by Joyce Alec
Ginny smiled. They would make her better; they just had to do it.
Athena didn't like the liquid being forced into her and with a swish of her head, knocked poor Ginny down. Some of the men left Athena to tend to the young lady.
"Thank you, but I can manage on my own. You must get the mixture in, and we'll keep walking her." She took one of the men's hands to help her to her feet.
"Lady Virginia Croft, what the devil is going on here?" It was James. He was with William Travers, the Marquess of Lynlithglow. But when James saw his horse being harnessed and the men around her, he knew something was wrong. His initial thought was the horse had broken free and knocked Lady Virginia to the ground.
"Your Lordship, it's Athena, she has the fret, and Her Ladyship was helping us," Jones said hoping his master wasn't about to go ballistic on him.
"Lynlithglow, help me escort Lady Virginia inside. This is no place for a young lady," James said.
"No, I'm not going anywhere until I know Athena is over this colic. Please take your hands off me," Ginny glared at James.
Why was he trying to send her away? Couldn't he see that without her, the horse would be suffering so much more without anyone noticing?
James, stepped back, alarmed at Lady Virginia's reaction to him. He just wanted to remove her from harm's way. Why was she so stubborn?
"Lynlithglow, this is Lady Virginia Croft, Jane's cousin," James said.
"Lady Virginia, I have heard so much about you, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance, whatever the circumstances," William smiled as he looked Ginny up and down. Her dress was covered in mud and dirt.
William had sandy hair and a cheeky smile. Ginny knew that he was a good match for Jane. He had a glint in his eye, and while she knew he was teasing her, she didn't mind it one bit. James, on the other hand, just riled her up.
"Collingford, I need to meet my beloved. I will leave you here with…" William glanced at Ginny, who was back walking the horse. James rolled his eyes. Lady Virginia vexed him, and he didn't know why.
James wouldn't leave and wrestled the reins from Ginny as he took his turn in pacing up and down the stable yard with his horse. Although she wanted to protest, she realized that Athena was his horse, and Ginny needed the rest. She was feeling very fatigued.
James began to shout questions at Jones about what had they done, and how long she was in pain. Jones told him exactly what had happened and James looked at Virginia who couldn't hear their conversation.
It seemed for a while their efforts were coming to nothing. Ginny had an opportunity to watch James interact with his horse. She knew horses were a good judge of character, and even she had to admit that when he spoke to Athena, she did seem a little calmer, although this was very short-lived.
"Lady Virginia, the ball is in a few hours; it is time for you to prepare for it. I'll stay for a while as there is nothing else we can do but wait. I promise to keep you informed of Athena's progress," James said without looking at her.
Ginny knew he was right. Nothing more could be done. She'd either catch her death if she stayed out much longer or catch an earful from her mother for being so unladylike. With a heavy heart, she stood up to leave, but not before going up to Athena's long face.
"Be brave, girl. I will see you later." Ginny then turned to James, "You promise to keep me informed?"
James nodded. He watched Ginny walk away, and his heart was doing somersaults. What a woman, he thought to himself. So caring and such devotion to a horse she doesn't even know. If Athena survived the night, it would be due to Ginny. James knew he was in trouble. Lady Virginia Croft had stolen his heart.
5
Ginny had missed out on the excitement of the guests arriving. This meant that neither Jane, nor her mother, were aware of her disappearance to the stables, although she knew William would tell Jane. Her bedroom commanded a full view of those arriving at the ball, and she saw ornate carriages arrive one after the other. Dawson, meanwhile, had scolded her for ruining her dress and shoes. There was no way they could be cleaned properly.
"But Dawson, the horse would have died without me," she said as Dawson did her hair.
"It was good then for you to be outside, Lady Virginia. I saw you talking with the handsome earl," Dawson watched as Ginny's cheeks flushed.
"I would have done the same for any horse, and to be honest with you, I find the man deplorable. Although, Athena did like him." Ginny's thoughts drifted to when she said goodbye to Athena. She had been so close to James. His presence enveloped her, and she had to admit she had an inkling to feign a faint so he could catch her again. Dawson was prattling on, but something she said caught Ginny's attention.
"What did you say?"
"Apparently, Lady Victoria de Vere is telling everyone they are to be married. Although I've heard from one of the other lady's maids that her mistress says Lady Victoria hopes if she says it enough times, the poor earl will be duty bound to ask for her hand in marriage."
"So he is promised to Lady Victoria? Is she here tonight?"
"Mais oui, m'lady. She arrived late in the morning. She is quite plain looking, I've heard."
"Dawson, we mustn't be unkind." Ginny couldn't help smiling.
A knock at the door signaled Jane's arrival.
"Gin, William tells me he found you in a very sorry state in the stables. What on earth were you doing out there? Apparently, James told William you probably saved the horse's life. Gin, you really are a strange one. And I have more to tell you, but I promised I wouldn't say." Jane was in an excitable mood.
"Then you must keep your counsel, dear cousin.” Ginny turned around so her Jane could see her dress. “Will I do? It has been a long time since I dressed up.”
Ginny was going to be mixing with the upper echelons of society that night, which was a forerunner to the wedding in a few days’ time.
"Lady Virginia Croft, if I didn't love you so much, I would hate you. I am sure you will upstage me, and I am the guest of honor. Let's make our entrance," Jane said as she and Ginny left to join the ball.
Ginny's senses were immediately overwhelmed by the music playing in the background, and from the top of the stairway, she saw masses of people. She knew she would have met some of them before during her first Season, but she wasn’t ready to meet potential suitors quite yet. Her heart was beating so fast; she was sure she would fall away in a faint. So many people in such a confined space, and soon her fears increased as Jane introduced her to some people. She seemed to have forgotten the art of small talk.
A young gentleman asked her to dance, and Ginny welcomed the opportunity to glide across the floor. She loved to dance and hoped she hadn't forgotten any steps to the minuet that played. The young man was much less taxing as he didn't make any conversation. The music stopped, and she thanked him for the dance.
"May I have the pleasure, Lady Virginia?" It was James, offering his arm.
Ginny was taken off guard. He was very handsome in his dress clothes, and he had her in his arms before she even agreed.
"Jones thinks Athena will survive the night. He said another few hours will make the difference. Thank you for bringing her to his attention. With so many arrivals for this ball, the men were preparing for the influx of horses, and as Athena doesn't like a lot of noise, they put her in the quietest part of the stables. They weren't neglecting her. I just wanted you to know that. All the men in the stable must love horses to work here."
"I could see that. I was fortunate to be in the right place," she gasped as James spun her around, and she felt his powerful hand hold her tightly in the back. Ginny closed her eyes, and she imagined they were floating above the ground and running away to live a quiet life with just their horses.
With the mix of her fears, the music, and being spun around, Ginny felt light-headed.
"I'm not feeling very…."
Ginny swooned, and James whisked her up in his arms as he swiftly moved through the crowds to the little anteroom that was off t
he main ballroom. She was the envy of every young woman at that ball, apart from Jane.
"Doctor Parsons should be here. Ask him to come by and to bring his bag. And get the dowager countess," James directed the staff as he used a pamphlet as a fan.
Lady Jane arrived in a flurry.
"Gin, James, what happened? I saw the two of you dancing. Everyone's eyes were on you both. You looked so handsome together. Then you swept Gin off her feet."
Jane knelt beside her cousin. The doctor arrived and waved smelling salts under her nose. Ginny wrinkled her nose and spluttered as her eyelids fluttered, and she opened her eyes and saw Jane smiling at her.
"Oh, Jane, it was wonderful. I was floating on air and…" Ginny's cheeks flushed as she expanded her view to see James and the doctor with concerned faces looking upon her. She sat up, suddenly concerned by what she had said.
"Please forgive me, if I can just sit here a while," Ginny wasn't even sure of what she was saying.
"You stay as long as you like. Your mother should be here shortly. I will have some tea and sandwiches sent to you," James said as he realized she probably hadn’t eaten all day.
As if on cue, Ginny's mother arrived, flustered and concerned about Ginny's wellbeing.
"We shall leave you alone," James directed everyone out.
Jane mouthed, "Goodbye.” She had guests to attend to.
"Virginia, you and the earl caused quite the stir, I can tell you. Everyone was asking who you were. Imagine it; you could one day be duchess here."
"Mama, stop it. The earl is tolerable, but I am not looking for marriage," Ginny said quite sharply, but part of her enjoyed being noticed.
However, her words had been heard by James who had just stood outside the door, and he felt a pang in his heart that the woman he loved only found him tolerable. Just as he was about to retire to his room, figuring he had caused enough speculation for one night, the Marchioness of Dorford stepped into his path with his mother by her side.
"My lord, Lady Victoria is expecting you to ask her to dance. A gentleman does not disappoint," Lady Dorford smiled at him as James' eyes fell on Lady Victoria de Vere. She was plain with a pointed nose, and he had heard ghastly stories about how she treated staff. He had never witnessed her behavior himself, and while not one to indulge in gossip, felt there had to be some credence to the rumors.
"Come along, James, ask Lady Victoria to dance?" his mother said.
"Certainly, Mama, Your Ladyship. Lady Victoria, would you…"
"I'd be delighted," Lady Victoria stretched out her sweaty hand and grabbed his hand rather tightly. James gritted his teeth. There was nothing regal about Lady Victoria. She was able to dance, but not like Ginny. James couldn't help but make comparisons.
Ginny watched from the anteroom, and she felt her heart become heavy as she watched him dance with another woman.
"He is not enjoying himself, I can tell you, Virginia. When the two of you danced, it was like magic. But a man like him marries for status, not love. I know I allowed myself a moment to imagine you marrying him, but the reality, he will likely marry someone more like her. Let me take you to your room where you can rest."
Dawson helped Ginny get ready for bed.
"Oh m’lady, you were the envy of all. I was so proud to be your lady's maid. If only you could have seen how well you and his Lordship looked together. It was magnifique. The other young ladies were jealous, even Lady Victoria. I heard that she is trying to make him propose during her visit here. She is staying here for the wedding."
Ginny didn't understand why that upset her, but it did. She dismissed Dawson and pulled the covers over her head, but something was bothering her. She still had to know if Athena was okay. Tending to Athena had made Ginny forget about what happened in the past. She hadn't been sad at all. Perhaps knowing Athena was recovering would help her sleep. Slipping on her dressing gown, she made her way down the back stairs the servants used. No one said a word to her until she met Lennox, the butler.
"Your Ladyship has no need to be here. Let me get your girl."
"No, Lennox, please take me to the stables. I want to check on Athena. I will not go to bed until I know she is well," she said.
"Very well, my lady. Mr. Bowen, kindly escort Lady Virginia to the stables to inquire of the horse and then bring her back inside."
Mr. Bowen gave Ginny a heavy coat to wear and found her some boots the maids would wear so that she wouldn't destroy her slippers. She realized she was being a little selfish. The staff had enough to contend with as it was, but it was too late to change her mind now.
No one was in the yard, which meant that Athena was either cured or taken away to be shot. Ginny approached the stall and saw a light inside.
"Hello, is she okay?" she asked and immediately brightened when she saw Athena looking much happier in her stall. She was eating some hay and looked like she had forgotten about her day.
"Aye, your Ladyship, she's much better," Jones said and then looked past Ginny.
"Lady Virginia, I thought you were resting," James asked.
"I couldn't sleep thinking about her. I'll go back inside now. Thank you, Jones, your Lordship," she put her head to one side as she tried to sidle past James.
"Allow me to escort you back to the house, Lady Virginia."
She didn't say no, and they were followed by Mr. Bowen.
"I hear congratulations are soon to be in order," Ginny said, quite unaware of where that came from.
"Pardon me?" James was perplexed.
"Why, you and Lady Victoria de Vere are to be married."
James stopped her and put his hand to her face to gently stroke it.
"Lady Victoria means nothing to me. Her mother and mine are the best of friends, and naturally they want their children to marry. I have no intention of marrying someone I do not …love. Apologies for being so forward, Lady Virginia. I just wanted you to know that. Mr. Bowen, please escort her Ladyship indoors. I forgot I need to have a word with Jones."
James was flustered as was Ginny. Was he declaring his love for her? She was so confused. But what had her mother said? “He will have to marry for duty rather than love.” What did she mean by that?
But their unplanned assignation had not gone unnoticed. The Duke of Carvingham had heard about the day's events and their dance, and now he had seen them for himself. He liked Lady Virginia Croft. She was a fine young woman, but her stock was not high enough for a man that would one day be a duke. The duke didn't like what he had to do, but he didn't want James to make a fool of himself. If someone else had seen them together, well, poor Lady Virginia's name would be sullied, and he wasn't going to allow that to happen.
He sent Lennox to bring James to him. He'd have to talk to James that night and put an end to his silliness.
6
You cannot go on like this, James. It is time to make a decision on your future. Remember, your wife must be a match for you. She will be the duchess here some day and therefore, needs to know what is expected of her. Lady Virginia Croft is a fine young woman; I give you that, but she is no match for you," the duke watched as his grand nephew's shoulders drooped.
"I cannot marry for love. But you were in love, Duke. You know how important it is. I have tried to fight my feelings for Lady Virginia, but you should have seen her with Athena. Even Jones was impressed by how she carried herself. Her concern was for the mare at all times. She didn't use her authority to complain about how she found Athena to me…"
"You have to get her out of your head, James. If not for your sake, then for hers. We cannot have gossip, and if I know these harpies, gossip will be rife. It isn't fair on her character, especially after what she has gone through."
The duke's words made James curious. What had she endured? He couldn't bear to think of her in any distress. The duke told him about her fiancé’s riding accident. James’s initial reaction was to run to Lady Virginia and take her in his arms, but the duke was right. A lady's reputation was everythin
g. He couldn't deny her a chance of happiness in the future.
"I will consider what you have said. You are a wise man, and I value your advice. I do not like it, but you know that already. Lady Virginia has endured enough. I will keep my distance, but there is no way I am marrying Lady Victoria. I'd rather stay single than have to endure her."
The duke didn't disagree with him.
"Help me to my room, James. I have to say it was good to see the old place alive tonight."
As James and the duke walked slowly, they could overhear an altercation between Lady Victoria and her lady's maid.
"Why wasn't my hair done like Lady Virginia's? I brought you from Paris especially to know these new styles. You are completely useless!"
And they heard a slap.
The men didn't make a comment, but each of them knew that Lady Virginia had more class in her little finger than Lady Victoria. The festivities were almost over, and only the very energetic remained on the dance floor.
"See you at breakfast, James. Sleep on what I have said. You are an intelligent young man, and you will do the right thing."
Breakfast was a busy affair. James had tossed and turned, and while he didn't want to see anyone, let alone Lady Virginia, William convinced him to breakfast with him. The duke sat at the head of the table. Ginny and her mother sat at one side of the duke, while the Marchioness of Dorford and Lady Victoria sat opposite them. Jane and her mother, James, and William made up the rest of the party. Breakfast was a buffet, and as Ginny, Jane and Victoria stood at the serving plates, Victoria began her digs at Ginny. She had noticed how James had avoided looking at Ginny, while making a point of greeting everyone else. Ginny couldn't understand his coldness towards her, but it only served to remind that her initial opinion was correct. He was cold and aloof.
"No fainting this morning, Lady Virginia? That was some performance last evening."
Ginny blushed, and her hands wobbled.
