An Affair Downstairs

by Sherri Browning

  “I meant it about riding tomorrow,” he said, pulling out a chair for her after they entered the expanded dining room. “There’s a great stretch of land between Thornbrook Park and Holcomb House that’s worth exploring. There’s one very pretty lagoon in particular that I wanted to share with you.”

  “A pretty lagoon? Perhaps it had better wait for spring.”

  He shook his head. “It’s a wonderland in winter when the pond freezes over. The perfect place for ice skating. Do you skate?”

  “I haven’t in years but I used to enjoy it.”

  “One day, we’ll go skating then.”

  “I think it a tad early for that.” She held a hand up, gesturing to stop him before he got carried away.

  “You’re right. The temperatures have only started to drop below freezing. In a few more weeks perhaps. The sight of the flurries got me excited. I love winter.”

  “What I mean is, riding, skating. You’re getting ahead of expectation. You know how this goes. You’re supposed to call on me first. I won’t be available, of course, so you’ll leave your card.”

  “And then come back another time, where you will receive me oh-so-formally in the drawing room. Properly chaperoned.”

  She nodded. “And then perhaps you can ask me to go riding. Do you see? There’s an order to these things. We can’t just go skipping ahead.”

  “Of course we can. We’re unconventional.” He laughed and took her hand under the table. “Let’s skip the bouillon and go straight on to the Newburg. Or we’ll start with the pudding. Footman, bring my lady one of those cakes.”

  There weren’t any cakes out yet. James, the footman, looked at Lord Ralston in confusion. “Let’s not befuddle the man, Ralston. Bouillon will do, James. Thank you.”

  “There are always cakes. How can there be confusion?”

  “Behave yourself, Lord Ralston,” she chastised. “We don’t want poor Sophia to get out of sorts. She likes everything to be in proper order.”

  “Does she now?” He looked across the table to where Sophia stood in animated conversation with one of the Sentleden girls. “I suppose she would. Let’s not upset Lady Averford by any means.”

  “Let’s not. Believe me, it’s not worth the trouble.”

  ***

  It felt like the crack of dawn when Alice finally opened her eyes the next morning, but she supposed it was past noon. Her legs ached. Her feet were still burning. How she’d danced! It was dangerous to her reputation to be the girl who kept the same partner occupied for an entire event, but she couldn’t seem to chase Lord Ralston off, no matter how she’d tried. Admittedly, she didn’t put in much effort. After supper, there was no being rid of him.

  On the other hand, she didn’t mind his company, and he did keep Brumley away. She was safely, and most definitely, not engaged to be married. She did seem to remember that she’d finally agreed to go riding, though. Riding, not driving. She still couldn’t decide if he was that much of a sportsman or merely old-fashioned. Her head still swam from the champagne. And in the fog, she remembered Winthrop’s kiss.

  He’d kissed her. On purpose. It was all his doing this time. She wanted to dress quickly and go off to look for him. What would he think when he saw her riding out with Ralston? Perhaps it was best that Logan did see her out with another man. He might realize that it was time to encourage her affections. Getting up too early in the day left her vulnerable to Brumley, of course. He might still be skulking about, lying in wait. She rang for Mary. Or Lucy. She’d stayed the night at Thornbrook Park and couldn’t be sure if Mary had stayed to tend her or if she were to rely on Sophia’s head housemaid. She supposed she would see who turned up.

  A minute later, Lucy came into the room with a basket of fresh linens.

  “Lucy, you’re a gem. I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. How do you manage?”

  “We’re used to the hours, and it’s always a treat to see how your lot lives, the glittering finery, the music and pageantry. Such excitement! We do get to have some fun downstairs, you know. It’s not all endless drudgery.”

  “I’m glad. I wasn’t even working last night and I feel like I’m half dead.” She dropped back down to her pillows and shielded her face dramatically. “Are most of the others up?”

  “Of the ones who stayed? Yes, mostly. Some are still abed.” She paused. “Lord Brumley is gone.”

  Alice sat up. “Gone?”

  Lucy’s pause indicated that the maid knew the reaction her news would have. “Gone. He packed up early this morning and requested a ride to the train station. Apparently, his trip was not a success. Entirely.”

  “Entirely? What do you mean? Lucy, tell me.”

  The maid pursed her lips, seemingly reluctant to gossip, then shared the rest. “The eldest Sentleden girl got up to see him off. They seemed very friendly. I believe Lady Sentleden asked Lord Brumley to come visit them at home to help restructure their library. Brookfield isn’t all that far from Forreston, after all.”

  “Forreston?”

  “The Sentledens’ estate.” Lucy nodded.

  “Expert on libraries that he is. Well, that ends well for Lord Brumley after all, doesn’t it? I needn’t worry about putting him off. June Sentleden can have him, and may she be very happy with her prize.”

  She could tell from Lucy’s expression that there was more gossip making the rounds, but nothing that Lucy could share. Likely it involved her scandalous behavior in keeping Lord Ralston by her side all night. Not that she could help it. Why did they always blame the female in such situations?

  “I need my riding habit from the Dower House,” Alice said, changing the subject. “I’ve an appointment this afternoon. Can we send for it?”

  “I’ll get word to Mary to pack it up and have one of the footmen fetch it.”

  “Is Mary back at the house?”

  “She returned to the Dower House with Aunt Agatha last night. Agatha expressed concern for Miss Puss with a poltergeist still in the house.”

  “Ah, yes.” When Agatha’s canary gown appeared back in the closet two days after it went missing, Agatha declared the poltergeist must be playing games with her. She claimed to have had more things go missing and suddenly return, but Alice believed it to be Agatha’s usual forgetfulness and nothing more. “The poltergeist. A perfect excuse for things not being found in their usual place. I think Miss Puss could handle her own against any otherworldly being, though.”

  “Have you ever seen Miss Puss?” Lucy suddenly seemed uncertain.

  “Only Agatha has ever seen her, as far as I know. I’m not sure she’ll ever agree to leave the Dower House unless she can convince her ghost cat to follow where she goes.” It was one of many problems that Alice would have to solve before she could embark on her worldly adventures—how to convince Agatha to move into Thornbrook Park, with or without Miss Puss.

  Nine

  Shortly before Lord Ralston was to arrive, Alice made her appearance in the drawing room. She was surprised to find Sophia sitting alone.

  “I thought you would be entertaining,” Alice said, pulling on her gloves. She wore her riding habit, all black except for the white blouse that showed just under the collar, with a smart top hat. “Where is everyone?”

  “Only the Sentledens were left, and they’ve just gone home. They’re preparing for a houseguest.” She turned a sharp gaze on Alice. “You can only guess who.”

  Alice grinned. “I wonder.”

  “You had an opportunity. He was yours for the taking.” Sophia got up to pace. “And now we’ll be wishing June Sentleden all happiness at her own wedding.”

  “I didn’t want him.” Alice shuddered at the thought. “Why would you think I would? And good for Junie, off the shelf at the ripe old age of six and twenty.”

  “You’re not getting any younger.” Sophia stamped a foot.

  Alice laughed. “Darling, why does it bother you so? Do you fear I’ll be a lifelong burden? I have my inheritance. There’s no n
eed for concern.”

  “But I want you to be happy. And close to me. If I don’t find you a suitable man in Yorkshire, you’ll go off to London and be so far away.”

  “Not so far by train. If only you could stand London.”

  “By train? After the Shrewsbury disaster, you think I would risk travel by train? Eighteen poor souls killed in a derailment, lest you’ve forgotten.”

  “An accident. It doesn’t mean the railway is unsafe. Any excuse to avoid London.” Alice knew her sister too well.

  Sophia waved Alice off, not bothering to make further argument. “Or worse, you could end up in Paris. Or Italy. What if you fell in love with an American?”

  Alice placed a hand to her chest, mocking horror. “The idea!”

  “Laugh if you must. Mother has taxed me with seeing you comfortably settled, and I don’t mean to disappoint her.”

  “I, on the other hand, live to let her down. Or so you would think by hearing her talk. All three weeks I was there this summer, nothing but complaints about my posture, my clothes, my disposition…”

  “She only wants the best for you.”

  “The two of you should leave it up to me to decide what that is. Now, I’m expecting Lord Ralston, if you don’t mind. We’re going out for a ride.”

  “I’m aware.”

  “I don’t recall telling you.” She found her reflection in the window and adjusted her hat.

  “He did. Last night. When you came in from the garden and stopped to fix your hair, we had a talk.”

  “At Sir John’s expense.” She turned to glare at her sister. “That talk?”

  Sophia had the sense to blush. “You took longer than you realized. Your hair was a complete mess. We talked about a good many things.”

  “I hadn’t even agreed to go riding with him yet.” She began to recall the order of events. “I don’t think he’d had the chance to ask.”

  “Nonetheless, he informed me that you would be riding out today. It gave me time to make proper arrangements.”

  “Arrangements? What arrangements?”

  “You’re an unmarried woman, Alice. An innocent. I can’t let you go traipsing all over the country with a reputed rake.”

  “A rake? Lord Ralston?” According to him, he was too shy to be a rake. Awkward in social situations. Ha! She’d known not to believe him.

  “He’s too handsome not to be.” Sophia shrugged. “I’m sending you out with a chaperone.”

  “A chaperone? To ensure I stay chaste? What harm is to come to me on the back of a horse? I don’t recall you having any trouble when it came to leaving me alone with Lord Brumley. I finally find a man that I like, and you insist on making me look like a coddled young schoolgirl.”

  “You like Lord Ralston?” Winthrop appeared in the doorway. Her heart hammered her rib cage on sight of him.

  She struggled to get hold of herself. “He’s tolerable, at least.”

  Sophia looked from one to the other.

  “Good.” Winthrop said. “You should have something to talk about on your ride. I can keep a comfortable distance from the two of you without having to facilitate conversation.”

  “You? You’re the chaperone?” She turned to Sophia. What could she say? They’d already risked looking too close.

  She realized that he was dressed for riding in his dark coat and tall boots.

  “No one else was available on short notice,” Sophia said. “And you know I’m a terrible rider. Mr. Winthrop agreed to step in.”

  “Surely you have other duties, Winthrop? Tending the lemon trees? Is it safe to leave them alone?”

  He laughed. “Quite safe. They’re trees. It’s not as if they’re going to fight or eat each other. I have to ride out and survey the property anyway, as I told the countess. I do so twice a week or more to be sure that everything’s in order and take an inventory of what needs to be done. I’ll be killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.”

  She’d wondered about piquing Winthrop’s jealousy. Now she would find out just what effect her flirting with another man would have on him. Unfortunately, he seemed all too pleased that she was riding with Ralston. Perhaps she’d imagined that she had any power over him. She’d never seduced a man so she hadn’t any idea of her progress, or if she’d truly made any at all. Sometimes a kiss was just that—a kiss, and nothing more. Though it had felt like more. Lost in thought, she reached up to stroke her lips. A good deal more.

  “Thank you, Mr. Winthrop, for taking the time,” Sophia said.

  “I’ll be in the stable seeing to the horses.” He tipped his head and strode purposefully from the room without a glance back at Alice.

  A short time later, Ralston arrived, looking even more attractive than the previous night in a brown riding coat and buff trousers tucked into dark boots. After Finch announced him, he strode into the room.

  “‘Beauty is certainly a soft, smooth, slippery thing and therefore, of a nature which easily slips in and permeates our souls. And I further add that the good is the beautiful.’” Perhaps more pleased with his quote than with Alice and Sophia, Ralston performed a bow.

  “Marvelous,” Sophia mused, too easily impressed. “What an extraordinary greeting.”

  Alice recognized it at once as Plato. “‘Beauty is a mute deception.’” She answered with Theophrastus.

  “Ah, a fellow student of the Greek philosophers.” He approached, took Alice’s hand, and put it to his lips. “You’ve already donned your gloves. Will I never get to kiss your bare flesh?”

  Alice snorted, a very unladylike response. “You are quite something, Lord Ralston.”

  For a fleeting moment, he looked hurt. She hoped he wasn’t so thin-skinned. Perhaps he was merely confused by her response. Alice wondered if anyone had questioned his overtures before her.

  “I thought you did that last night,” Sophia said most indelicately.

  “Sophia!” Alice couldn’t hide her shock. Sophia, of all people, embraced decorum. How quickly she’d let down her guard around Lord Ralston.

  “I suppose you’re referring to our mussed appearance in the ballroom last night when we came in from the garden? You might be surprised to learn, Countess, that I am quite the gentleman. Your sister is certainly safe with me.”

  Alice’s eyes widened in alarm. Had he seen her with Winthrop? Was he about to expose her?

  “It was the wind. Only the wind that created our startling appearance. I wouldn’t take such liberties. At least”—he cast a glance at Alice—“not so soon.”

  “Shall we go?” Alice said, taking his arm. The sooner she got this over with, the better. Only a few hours ago, she had been looking forward to her ride with Ralston, but now with Winthrop following along and Ralston spouting philosophical quotes…her stomach turned. She doubted anything good would come of the afternoon. With her luck, she would end up alienating Ralston and putting off Winthrop for good instead of securing the temporary affection of either man.

  ***

  Lord Ralston, in Logan’s estimation, was everything a woman could dream up as her romantic ideal—tall, strong, alternately brooding and jovial, heir to a fortune, pleasant to look upon, and titled. Why, then, did Logan feel he should warn Alice off the man? He wanted Alice to find happiness, didn’t he? If Alice couldn’t be swept away by such a prodigious example of a man as the Earl of Ralston, what hope did she have?

  Logan straightened as he saw them striding side by side across the lawn toward the stable. He would let them set off first, give them some privacy, and follow at a safe distance. He’d promised Sophia to keep watch over them, but he hardly felt his presence would be conducive to building a rapport between them. He busied himself with examining the bridle of his own horse while the two of them prepared to ride.

  Was he imagining it, or did Ralston bristle uncomfortably when he caught sight of Logan across the stalls? Logan was certain they’d never met. Grady, the stable master, led Lord Ralston’s white stallion to him, paying all his atten
tion to the earl and ignoring Alice as she struggled to swing herself up. Logan had no idea how ladies managed to ride sidesaddle. He imagined that it was deuced uncomfortable and a little dangerous, all for the sake of appearing demure. He pictured her sitting astride instead, his own Artemis, with her skirt riding up to bare a hint of her shapely legs. Keeping his distance might be more trying than he’d thought.

  “Let me help you, Lady Alice.” He approached and offered his hand to help her mount Brutus, the gray stallion she favored. Brutus was a good horse, not the swiftest ride but a capable jumper with a steady gait.

  “Thank you, Mr. Winthrop. You’re most kind.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away in time when she met and held his gaze. His pulse raced, remembering the feel of her in his arms.

  “Lady Alice.” Ralston abandoned Grady and his horse to shoo Logan out of the way so that he could help Alice himself. As much as Logan hated to be swept aside, he liked that the man had paid attention to Alice in time. “Let’s get you settled.”

  Logan attempted to fade into the background, but Alice looked around for him once she was properly seated. He shook his head as if to warn her off, even while he secretly delighted in her inability to ignore him.

  He watched them ride out of the yard, keeping up with each other and chatting amiably. Alice was a good rider, he knew from watching her these last few years. She handled Brutus well. Once they were halfway to the orchards, Winthrop mounted Fergus, an older horse who still had some charge in him, and set off in their direction.

  He wondered what they discussed, especially when Lady Alice tipped her head back in laughter and nearly lost her hat. Possibly, they’d made a solid connection at the ball last night. It seemed a bit soon for Ralston to be calling on Lady Alice for an afternoon of riding, but perhaps men like the earl could do as they chose without adhering closely to society’s rigid expectations.