Miss George's Second Chance

by Heather Boyd

  Imogen wailed as she wind-milled her arms, but it was no use. Time slowed for him as she fell. Her head struck the earth. Peter ran toward her, desperately afraid that she’d come to harm. She lay winded with her eyes squeezed shut as if to hide.

  “Imogen.” Peter touched her gently and raised her into a sitting position. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”

  She groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I am mortally embarrassed.”

  He surveyed her, checked her head for signs of injury and concluded she would be fine. He breathed a sigh of relief. “Not mortally. We can recover from this. May I help you stand?”

  She stuck out one hand. “Please.”

  The crowd around them began to mutter as he eased her onto her feet and dusted sand from her gloves and arms. Peter scowled at them. “Nothing to see here.”

  He placed himself between the crowd and Imogen to shield her from further scrutiny. “You look lovely.”

  “I am surely covered in sand, sir. Everywhere a lady would prefer it should not be.”

  Peter glanced about and spotted Miss Long approaching. He gestured for her to hurry. “Miss Long. Might we trouble you for assistance?”

  Miss Long wrung her hands. “Oh, stars. What can I do?”

  Imogen sighed. “Would you take me home?”

  “Oh, but the race is about to start,” Miss Long protested. She darted a longing gaze at the distant crowd.

  “Never mind what she said,” Peter advised Miss Long. “I’ll see her home myself after the race. But would you be a friend and reassure Miss George, from a lady’s point of view, that her appearance is flawless. She does not seem to believe me.”

  Miss Long chuckled and inspected Imogen’s gown carefully. When she was done flicking away sand, she rubbed Imogen’s arm. “He told the truth. You look lovely. I have to go. Melanie expects me.”

  When Miss Long rushed off, Peter curled Imogen’s arm about his and pressed his hand over it to reassure himself she was secure on his arm. “There now. Miss George, would you like to get closer to the action? I can see Miss Radley waving madly in this direction.”

  “I’d like that very much, but do you know where Walter went?”

  “Yes, I can see him now.” How could Walter have forgotten her? “Later, I’ll have words with him about how you came to be alone.”

  “He left me with Miss Pease. Unfortunately, the responsibility was all too much.”

  “I expect there was no room left in her head besides planning a dinner party in my honor.”

  So he had improved his acquaintance with Miss Pease. Imogen tried to withdraw her hand from Peter’s grip but he refused to allow it.

  “Not planning to attend, I can assure you of that.”

  Imogen sighed. “Your allergies to lilac can be overcome. I’m sure if you explain, Miss Pease might change her scent to keep you from sneezing.”

  “There is no reason for her to make any sacrifice on my behalf. My reasons should be all too easy to determine. If I was to dine anywhere, I’d rather it be with you.”

  “I don’t attend dinner parties.”

  He suspected he knew why, but since she didn’t add any further information, he was quick to reassure her. “Did I ask for an invite to a stuffy affair?”

  Her brow creased with confusion. “Then how?”

  “Later,” he whispered. “Lets just enjoy the beautiful day together.”

  After a few steps, Imogen lifted her face to his. “When Walter couldn’t see you in the crowd I expected you to be the one Miss Radley raced against today.”

  Peter patted her hand. “Not me. I currently lack the stamina to truly be a competitive opponent.”

  She faced ahead again. “Can you see whom she is to race against?”

  “I don’t need to. He’s not there.”

  Imogen’s grip on his arm tightened. “So she’s been let down. Julia will be so disappointed.”

  “Never fear, Merton will make an appearance, but at the last possible moment. Something to do with his bathing suit and likely embarrassment. I’m under strict instructions not to laugh.”

  She gasped. “Valentine Merton? Truly.”

  “Truly. Surprised me as well.” Peter checked to see who was nearby. “I think he might be a touch more interested in your friend than can be attributed to friendly competition.”

  Imogen nodded and then her face lightened with a true smile. “But that’s wonderful. He’s the least conventional man she knows.”

  Peter agreed but was still rather surprised he hadn’t considered it before. But their pact to treat their sisters as their own did tend to make a man overlook the obvious choice for a bride. He glanced down at Imogen and realized just how lucky he was to have this second chance. “He does have some rather odd ideas at times but I swear I never detected any partiality to Radley’s sister before. Even discussed her having a secret admirer the other night over cards. It was likely Merton who Radley suspected all along and she was smiling over this race.”

  Imogen nodded enthusiastically. “It would take a special man to appreciate Miss Radley’s ambitions for her life. I am very grateful to Merton. He won’t grumble like a bad tempered beast should he lose.”

  “Every woman should have someone like that in their life. Even you, Miss George.” Peter bit his tongue to keep his proposal behind his teeth. Now was not the time to blurt out the state of his heart.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  At last Imogen felt safe. She leaned a little against Peter, sure now she was in capable hands. She was so glad he had found her that she didn’t want to release him. Peter talked, about where they were on the beach, who was nearby, and how far they still had to go even while confiding his opinions. The rush of conversation and the warmth of Peter’s nearness were, in truth, making her a little giddy.

  A few steps later, Miss Merton’s voice cut through the noise of the ocean and crowd very clearly. “I cannot believe Radley would allow such a scandal to take place. He should lock her up before she ruins herself and the family name.”

  Peter steered Imogen away. “Watch your step. The earth is a little soft here.”

  “Whom was Miss Merton complaining to?”

  “To her cousin. What she doesn’t realize is today’s race should be interesting. Merton is quite fast when he applies himself fully to a challenge.”

  “Do you think he will let Julia win?”

  “Oh, no. No gentleman in his right mind would do that. It will be a fair race, never fear.” They continued to draw closer to the crashing waves. “Here’s Miss Radley now.”

  Peter kept hold of her arm until Julia embraced her. “I so hoped you would come and to be on Sir Peter’s arm just makes the occasion even more special.”

  Imogen ignored her comment and fingered the heavy fabric, a blanket perhaps, she detected had been wrapped around Julia’s body. “Are you nervous? What are you wearing? Please tell me you’re decently covered.”

  “Not exactly decent but covered sufficiently for modesty at present.”

  Imogen licked her lips. “How long until the race begins?”

  A whistle blew and Julia embraced her quickly. “Now. Wish me luck.”

  When emptiness descended on her, she held out her hand. Peter captured it and brought her against his side. The crowd gasped, a few laughed. “They’re at the water’s edge. Merton appears a little startled by your friend’s attire and I must say I do wish he had not refused me the privilege of laughing along with them. Where did he acquire such an outfit? I must ask him when this is over. I’ll say this: Miss Radley’s bathing costume does not leave much to the imagination. Hopefully, the sight of her shapely long legs won’t put him off his game entirely.”

  Imogen sighed wistfully. “I’d be more afraid his attire was going to have the same affect on her. I’d heard you fellows bathe sans clothes in the sea, and although I don’t particularly care for that view en masse I do wish I could see him today.”

  “We normally do. But not whe
n there are so many witnesses.”

  He moved behind her, fingers grazing her hip, breath beating against her ear. He gripped her arms. “Ready for the starting shot?”

  Despite the brief warning, the pistol shot caused her to jump. Peter chuckled and rubbed her arm. “They’ve dived through a wave. Julia is clear first and swimming for the distant boat that marks the turn. Good lord she’s quick. Merton better get a move on or he’ll be left behind.”

  Peter kept a running commentary, so good Imogen could almost see Julia sprinting for the distant sail boat. Peter caught her fingers in his when the pair rounded it. “Merton is in the lead. No wait. Damn, they’re neck and neck again.”

  “Yes. Yes. Heaven help us. She’s going to beat him back to shore.”

  Peter’s grip tightened and then he hugged her tightly. “She won. She won.”

  He urged her forward, hands gripping her firmly as she wobbled across the uneven ground. Julia’s breathless laughter sounded and suddenly she was enveloped by a pair of wet arms. “I did it. I proved them all wrong,” Julia chortled and gasped.

  Imogen hugged her friend. She jumped up and down too. “I heard. Peter was good enough to commentate.” She awkwardly captured her friend’s face to hold her still. “I’m so proud of you but dear, you’ve wet my gown completely.”

  Julia giggled and embraced her again. “I’m sorry, but I’m too happy to stop now. Berate me tomorrow.”

  Julia was suddenly gone, pulled away from her grip, shrieking in protest. Imogen swayed but Peter slipped his hand into hers and squeezed. “Merton is being a good sport about his defeat. Oops. I may have spoken too quickly. He’s just tossed Julia onto his shoulder. I think he intends to dunk her back into ocean.”

  When Imogen turned in that direction, Peter held her back. “She’s fine. They’re both laughing their heads off.”

  To her right Miss Merton spoke suddenly, “Well, I’ve never seen such scandalous behavior. Come along, Teresa. I must write to Father about this. I’m sure you are positively scandalized too, Sir Peter.”

  “Actually,” Peter murmured. “I was just debating challenging Julia myself. I’m usually faster than your brother.”

  Around them, voices rose to encourage the challenge. The noise was deafening and from all directions and Imogen almost covered her ears. The sensation was extremely disconcerting. Peter slipped her arm securely back through his. His breath whispered across her ear. “Miss Merton’s gone, dragging poor Miss Teresa Long with her.”

  “Poor Teresa. She misses out on so much merriment.” Imogen lifted her face. “Would you really challenge Julia to a race?”

  “Absolutely.” He laughed again. “Miss Radley,” he called. “I challenge you to a race in a month’s time. Same conditions.”

  The crowd around them laughed uproariously and Imogen felt a part of everything for the first time in a year of abstinence. The race wouldn’t be the same thrilling event without Peter’s commentary, but perhaps Valentine Merton could be recruited to assist if she asked nicely. She didn’t need to miss everything if she dared to ask for help from the right people.

  ~* ~

  Peter hadn’t enjoyed an hour by the sea more than his brief time with Imogen. She had enjoyed herself immensely he thought. Her smile was bright and her eyes had sparkled, even if she couldn’t see what happened around them. He’d enjoyed talking to her about the race too. She didn’t seem to mind he’d babbled far more than he would normally.

  He patted her hand on his arm, content and happier than he’d ever been. This was definitely what he wanted from his life; Imogen on his arm, laughing and talking to their friends. They strolled slowly toward their townhouses, a thinning crowd all about them. Walter was somewhere nearby laughing with Julia Radley and Valentine Merton.

  He saw many a happy nod in Imogen’s direction. Seeing her out and about had pleased many more people than Imogen would realize. Of course, he would tell her everything when they were alone and convince her she need not shut herself away.

  Imogen stopped suddenly and moaned, lifting a hand to cradle her forehead.

  Peter bent to peer at her face and found her with her eyes scrunched closed. “What’s the matter?”

  “A sudden sharp headache.” She leaned heavily against him, clutching at his coat. “Perhaps I’ve been in the sunlight too long.”

  Peter pressed a hand to her forehead. She was a little warmer than he expected. “Has this happened before?”

  “No, but then I’ve kept to the house a great deal of the time.” She moaned again and seemed to buckle.

  Peter quickly scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her squawk of protest. “Let me look after you.”

  For an answer, she turned her face into his shoulder and clutched at him.

  Walter hurried up to them. “What the devil is this?”

  Peter jostled Imogen in his arms until he had a firm grip. “She fell at the seaside and now has a pain in her head. I thought she’d suffered no harm. We should send for a physician immediately and have her examined. I’ll take her home and wait with her until your return.” He strode off without waiting to see if Walter agreed with his decision.

  Imogen pressed her face against his chest. “The light hurts,” she sobbed. “I should never have come out.”

  Determined not to put her down anywhere but her bed, he kicked at the door with the tip of his boot until her startled butler opened it. “Miss George is ill. Her brother is fetching a physician. Send them straight up as soon as they arrive.”

  Peter quickly ascended the stairs and deposited Imogen on the bed. He brought her a glass of water when she asked for one and stood back, unsure of what to do next. “Where the hell is that physician?”

  Imogen rubbed her eyes. “Oh, don’t look so worried. I’m sure the pain will pass.”

  He’d look as worried as he wanted. Peter stilled. “What did you just say?”

  He paced toward her, arrested by her eyes tracking his movements in a way they hadn’t done since his return. Could she see him? No, that couldn’t be. He must be imagining what he wanted. Walter would have told him if such an outcome was at all possible.

  “I said don’t look so worried.” An expression of wonder crossed her face. “Stop frowning like that.”

  Peter caught the back of a chair as the idea flared into fierce need. “Can you see me?”

  She glanced about the room and then her gaze rested on him again. “Not well. The light hurts my eyes but I see you.”

  He hurried to the bed and pulled her into his arms. “I did not believe it was possible to be happier than I was today, but I surely am now.”

  He drew back and cupped her face between his hands. Her gaze flickered over his face. Her fingers rose to brush against his lips, his cheeks, his sideburns. “As handsome as I remember, Sir Peter.”

  He grinned then and kissed her soundly relieved beyond belief. By some miracle her sight had returned. He just hoped there was nothing else wrong.

  When the physician arrived, Peter stood at the rear of the room while the elderly man he knew only by reputation peered into each of her eyes. He waved a lit candle before her and Imogen winced, squeezing her eyes shut against the brightness. The physician sat back suddenly. “You shouldn’t get your hopes up.”

  Disappointment crashed through him. Could it only be a temporary reprieve? Surely seeing again after months of darkness was a good sign. “What could have caused the change?”

  The elder man shrugged. “Time perhaps or an elevation of the patient’s spirits, I cannot say which. The important thing is not to hope for too much more of an improvement.”

  Peter turned his gaze to Imogen. Worry had creased her brow. He pushed off from the wall, reached her side, then took her hand in his. “We will take whatever good fortune comes from this. Thank you for your time, sir.”

  The man nodded, his expression thoughtful as he withdrew.

  Julia Radley pushed into the room, her clothing slightly mussed as if she’d d
ressed in a rush. She stopped at the foot of the bed and stared at Imogen, wringing her hands. “What happened? Did I hurt her with all my jumping about? Oh, I’ll never forgive myself if I’m the cause of this. It’s all my fault.”

  “I’m all right, Julia. Really. The headache is fading although this room seems terribly bright even with the drapes nearly fully closed.”

  Valentine Merton, who’d been silently observing proceedings from the hall, stepped up to Julia and curled an arm about shoulders. He pulled her against his side. “I’m sure you did nothing wrong. Come. I think Imogen should rest. George will let us know when we can call again.”

  When everyone else shuffled out, Imogen tugged on Peter’s hand. “Did I really just see Mr. Merton act a trifle too familiar with Julia Radley?”

  “You did indeed.” He laughed. “I guess his interest is a great deal more fixed than I suspected.”

  She’d had her sight returned in time to see what might prove to be a most interesting romance. She grinned. “That’s wonderful.”

  “I agree, but imagine what will happen when Melanie finds out.” Peter pulled a face. “She’ll make Julia’s life a living hell.”

  That was true. Julia had nothing in common with Melanie Merton. She could easily have her feeling bruised. “That’s unfortunate.”

  Peter settled at the side of the bed. “Enough of everyone else. How do you feel?”

  She groaned. “Rather silly.”

  He brushed his fingers across her cheek. “Better silly than sore in the head. Lie back and rest now.”

  “I don’t want to close my eyes. What if…”

  She could wake and be blind again.

  “Shh.” He smiled, and cupped her face, his eyes full of warmth. He pressed a light kiss to her lips. “I’ll be here when you wake.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Imogen opened her eyes to darkness. A scream clawed up from her chest and burst through her lips before she could stop it. She was blind again. The world had gone away. She rolled and buried her face into the pillow as a sob tore free.