moved closer and, reaching over, he took her arms, drawing her toward him. “Your father said you have given your heart to someone else.” His fingers tightened. “Who have you given your heart to, Abigale?” he whispered, sliding his hands down her arms and wrapping them around her waist. He tightened his grip as his heart raced. He felt her warmth, determined she would not escape him this time.

  She reached up to lay her hand along his cheek. “Are you so blind that you cannot see? I have given it to you, Andrew.” She smiled.

  He almost swore he heard church bells ringing as the world brightened around him. Holding her tighter, he brought his head down, brushing his lips against hers. As her breath caught and stilled, he deepened the kiss. Her arms entwined around his neck, and she pulled him closer. It was a long time before they came up for air. Her eyes glistening, he guided her towards their mounts.

  “Now that I have thoroughly compromised you, you shall not escape. I shall speak with your father when we return.”

  She reached for his lapels, pulling him closer. “Do we have to return now?” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “I could use another kiss.”

  “You little minx.” He laughed as he wrapped her in his arms and obliged her with another kiss, and another, and another . . . As they explored each other further.

  “Yes,” she finally replied as they pulled away, “but I am your little minx.”

  As she ran her hand over his waistcoat, a crackle of paper sounded beneath. She watched him reach in and pull out her drawing. Andrew handed it to her. She unfolded it to see Master William’s likeness staring back. “How is he doing?”

  “He’s healthy, thanks to you, but he cries for his Abby. I thought we both had lost you.” Andrew reached down. Taking her fingers, he brought them to his lips. She moved closer, and her other arm wrapped around him, pulling him closer. He nuzzled her neck while breathing her in. “You will never lose me,” she whispered.

  * * *

  Abby paced before the door of her father’s study. It was nervous energy more than anything, for surely her father would be pleased to welcome Andrew into their family, she knew. Abby wondered that a kiss could be so delightful as she remembered the passion, he evoked in her, still vibrating with the feelings, as her boots tapped along the marble tile. A footman strode by the door, and she lifted her hand, waving at him, as she continued to pace. A distant clock struck four. It would soon be time for dinner, she thought, looking at the door once more willing it to open.

  Eliza approached, tenderness in her eyes. She wrapped her arm around Abby’s waist and steered her to a bench in the hall. Abby let herself be guided and sat next to Eliza.

  “You know how your father is when he gets started on a topic,” Eliza reassured her.

  “Yes, but he is not in Parliament, giving a speech and trying to get members to vote.” Abby pouted.

  Abby stood quickly when she heard the door open. Her father laughed as she rushed towards him. “Your intended awaits you, but remember, dinner will be served shortly.” Sir George left them with the door open.

  “Father said, yes?” Abby moved forward, stopping in front of Andrew.

  “Yes, my dear Abigale.” He reached and took her hands. “I am afraid you are stuck with me.” Leaning down, he kissed the tip of her nose.

  She liked the sound of her name on his tongue as she moved in closer, his musky scent from their afternoon ride making her delirious.

  “We just have time to change for your aunt’s wedding dinner,” Andrew said, guiding her out of her father’s study and handing her off to Eliza, who waited in the hall.

  “We shall talk about our plans after your aunt’s wedding. I’ll send a note to my parish to have the banns re
ad this Sunday,” he promised, giving her one last kiss before she left for her room.

  * * *

  A Morning drizzle turned to a downpour. The ceremony ended with sunbeams filtering through the clouds as the happy couple emerged from the chapel and made their way to the wedding carriage.

  “I can’t believe Aunt Lucy and Mr Albert are going to be gone for a year.” Abby sighed as she watched their carriage disappear down the lane.

  Andrew tightened his grip and gave her a reassuring hug as he brought her closer. “I hope you will keep yourself busy planning for our wedding next month.”

  “Oh, she will.” Eliza and Susan said in unison, and the three friends dissolved into laughter.

  “Abby, you know that a thorough tour of the continent takes at least a year.” Her brother

  William informed her.

  “I know William, and Aunt Lucy deserves a life of her own now that we are both grown. I’m just thankful she found Mr Albert.”

  Andrew brought her closer, giving her a comforting squeeze. “You shall be so busy enjoying our wedding trip to the Americas that by the time we return home Aunt Lucy will be here and settled.”

  Abby’s eyes grew wide, “the Americas,” she whispered.

  “Yes, I have business there, and you don’t think I would leave my family behind, not for a whole year.”

  “You know I lost my wager with my sister, because of you Andrew.” William slapped Andrew on the back.

  Abby looked over to William and giggled, as Andrew gave her a wink. Warm feelings settled within her.

  “Glad I could help old chap.” Andrew teased.

  “I think you’ll fit into the family just fine.” William guided Eliza towards their carriage while James and Susan followed.

  Abby looked into Andrew’s face a warm smile spread across her lips. Yes, Abby thought, he well, Andrew will fit in perfectly.