The Runaway Heiress

by Brenda Hiatt

  Dina nodded. "Not a very nice one—I only used it to swim in the pond at Ashcombe, as we've nothing like what you have here. But it should suffice."

  Accordingly, after a quick meal of tea and sandwiches, they went to change, then met at the pool, on the ground floor of the west wing, next to the gymnasium. Dina couldn't resist a quick tour of the latter, admiring various pieces of equipment she'd read about but never before seen.

  "Do you ever use this room?"

  Violet looked startled. "No, of course not. Grant did, when he was younger, but I can't imagine Mother would have approved of my doing so—not that I ever thought to ask."

  If Lady Rumble would not approve of Violet using the equipment, she would likely feel the same about Dina doing so. Still, she was determined to slip in here unnoticed on occasion —or to convince Violet to ask permission for both of them to use the room, as it would no doubt do her good, as well.

  "I suppose we'd best start our swim," was all she said now.

  The water was remarkably warm for the season, owing to the hot spring that both heated and circulated the water. Dina was pleased to discover that Violet was nearly as strong a swimmer as herself. They paddled about for a bit, then raced the length of the pool, Dina beating Violet by only a narrow margin.

  "My goodness," Violet panted when they reached the end. "You must do more swimming in that pond of yours than I realized."

  Dina grinned. "Only in the summer, of course, but I do walk quite a lot, and even run when I have the chance, as well as . . . other physical pursuits."

  "You are quite the little Amazon, I see." Violet's admiring smile robbed her words of any taint of sarcasm. "Won't Grant— That is—"

  "What?"

  "Well, Grant has always been rather, ah, patronizing about women —small women, in particular. He seems to regard them as delicate flowers that will crumble at a touch. I imagine he will be quite surprised to discover you are no such thing. Pleasantly so, of course."

  "Of course," Dina echoed. Was that why he'd seemed so concerned he had hurt her, his last night at home? Perhaps one reason he held himself so aloof? Interesting, if so.

  "Shall we race once more before we get out?" she suggested.

  She would prove to Thor that she was no "delicate flower." Then . . . She supposed only time would tell.

  Chapter Eleven

  "I declare, Mrs. Turpin, you seem as fresh after a whole night of dancing as you did when you first arrived." Mr. Smallbone's glance was frankly admiring, making Dina pinken slightly.

  Violet had been right that entertainments in the neighborhood of Plumrose were far livelier —and more frequent —than what she'd been accustomed to in Ashcombe. This was the second assembly they'd attended in as many weeks, in addition to several dinners and a card party.

  Though such a busy social life was rather overwhelming, it was certainly far more interesting than her circumscribed existence at home had been.

  "You are too kind, sir," she said now.

  "Not at all. Most of the other ladies are wilting by now, but you remind me of a winter rose."

  Being the object of compliments was a new experience for her, as well, and one she'd do better not to become used to. The gentlemen were all circumspect, of course, knowing her to be Thor's wife, but their attention was flattering, nonetheless. Even Diggory Tallow had never gone beyond the polite, his compliments always seeming more perfunctory than heartfelt.

  She suspected that when Thor returned —if he returned —the gentlemen would give her a wider berth. He was rather an intimidating man, after all. For now, though, she couldn't help enjoying the attention.

  "My dance, I believe, Mrs. Turpin." Sir Albert Vaile stepped forward to take her hand from Mr. Smallbone's for the final set of the evening. She had not been without a partner all night, a triumph only one or two other ladies could boast.

  Glancing down the set, she saw Violet taking her place as well. Catching Dina's eye, she grinned and Dina returned her smile. Over the past two weeks, she and Violet had become fast friends, despite their differing temperaments.

  Missy Fiskerton, beside Violet in the line, intercepted Dina's smile and sent back a syrupy-sweet one of her own. The tall girl's original hostility had given way to insincere friendliness, once she got over the first shock of Thor's unexpected marriage. Unfortunately, the same was not true of Rose Nesbit, who could still scarcely bring herself to speak to Dina.

  This assembly, like the previous one, was being held at the Red Lion, Rumbleton's sole inn. Almost the entire second story was taken up by an elegant ballroom that was frequently rented out by one or another of the local gentry desirous of hosting a party larger than their own homes would accommodate. Longer than it was wide, accented by gilt chandeliers and red-figured wall hangings, this room was big enough to allow three sets of a dozen couples each to dance at once— though some care was needed to avoid collisions.

  As the lively country dance began, Dina observed that Mr. Smallbone had been right —most of the ladies did appear rather wilted. Indeed, only one set had formed this time, down the center of the large room, as most of those present had retired to the sidelines by now.

  As she progressed through the movements of the dance, Dina found her thoughts returning, as they too often did, to Thor. Would he return, as Lady Rumble promised, in time for his parents' Christmas Eve ball tomorrow night? That very morning over breakfast, Lady Rumble had expressed surprise that he was not yet back —then had quickly changed the subject.

  Dina suppressed a sigh. She had no doubt it was herself that kept him away, and now it appeared his mother had come to the same conclusion. That knowledge was both depressing and humiliating, but she refused to give in to either emotion. Moving on to the next gentleman in the line, she forced a brilliant smile —and found herself face to face with Thor himself.

  "Oh!" she exclaimed, missing a step in her astonishment. "How did you—?"

  He caught her by the elbow, steadying her until she recaptured the rhythm of the dance. "Father said I'd find you all here. I arrived just as this set began and managed to take a place at the end."

  A glance showed that his partner was a smug Rose Nesbit, who had been sitting down when the set first formed. The dance moved them apart then, forcing Dina to save any other questions until after its conclusion. Still, she could not deny the sudden lift of her spirits, or the way all of the candles in the room now seemed to be burning more brightly.

  In vain she reminded herself that he had planned all along to return before Christmas, that his appearance here had no more to do with her than it did with his mother and Violet. He was here, and that was enough —for now.

  From his position a few places down the line, Thor glanced back at Dina, still struggling with his surprise at her changed appearance. Not that she'd been plain before, of course, but dressed in a well-fitted, fashionable gown, with that new, flattering hairstyle, she was beautiful. A beautiful stranger.

  He'd been so sure that a fortnight away would break the strange spell she'd cast over him, allowing reason to return. Immersed in foxhunting and the Meltonian society, he thought it had. But now, after just one look and a few words exchanged, he was as besotted as ever. What the devil was he to do?

  "Penny for your thoughts, Mr. Turpin," said Rose Nesbit as the dance brought them together again. She fluttered her eyelashes coquettishly, though she surely must know that he was married.

  "Just thinking that it's nice to be home," he replied, his glance straying to Dina again. If anything, she looked more delicate than ever in that shimmering gown of pale blue-green, almost as though she were made of porcelain. That color set off her red hair and ivory skin to perfection.

  "Perhaps you won't stay away so long in the future, then?"

  He blinked down at Miss Nesbit, trying to remember what they'd been talking about. "Er, yes. Perhaps," he replied at random.

  "Or perhaps now you'll have more reason to escape?" she suggested, looking pointedly in Dina's di
rection. "I make my come-out in London this Spring, you know."

  The dance separated them again before he could give the shameless jade the set-down she deserved for such an implication. Why, she was younger than Violet and surely had no business . . . He saw Dina moving down the line toward him, and abruptly forgot whatever he'd been thinking about.

  "Is this party likely to go on much longer?" he asked her the moment she was opposite him again. A vision arose of accompanying her home . . . up the stairs . . . down to the end of the west wing . . .

  "I believe this is the last dance." He saw only concern in her eyes, not desire. "You must be tired after traveling all the way from Melton-Mowbray today."

  Before he could assure her that he felt perfectly vigorous, they were parted again by the movements of the dance, and a few moments later it ended. The proprietor of the Red Lion and Sir Farley Goffin, the ball's ostensible host, said a few words to the assembly, and then people began milling about, exchanging farewells and last-minute bits of gossip before sending for their carriages. Thor made his way to Dina's side.

  Horace Smallbone was speaking with her but looked up at his approach. "Ah, Turpin, so you've returned to Lincolnshire at last." He didn't look particularly pleased, despite his smile. "I feel I should take you to task for abandoning your lovely bride all this time, but your loss has been our gain."

  "Indeed," Sir Albert Vaile agreed from Dina's other side. "I must say, if she were mine, I'd never be far from her side. Not all gentlemen are as trustworthy as we are." He smiled down at Dina as he spoke, making Thor's hackles rise.

  "I must be grateful, then, that I had two such worthies as yourselves to watch over her for me." He flattered himself that he was able to keep his voice pleasant, despite a sudden desire to knock their heads together.

  Still, some hint of what he was feeling must have communicated itself, for both gentlemen glanced up at him with vague alarm, then bade a quick good-night to Dina before taking themselves off. She blinked after them in apparent confusion before turning back to Thor.

  "They certainly left in a hurry," she commented, one adorable brow raised. "One might almost think they were afraid of you."

  Thor shrugged. "No doubt their carriages were ready. As is ours, I believe, for here come Mother and Violet. Shall we go?"

  Why should he feel so nettled that other gentlemen found Dina attractive? They'd have to be blind not to. As he'd promised both her and himself to keep their marriage platonic, it would be churlish to forbid her from enjoying innocent compliments from other men. Wouldn't it?

  "Grant! What a surprise," his mother exclaimed as she reached them, Violet in tow. "I've been expecting you these past few days, of course, but did not look to see you here tonight, as you'd not arrived before we left the house. You must not have left Melton till noon, at least."

  Forcing down his absurd spurt of jealousy, he was able to greet his mother and sister pleasantly enough. "A bit before. I arrived a couple of hours ago and Father told me you were all here. I had John Coachman drive me over, so that I could ride back to Plumrose with you. I'd thought to have time for more than a single dance, however." He glanced down at Dina.

  "Lady Rumble is holding a ball at Plumrose tomorrow night. No doubt you will get your fill of dancing there." Was there a hint of extra color in her cheeks as she spoke? He wasn't sure.

  "Indeed, Grant, I will expect you to do the pretty by as many ladies as possible, for we are likely to have a shortage of gentlemen. No escaping to the kennels, as you did last year." Lady Rumble turned to Dina with a conspiratorial smile. "I imagine your presence will induce him to behave himself."

  Dina looked rather startled. "If . . . if you say so, my lady."

  The baroness clicked her tongue. "Now, now, my dear, remember what I've told you. You must begin as you mean to go on in marriage. Demand proper behavior of Grant now, and later on you'll not have to worry about him embarrassing you."

  "Mother," Thor said warningly, but only earned an innocent look in return. He frowned, then shook his head. "Let's go home, shall we?"

  Thanks to his mother's interference, there was again a constraint between Dina and himself as he handed her into the carriage after the other two ladies. Settling into the seat beside her, he wondered uneasily how much similar advice his mother had been giving her during the past fortnight —and whether he had been unwise to leave Dina here with her for so long.

  "Grant, why have you said nothing about Dina's changed appearance?" Violet asked then, breaking into his thoughts. "I am vastly pleased with what we have accomplished in such a short time —as are most of the local gentlemen, I'll have you know." She grinned mischievously at Dina, who he thought looked vaguely alarmed before she turned to gaze out of the window.

  He managed to smooth his instinctive frown. Yes, leaving Dina here had definitely been a mistake. "That new hairstyle is quite fetching," he said. "I noticed it at once, of course, but had no chance of a private word with her, to say so."

  "And one must never give a lady a compliment in public, of course. Honestly, Grant, I despair of you sometimes."

  A sheepish glance toward Dina showed her still staring fixedly out the window. "You really do look lovely tonight," he said to her averted profile. "I'm sorry I did not say so earlier."

  "I, ah, thank you," she murmured without turning. "But pray do not think I felt slighted. You know how Violet loves to tease."

  Dina couldn't remember when she'd been more embarrassed. Not until she'd found herself face to face with him had she realized just how much she'd hoped that Thor would approve of the changes in her appearance. She'd been disappointed when he hadn't seemed to notice, but now to have Violet all but force a compliment from his lips—!

  For most of the evening she had felt pretty, desirable. But now she felt more like an albatross about poor Thor's neck. Not for the first time, she wondered whether he'd have been happier married to Missy Fiskerton or Rose Nesbit, who already knew his family and everyone else in the district —and doubtless knew Thor far better than she could yet claim.

  "It really is most lucky you are home now, Grant," said Lady Rumble, breaking the awkward silence. "Your father has been disinclined to organize the yule log expedition, but now you are here, you can do it."

  He seemed relieved at the change of subject —a relief Dina shared. "Yes, I'll gather a few of the men and go out tomorrow morning. We'll find you something that will burn for days, never fear. And then I'll need to get the kennels in order."

  "The kennels?" Violet echoed Dina's surprise. "What is wrong with the kennels?"

  "Nothing, but I've brought along some additions that need to be properly situated. Puppies, Vi, which should please you."

  Violet clapped her hands and peppered him with questions, and Dina felt her own spirits lift in spite of herself at the talk of yule logs and puppies. Perhaps having Thor back would not be as disappointing and uncomfortable as she'd begun to fear.

  When they reached Plumrose a few minutes later, however, the discomfort returned in full force as she anticipated the walk down the west wing after the way their last one had ended. Not that she expected him to kiss her good night again, of course, but the memory was sure to show in her expression. Was his mind similarly engaged? A quick glance at his profile told her nothing.

  "My word, I'm tired," Lady Rumble declared as they entered the house. "I'm off to bed, children. Good night."

  "I'm ready for my bed as well," Violet said, turning to follow her mother up the stairs. "Are you two coming up?"

  Dina braced herself, but Thor shook his head. "I need to visit the stables briefly. I'll see you all in the morning."

  Though she she'd just been dreading their private walk down the corridor, Dina's fickle spirits now plummeted to her shoes. What could this be, other than an excuse to avoid being alone with her?

  Numbly, she accompanied Violet and Lady Rumble up the stairs, bidding them good night on the landing and traversing the memory-fraught corridor alon
e. "Why the devil did he come back at all?" she muttered, opening the door to her chamber.

  "What was that, ma'am?" Francine greeted her, blinking blearily.

  "Nothing. Here, help me out of this thing." She'd thought her new sea-green lutestring gown magnificent when she'd put it on earlier tonight, but now she couldn't get it off fast enough. Had Thor even noticed it was new?

  Francine helped her out of gown, petticoats and corset and carefully laid them aside before picking up Dina's nightrail to help her into it. On sudden decision, Dina shook her head.

  "No, I believe I will go down to the gymnasium for half an hour or so. Where are my pantalettes?"

  Without comment, her maid fetched them from the clothespress, along with the loose-fitting gray fustian gown Dina wore when she did calisthenics. A few moments later, Dina made her way downstairs, carrying a candle in a holder, as she had done several times over the past two weeks.

  Not until she reached the ground floor did it occur to her that Thor might return from the stables at any moment and see her, which could lead to awkward questions. She paused, half-tempted to retreat, then shrugged. If she met him, she would simply tell him the truth. He must find out sooner or later that she was no delicate flower of a woman, and perhaps sooner would be better.

  Her decision made, she walked briskly toward the gymnasium, head held high, one hand shielding the flame of her candle.

  Behind her, a door opened and closed. With a gasp, she ducked around the corner before she could be seen and blew out the candle, then waited breathlessly until firm, heavy footsteps went past, in the direction of the main staircase.

  So much for honesty and courage, she thought with a spurt of self-disgust. What sort of Amazon was she? None at all, it seemed.

  And now, because of her cowardice, she had no light —and didn't much fancy using the gymnastic equipment in the dark. With a sigh, she headed toward the stairs herself. She could always do a bit of running in place or exercise with her dumbbells before bed. Though now she thought about it, she was suddenly very tired, perhaps in reaction to her little fright. In fact, just climbing the stairs now seemed difficult.