The Stable Master’s Daughter

by Cardon, Sara

  Marjorie suspected Lady Du’Breven would wield her sharp tongue should anyone speak ill of them. It was an odd comfort.

  Aunt Harriet kissed Lady Du’Breven on the cheek and exchanged goodbyes.

  As Marjorie and Miles descended the steps, Marjorie surveyed the lush green grounds with fondness. The coach and four horses stood ready.

  “Did you know your father found this matched set of Cleveland Bays?” Miles asked.

  “Oh? Matched sets are difficult to come by, are they not?” she asked, surprised by her father’s talent. The horses seemed to mirror each other in color, height, and muscle mass.

  “Your father’s reputation for superior matched sets is spreading. His side business may very well become a fulltime occupation, should he choose.” They reached the last step.

  She bit her lip. “Speaking of my father, do you think he will mind terribly that we announced our engagement before he gave his blessing?”

  Miles chuckled. “I suspect he will have something to say to me on the matter.”

  She was relieved he did not seem worried. “And your parents?” Marjorie’s insides twisted.

  Miles tipped his head and grinned at her. “My mother won’t be able to restrain herself from thanking you. You may suffocate from how tightly she embraces you. And my father”—he paused and smiled roguishly—“has always wanted a daughter. And grandchildren.”

  Heat raced through Marjorie’s frame.

  He stopped by the carriage, taking hold of her hands. “They will love you. I love you.”

  “And I love you,” she whispered.

  Miles looked at her with wonder. “I could kiss you.”

  Marjorie glared playfully. “Don’t you dare. There are people about.”

  He held her hand as she alighted into the carriage. “And when we’re alone?” he asked as he slid in beside her. His blue eyes turned a shade deeper in the dim interior.

  She smiled. “When we’re alone, you had better kiss me again.” He pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers, soft and sweet, until Aunt Harriet’s steps sounded nearby.

  Aunt Harriet cleared her throat and twisted her lips, failing to hide her smile. A footman helped her inside. “I am happy to return to London, but sad for this lovely house party to end.” Aunt Harriet gestured to Somerstone.

  The carriage jostled them as the wheels turned over gravel. Marjorie leaned into Miles, his presence firm and steady by her side. “It isn’t an ending at all.” Light streamed across an endless expanse of sky. Marjorie shared a smile with Miles, and he squeezed her hand.

  It was a wonderful beginning.

  * * *

  Read all the books in this first collection of our Regency House Party. They can be enjoyed in any order:

  The Unwanted Suitor

  Mistaken Identity

  The Stable Master’s Daughter

  An Unlikely Courtship

  Tabitha’s Folly

  This is the first of many Regency House Party Collections. Follow our Newsletter to find out when others become available. HERE.

  These stories first appeared in serial form at http://www.regencyhouseparty.com. Join us there for the next party.

  Guests are enjoying a certain amount of merriment on our Facebook page and group. Characters mingle with the visitors, Wellington the pug has an active presence and when a new party is in the works, we announce new chapters as they go live. RHP Group

  See Chapter One of Tabitha’s Folly at the end of this book.

  Acknowledgments

  There are many people who’ve helped me with my writing and I’d like to take a moment and thank them. (If you skip this in favor of watching a romantic comedy or reading your favorite kissing scene, I’ll totally understand.)

  First, thank you to my husband, David, for being wonderful, and for encouraging me in every aspect of my life. Thanks for listening to my thoughts on stories, even when you’re ready to fall asleep. And to my children Jonathan, Anna, Rachel, and Alice for bringing joy into my life and cheering me on. No matter what anyone else’s Christmas letters say, y’all are the best kids in the world.

  Next, thank you to my mom, JoAnn, for validating and believing in me by suggesting I write, and to my dad, Hal, for being ready to talk deep or make me laugh about the tricky parts of life and writing. You both offer unconditional love, and I love you back for it. To my in-laws, Mike and Christy, for being incredible parents and voracious readers, and for passing this on to everyone in the family. To my siblings, Carrie, Julie, and Patrick, for being awesome and there for me. To my sisters and brothers in-law: Carrie & Preston, Debbie & Aaron, Cathy & Tim, Aaron & Laura, Becca & Travis, Ben & Maria, Sarah & Patrick, and Sarah (who is married to my brother Patrick), Sam, Greg, and Scott. Y’all are a ton of fun and can come visit anytime—just not all at the same time.

  Thank you to my friend Shelley, who read the earliest writing I was willing to share and told me I had found my golden ticket. To the Kansas Writers Association who welcomed me and clapped when I said I was beginning my writing journey. To the Midwest Storymakers, for hosting the first writer’s conference I ever attended, where I thought to myself, “This is the best thing ever.”

  I couldn’t have done this without my writers critique group: Jen, Heidi, Mindy, and Michelle. Your combined synergy is amazing. A big thank you to the talented Alyssa Crandall and Michelle Higham, for beta reading and offering invaluable insights and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to my mentors, authors Kathleen Baldwin, Diane Darcy, and Kristin Holt. Thank you for teaching me, pointing me to the best resources, and being amazingly kind.

  Thanks to the wonderful Regency House Party community online—you made sharing the journey a ton of fun because of your enthusiasm, intelligence, and humor. Thank you, Victorine Lieske, for the beautiful covers, and for your patience when we changed our minds too much. And thanks, Brooke Lewis, for your editing expertise, and for being so pleasant to work with.

  Finally, thank YOU for reading my story. I hope you liked it.

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for reading this book! I hope you enjoyed Marjorie and Miles’ story. If you’d like to find out when I’ve written something new, make sure to sign up for my newsletter at www.saracardonwrites.com. I promise to keep your email safe and to not clutter your inbox.

  And please consider leaving a review online. Reviews help readers find books they enjoy, as well as helping writers. I would be so grateful!

  About the Author

  Sara Cardon craves happily ever afters—which is why she writes heartfelt stories to uplift and inspire. She grew up in West Texas and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree that has nothing to do with writing. Sara has four kids, a dog, and a true-blue husband. He laughs at her hero crush on George Washington. She and her family are putting down roots near Dallas where there's plenty of wide-open sky, cattle, and sunshine. For more information, and to sign up for her newsletter, visit www.saracardonwrites.com.

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  Tabitha’s Folly: Chapter One

  No one saw Tabitha standing in the doorway of her brother, Tauney’s, room.

  James, the valet, lifted clothes out of Tauney’s trunks in large stacks instead of loading them in. Neat, color-coordinated piles of breeches and jackets decorated the bedding, and Tabitha’s worry increased.

  She shook her head. “We are already so late.”

  Tauney, only nine months her elder, finished giving animated instructions to James and then waved his hand in her direction. “Late. Psht. The party doesn’t even begin for two days.”

  Of course he would refuse to understand. As the only girl in a family of four brothers, and his closest sibling, she felt responsible for him. She tried another tactic. “If we don’t leave now, we will have to delay our journey an extra day and stay at a local inn.”

  The valet rushed past them, at last packing clothing into Tauney’s trun
ks.

  “The local inns. How dreadful.” Tauney grimaced. “Do you remember the last time we stayed in one?” His face was so comical, his mouth twisted in disgust. Tabitha couldn’t help but laugh.

  “But that is exactly my point, though it wasn’t so bad.”

  “For you. My valet had to sleep in the barn. He wasn’t even presentable when he came to help me get ready in the morning.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “He flicked hay off his person”—Tauney shuddered—“in my presence. It fell to the floor by my foot, and I had to train one eye on it while dressing so as to rid my room of it later.” He leaned closer. “Didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Good valets are difficult to find, you know.”

  She often felt pity for his valet.

  Her brother was of the opinion that since women spent so many hours concerned with their appearances, they would appreciate the same from men.

  Tabitha couldn’t argue with that sentiment, especially if they smelled nice. The memory of a distinct earthy aroma warmed her. And she wondered if he had arrived. She turned to hide her blush.

  She hurried down the stairs. If they were to avoid a war like Napoleon had never seen, she would need to make excuses for Tauney to her other brothers.

  The balls on the billiards table cracked and rolled, making her smile. Memories of many a Christmas when their father was still alive, teaching the young Eastons how to play pool, brought a comforting sense of family and home.

  She had three of the best men of the ton standing right here in her study. And one upstairs, who sometimes had feathers for brains.

  “Well, where is he?” Edward, the eldest, frowned.

  She laughed, “He has decided on a new color scheme.”

  When the others groaned, she held up her hand, “But he has promised he is almost finished. I have to admit I am a bit excited to see what he and James accomplish.”

  “Well I most certainly am not.” Edward’s frown deepened. “We promised the countess not to be late. She asked for our particular assistance in helping some of the ladies feel welcome.”

  Julian humphed. “Of course she did. Trying to hitch us to a woman like all the other mothers in the ton. If it wasn’t for you, little sister, I would have stayed far away from this house party.” As handsome as Julian was, with many women vying for his hand, he naturally felt a bit stifled.

  She could well understand the sentiment.

  “Come now man, the hunt.” Oscar, the fun-loving Corinthian of the bunch, grinned. “You have yet to best me in the hunt.” He eyed his next shot. “This will not be the year of course.” He sent another ball in a blur across the table and then raised an eyebrow. “But I would think you’d be anxious to try.”

  Julian took his turn, knocking in all four of the balls. With a satisfied grin, he said,

  “This is the year, dear brother.”

  “Ha-Ha!” Tabitha loved it when they puffed and bristled in fun. “Shall I make a wager?” She won all sorts of money from her brothers, especially when they were pitted against each other.

  Julian laughed. “A wager she says! If the matrons could hear you now!”

  “We’ve corrupted her.” Edward’s eyes held warmth, and she knew a part of him was secretly pleased. “I knew it would happen. What diamond talks as you do?”

  Oscar, ever positive, added, “And yet she is a diamond. The books at Whites are filled with their own wagers as to who will win her hand.”

  Every brother's face went ashen.

  She blushed. “It’s not as if there is anything to worry about…” But how embarrassing to be discussed in such a manner.

  Edward looked positively ill, loosening his cravat, and she began to wonder what had them so concerned.

  “What could possibly go wrong?” She looked from face to face. A new sense of foreboding began in the back of her throat in a particular, pointed tightness.

  After a silence no one filled, Edward finally said, “It wouldn’t hurt for each of you brothers to be looking for wives as well, wealthy ones.”

  Julian pounded his brother's back. “Always the responsible one.” Then he turned to Tabitha. “You are the one we need to focus on this year, Tabby Cat.”

  “Well, it certainly won’t help if you go around addressing me like that.”

  “Why not? Your endearing nickname hasn’t turned Henry away.”

  “Turned me away from what?”

  Tabitha’s stomach flipped, and she whirled around to face the sixth member of their party.

  With a sharp chiseled jawline and eyes sparkling in amusement, Henry filled the doorway. As a dear family friend, most of her childhood memories included Henry. But every time she saw him, a nervous energy coursed through her. She grinned up at him in welcome, but he was looking at Julian.

  The brother with the honor of Henry’s attention jabbed a thumb in her direction. “Tabby thinks her nickname might not be the thing.” He winked.

  She dipped her head to hide the blush. “Henry’s opinion doesn’t count.”

  “Ho, Ho!” Julian nudged him. “Do you hear that? You don’t count.”

  Henry winked at her. “I suppose she means because I am like a brother? Always present, even when you don’t want me.” His warm eyes twinkled at her.

  She shrugged, looking away. He will never see. How can I make him see?

  Julian shoved him playfully. “You’ve heard it often enough, and yet here you are.”

  “Glutton for punishment.” He snatched away the stick and took a turn hitting a ball across the table. “And who says I am here for Tabby? Cook’s meat pie can’t be beat in any house.”

  She lifted her chin, suddenly defiant. “Besides, I have no desire to be married.”

  Laughter filled the room.

  “Tabitha Easton, on the shelf.”

  Oscar shook his head. “That’ll never happen.”

  But Edward moved closer to her, concern on his face. “Ever?”

  She sat in the nearest chair. “I suppose it will be a wonderful pastime someday.”

  “Pastime, she says. Pastime.” Julian shook his head. “Let me tell you dear sister. Marriage is like a gentle lead on a new mare. At first she likes the feel. It’s soft and nice, appears harmless. But then it pulls tighter and tighter until ack!” He demonstrated a noose around the throat with his hands. “It cinches so tight you cannot break away.”

  A part of her tightened inside like that rope; she wasn’t sure why.

  Henry cleared his throat, bent down beside her chair, and put his arm across her shoulders.

  She felt her neck heat and turned to him, searching his eyes, inches from her own. His expression was playful and full of warmth. She could barely breathe and forced herself to swallow.

  “Come now, it isn’t as bad as all that." Henry's eyes turned tender. "Let’s not ruin it for her.”

  Before she could stop herself, she leaned closer.

  His voice, like a warm breeze, circled around and tickled her insides. “Marriage would be wonderful to the right person, someone to share the thoughts you tell no one else. Your closest friend…”

  She smiled and closed her eyes. Friend. Would he want such a thing with her? They were friends. Perhaps he was considering it. As she searched his face, nothing seemed different, and yet, there was a new sparkle in his eyes. She grinned in response.

  Then the brothers burst into laughter, and her irritation rose. She stood to leave.

  Julian rested a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Is that what you do with the women, Henry? Bare your innermost thoughts?”

  Oscar looked perplexed. “I don’t have innermost thoughts.”

  “None of us do.” Julian’s eyes held the tears of laughter. “No wonder Henry can’t hang onto a woman.”

  Tabitha turned in the doorway. “Well, I thought it lovely.” She tried to show support as her eyes met Henry’s.

  His wink sent her insides flipping in funny circles, and she placed a hand on her stomach.

  He returned to the t
able taking a hit at the nearest of three balls, the game forgotten by the others. “Of course she thinks it’s lovely, being a woman. I don’t expect the rest of your sorry selves to understand.”

  Oscar snatched the stick. “Whoa there, our sister is not a woman."

  Julian laughed. “Oh yes she is! Have you seen her lately?”

  She wished to hide beneath the floorboards. And felt so lonely for a sister it nearly caused pain. Ever since her mother had taken ill, she had precious few moments with anyone female she could trust.

  “Well, we best get used to the idea.” Oscar held up one finger. “Because all the men at this house party are going to notice.”

  Henry nodded. “Especially when she wears green.”

  Her face blazed, and she couldn’t take any more. “I am right here, you know.”

  “Then you get to listen in.” Edward waved a hand in her direction. “This conversation doesn’t require your participation.”

  Indignation rose. And a great pit of fear opened. Could they have no care for her thoughts?

  Oscar stood taller. “Yes. We will review the strategies to keep you protected when we arrive. Only the very worthy shall get past us.”

  Henry cleared his throat. “Have we decided who she is to marry?”

  Tabitha trembled to hear that question spoken so carelessly by his lips. “I believe that

  decision is mine.” Her voice cracked. She rested a hand on Edward’s arm. “These choices are best left in the hands of those they most affect.”

  Her eldest brother did have sympathy in his eyes, but he said, “It’s not really your decision. Father left me in charge of your welfare and wrote in his will how I was to go about ensuring a good and productive marriage arrangement for you.”

  “We will consider your opinion, of course.” Julian’s calm tones lessened her mounting discomfort. “But we are all attending this infernal party because we need reinforcements to keep the leeches away.”