Lady Faith Takes a Leap

by Maggi Andersen

  “They are said to rival Stourhead,” Honor said. “Humphry Repton oversaw the layout before his death.”

  “Will you join us?” Edward asked.

  “Do go on. I’m going to try archery.” Faith untied the ribbons at her chin and threw her hat onto the grass.

  Vaughn refused to look at Edward. “Would you like me to show you?”

  “Please.” Faith smiled. “If you would.”

  “You hold it like this.” He reached around her narrow back encased in velvet to steady her hands, and her soft hair tickled his cheek. Her flowery perfume tantalized him. Attar of Roses was a favorite of some of his sisters. Vaughn suffered an urge to run his fingers though the curls as he gazed down at Faith’s golden head. He should like to set her hair free from its pins and spread the tresses over her naked breast. His groin throbbed. He grew alarmed, as sharp caution flashed through his mind, but his body seemed to have disconnected from his brain. Glad of his long coat, he felt like a green youth. He stepped back. “Put the arrow in like this.” He fitted the shaft to the bow. “Now, release it.”

  The arrow sliced through the air, hit the side of the bull’s-eye, and fell to the ground.

  “Oh, that was dreadful.” Faith gave one of her tinkling laughs.

  “You’ll improve with practice.”

  “Vaughn?” Edward had paused at the edge of the trees. “Come and see the lake. I’ve heard the bridge is of quite masterful construction.”

  “I believe Faith needs further instruction,” Vaughn called back.

  The Honorable Stephen Sefton had wandered over to watch them. “Don’t worry, Winborne. Lady Faith and I have been introduced. If you wish it, Lady Faith, I’m happy to be of help.”

  “I would appreciate it, thank you, sir,” Faith said. “Lord Vaughn wishes to view the gardens.”

  Summarily dismissed, Vaughn strode after Edward and Honor. Really, Edward was becoming quite as annoying as Chaloner. Was it something that happened with increasing years?

  By the time Vaughn reached them, his ardor had cooled. He cursed under his breath. He had to be more careful. That kiss had done something to him. He didn’t trust himself around Faith.

  Edward raised an eyebrow. “Not a good beginning, Vaughn.”

  “I did not seek Faith out,” Vaughn protested, annoyed all over again. “We shall often be in each other’s company. Whether you like it or not,” he added heatedly.

  “That’s true, Vaughn,” Honor interjected smoothly. “You and Faith cannot help but see a lot of each other. I see no harm in it.” She took their arms and drew them away along the path. “Let’s enjoy a stroll before luncheon. Isn’t this the most heavenly place?”

  Vaughn was surprised that Honor had taken his side over Edward’s. He glanced at his brother’s stern profile. Edward had always been supportive of him, even during the years when Vaughn had certainly not been up to the mark.

  “I hope Sefton doesn’t get too interested in Faith,” Vaughn said. “He’s a dull dog.”

  “Don’t judge him too harshly. Sometimes, the swiftest racehorse will not perform as well as a sturdy, dull jade. To use your preferred vernacular,” Edward added with a grin.

  Vaughn found he couldn’t smile back. “You needn’t worry about Faith, Edward,” he forced himself to utter as they approached a wide body of water, which, in truth, was magnificent. “Ours is a friendship, and will remain so. I give you my word.” How difficult it was to make that promise. The words gave Vaughn something akin to a kick in the gut, as if he’d vanquished his dreams. Ridiculous, for he barely knew Faith, and apart from the experimental kiss, which had apparently failed to move her, he had seen little evidence that she desired him.

  Edward turned to him. “I saw you kiss her, Vaughn,” he said in a low voice, an eye on Honor, who had wandered ahead.

  “You did?”

  “You were lit by moonlight, damn it. A blind man couldn’t have missed it. I had to grab Honor and kiss her to distract her.”

  “And you think I pushed myself on Faith?” Vaughn asked in an outraged tone.

  “I don’t believe that for a moment. I’m well aware of Faith’s rebellious spirit, which she’s taken pains to submerge for her father’s sake.”

  “It will not happen again.”

  Edward nodded. “I know your word is good. I know I’m acting like a bear. But Honor’s family is now mine. Don’t believe for one moment that I think you’re not good enough for Faith. It’s just that I’ve had to deal with Baxendale. He might care for Faith, but he can be unpredictable and quite heartless. Faith could suffer at his hands. Do you understand?”

  Vaughn nodded. “Don’t worry, old fellow. I do.”

  Edward grimaced. “Not so much of the old, if you don’t mind.”

  “I haven’t had a chance to tell you about the property I’ve found,” Vaughn said as they strolled after Honor along the lake’s shore.

  “Such abundant birdlife!” Honor called from the middle of a remarkable stone bridge spanning the lake. “This is the perfect spot from which to view them. Do come and look, you two. We don’t have much time. The walk has given me an appetite. I shouldn’t like to miss luncheon.”

  Chapter Six

  Wearing a gown of white gauze embroidered with blue silk leaves, Faith entered the ballroom alongside her parents. After the Master of Ceremonies introduced the orchestra, Lady Crewe called a cotillion.

  Several young men crossed the room to Faith, Mr. Sefton arriving first. She politely accepted his request and rose, leaving her mother smiling her approval.

  Earlier, Faith’s father had taken her aside. He considered Sefton, a baron’s heir, to be a cut above many. Both plump in the pocket and personable. “He’s dancing attendance on you. Set your cap at him, Faith, and he will be yours.”

  To be fair, Mr. Sefton was younger than Lord Gillingham. Moreover, his chin didn’t recede into his neck, as did Lord Fitzgibbon’s. Sincere hazel eyes met hers as they joined the dancers on the floor.

  Vaughn and his partner formed part of their set. Vaughn danced with Lady Rosamond Montrose. Faith and Vaughn came together during the dance. Despite his polite smile, the brief touch of their hands made her heart leap. Returning to Mr. Sefton, she smiled and steeled herself to meet Vaughn again as the dance progressed to its conclusion.

  The music ended, and the dancers promenaded from the floor. Taking her arm, Mr. Sefton inquired after her sisters. He nodded thoughtfully at her reply and spoke of his sister Mary, skilled with a needle. The conversation continued as they left the floor and centered on his coin collection. All Faith need do in reply was utter an occasional murmur of astonishment, while her thoughts returned to Vaughn. His appearance hadn’t escaped her notice. In dark evening clothes and crisp white cravat, he was without doubt the most handsome man in the room. Lady Rosamond looked pretty in primrose yellow, which suited her chestnut hair. As Faith, escorted by Sefton, crossed the floor to her mother, she stole another glance at the couple. Rosamond was talking animatedly. Vaughn’s head was lowered as if not to miss a word. A blaze of irrational jealousy caught Faith in its grip.

  “…not to mention my Roman coins. I uncovered them in a Yorkshire field,” Mr. Sefton continued.

  “What tremendous luck,” she said in ringing approval. “Many who hunt for ancient artifacts have little success beyond a piece of broken pottery.”

  He patted her hand resting on his arm. “I look forward to showing them to you.”

  “Did you enjoy the ball?” Honor stuck her head round the bedroom door as Faith climbed beneath the covers.

  “It was wonderful, the music superb.” Faith fought to inject enthusiasm into her voice. The night had been long and rather tedious. She looked forward to going home.

  Honor came to perch on the bed. “You danced more than once with Mr. Sefton. Has he captured your interest?”

  “Not captured precisely,” Faith said carefully. “He seems close to his sister, which is nice. He is to join us on our trip to
take the waters.”

  “Do you find him attractive?”

  “I suppose I do.”

  Honor reached over and smoothed the frown lines gathering on Faith’s brow. “Don’t worry so much. Things have a way of resolving themselves.”

  “Do they? I wish I could believe it.” Faith sighed. “I feel like everything is slipping away, gathering momentum, and whether I like it or not, I’ll find myself married to someone I don’t love.”

  “I don’t believe love at first sight to be a common occurrence. Love matches are certainly not common amongst the ton. But that does not mean a woman cannot fall in love with her husband after marriage and enjoy a happy and contented life.”

  “Did you and Edward fall in love at first glance?”

  “Edward is a handsome Brandreth.” Honor gave a playful smile. “I was attracted naturally. Who would not be? But love…how can one feel love for someone they scarcely know? Their natures are yet to be discovered. I could never love a man I did not respect. Who did not respect me.”

  Faith drew up her knees and wrapped her arms around them. “I believe I could.” She could love instantly, blindly, and forever. Even if the man was less than perfect. She frowned. What she must not do was let an impossible love ruin her life.

  “I do believe attraction to be necessary.” Honor smoothed the bedclothes with a frown. “But a husband does not have to be brilliant or terribly exciting to be wonderful. You’re tired, dearest.” Honor kissed her cheek. “We have a long trip home tomorrow. Edward and I plan to leave early.”

  “Shall I see you before you go?”

  “But of course. Sleep well.”

  Faith stared at the closed door. Honor and Edward were so perfect for each other. She wanted what they had so dreadfully it made her gasp with longing. Could she find that kind of love with Stephen Sefton? She kneaded her pillow, blew out the candle, and hoped for sleep.

  “Fire!”

  Faith heard a crash somewhere below. She foggily rose to the surface from a deep sleep, wondering if she’d had a nightmare.

  “Fire!”

  “Heavens!” She smelt smoke as she leapt out of bed and raced to fling open the door.

  Without pausing for her dressing gown, she darted out into the dimly lit corridor, where candles gutted in their sconces, and ran straight into a hard body.

  “Faith!” Vaughn’s hands reached out and touched her, alighting on a breast, then dropped away.

  “Is there a fire? Mama, Father, I must go to them.”

  “Your father has taken your mother outside, and Edward and Honor have gone too. I’ve been entrusted to escort you.” He grabbed her hand and began to run with her toward the stairs. Smoke rose up the grand staircase from the hall below.

  “We’ll try the servants’ stairs.”

  She hesitated. “I must go back for my dressing gown.”

  “Not a good idea.” Vaughn stripped off his banyan and held it out to her. “Here.”

  While she slipped it on, she eyed him in his trousers and shirt, which was open at the neck displaying a vee of dark hair on his chest. She took a deep breath as her stomach coiled into knots. Were they about the die together? She reefed the material up in her hands. “It’s much too long.”

  “Come on. I’ll carry you.”

  “No.” Faith reddened, aware she wore no undergarments. She gathered up the banyan and attempted to run. The silken folds slipped through her fingers, and she caught her foot in the material and stumbled.

  “You’d prefer to burn to death than have me carry you without your corset?” Vaughn said with a lift of his eyebrows.

  She firmed her lips. “Yes.”

  “You must endure, Lady Faith.” With a laugh, he swung her up into his arms.

  She gasped. “Put me down!”

  “When we get out of this dashed house.”

  They covered the long corridor in no time, and Vaughn leapt down the steps as if she weighed no more than a new-born chick.

  “Put me down at the bottom of the stairs,” she said, aware of a big hand warming her rib cage alarmingly close to her breast.

  Vaughn reached the deserted kitchen and carried her out into the cold. His hands slid over her derrière as he placed her on her feet. “I’m sorry to have to put you down,” he said. “You’re a cuddly armful.”

  “And you are a disgrace.” Faith looked at him suspiciously then turned her head away to hide her smile.

  “Ungrateful,” he said as Faith gathered his thin banyan around her and picked her way along the path.

  They rounded the house to find the rest of the guests in a forlorn group on the carriageway in the front of the house. A chill breeze lifted her hem, and she shivered.

  “The fire doesn’t seem to have gained a hold, thank God,” Vaughn said as the local fire fighters loaded their hand pump on their cart and drove away.

  “Thank you for rescuing me, my lord,” Faith said in a loud voice, aware of the curious faces focused on them. “I shall send your banyan to you.”

  “You’re welcome. It looks a good deal better on you,” he murmured.

  Faith pressed her lips together so as not to respond to his provoking statement. She left him and hurried to answer her mother’s call. As Faith threaded her way through the small group of Brandreths, the dowager gave her a nod and a smile.

  A servant opened the front door, and light spilled onto the driveway. The earl strode through. “I deeply apologize for the inconvenience everyone. A lamp was knocked over in one of the reception rooms and started a fire. The curtains caught, but we now have it under control. Regrettably the small salon’s quite badly damaged, but the most important thing is no one has come to harm,” he said as they all trouped inside. “Hot chocolate and brandy will be served in the morning room.”

  An hour later, Faith still lay awake. She raised an arm over her head and stared at the shard of moonlight on the ornamental ceiling. She smiled. Vaughn had come for her. She rolled over and punched her pillow, remembering how her father had ushered her and her mother back to their rooms.

  “Why didn’t you dress more appropriately, Faith? Displaying yourself for all to see in Lord Vaughn’s dressing gown. I begin to believe you mean to undermine everything I try to do for you.”

  “I didn’t think. I feared I might burn to death, Father.” She frowned at him, perplexed.

  “And I thank God that you didn’t. I’m grateful to Vaughn Winborne for rescuing you while I saw to your mother, but don’t get any foolish ideas about him,” he said. “Now go back to bed.”

  ****

  His mother’s bedchamber in the dower house reminded Vaughn of a sunlit bluebell wood, decorated as it was in blue, gold, and green. He crossed the flowery carpet to where she lay propped up on lacy pillows in the carved oak four-poster.

  A servant removed the breakfast tray and, with a bob, left the room.

  He leaned over to kiss his mother’s scented cheek. “Morning, Mama.”

  “Sit down, Vaughn.”

  “You look well this morning. That lace cap is becoming.”

  She patted the cap absently and studied him. “You were out riding early.”

  It was more like a question. Did she expect him to sleep half the day like so many useless members of the ton? The suggestion rankled. Vaughn sat where she’d directed him on an unlikely piece of furniture for someone of his size, a spindly French satin-covered gilt chair. He attempted to cross his legs.

  “Forgive me for coming smelling of horse, but your summons gave me no time to change.” He raised his eyebrows. “Something troubles you?”

  “I was about to ask you the same question.”

  “Why?” He stretched out his legs, uncomfortable on the slippery satin seat.

  “You were very attentive to Rosamond at the ball. Lady Montrose is of the opinion that a proposal may be forthcoming.”

  He jumped to his feet and walked around the floor. “I danced with Rosamond twice; I hardly think that amounts to a declar
ation.”

  She smiled and patted the bed. “Sit. And stop quibbling. You are aware of society’s expectations as much as I am. Such behavior signals your intention to pursue her.”

  Vaughn perched on the edge of the bed. “I like Lady Rosamond well enough, Mama, but that’s all.”

  “Then why favor her, when there were so many young ladies there in need of a partner?”

  “In the hope that Chaloner will support my new endeavor.”

  “What has Rosamond to do with that?”

  “To show him I’m ready to settle down.”

  “But you’re not.”

  He grinned. “Not what?”

  She gave an annoyed huff. “You’re being deliberately obtuse.”

  “I barely know Rosamond.”

  “But you wish to know her better?”

  “Perhaps. What I really wish is to purchase a property in Surrey I’ve found. The land is perfect for my horse stud.”

  “Ah.” She leaned across and patted his arm. “My dear, don’t be in such a hurry. Your inheritance—”

  “Is not forthcoming, Mama. I wish to employ my newly acquired skills. Put an end to my aimless existence. Chaloner certainly agrees with that last part at least. Father left me an inheritance, not a fortune but enough to set me up. I feel at my age I’m entitled to the whole and not just an allowance.”

  “Darling boy.” She shook her head. “Your father’s will is quite clear.”

  “Why the delay? I reached my majority years ago.”

  She fingered her wrap. “It was after you were sent down from Oxford. Your father altered his will just before he died.”

  Vaughn pulled in and then slowly released a deep breath. “So, that was the reason. I thought as much.” It was almost impossible to believe that one small thoughtless act on his part could affect so many lives. The fear that Vaughn’s actions might have brought about his father’s death once more tightened his chest. It was something he’d have to live with. If he could have spoken to his father, explained the situation, everything might have turned out differently.