by Rose Pearson
Amelia cleared her throat gently. “How very good of you,” she murmured, sounding a little disinterested. “But what of your estate and title, Major Ridding? Have you not obligations there also?”
The smile fled from his face. “Indeed, I do, Lady Northfell,” he answered, his brows furrowing together and giving him something of a ferocious appearance. “However, I have a cousin and excellent steward who deal with all such matters. I cannot deal with them myself, of course, for it is quite out of the question that I should give up on my duties.”
Jessica felt something slice at her heart, a sudden, sharp pain that made her catch her breath. She was not quite sure about Major Ridding and what he was trying to say, wondering if he had intentionally tried to have Lord Warwick drop in her estimation.
“Some men are willing to do such a thing,” Major Ridding continued, a little airily. “But I cannot join them. Title and status mean nothing to me, not if one cannot have a purpose.”
“I believe one can find purpose in taking on one’s responsibilities,” Amelia interjected, her voice a little cool. “Not everyone sees the world as you do, Major Ridding.”
For a moment, Major Ridding seemed quite nonplussed and Jessica could not help but smile to herself, glad that her sister had been able to put the man in his place. She felt as though Major Ridding had placed himself above all other men, using his reasons for rejecting the obligations that came with his title as a way to congratulate himself. He seemed to have no understanding that not everyone would agree with him, nor would everyone think he was, as he seemed to consider, quite wonderful for handing over his duties to his steward and distant cousin. Jessica’s smile broadened as Major Ridding cleared his throat, his cheeks coloring.
“Yes, of course, Lady Northfell,” he stammered, evidently a little lost. “I did not mean to imply anything of the sort, of course. I was simply pointing out that my life is rather different from the norm.”
“That it may be, but I cannot think to congratulate you for it,” Amelia continued, rather bluntly. “We all must make choices, Major Ridding, and I will not allow myself to consider one choice to be more favorable than the other. I, for one, have great admiration for Lord Warwick in choosing to take on his duties in spite of his clear love for the army and the adventure it brings.”
Major Ridding’s cheeks turned crimson and he dropped into a bow. “Of course, my lady,” he mumbled, no longer standing as the tall, proud gentleman he had been before. “If you will excuse me.”
Jessica watched as he began to move away, clutching her sister’s arm. “You did not need to be so firm with him!”
“Of course, I did!” Amelia exclaimed, her eyes still angry. “He was putting down my husband, stating that such a life cannot have any purpose and placing himself up on a throne to look down on us all.”
Jessica hid a smile, knowing that her sister’s frustrations came from a place of love for Lord Northfell. “I do not think it was intentional, Amelia. He just thinks a little highly of himself.”
“Or has had to justify his choices so often that he now believes it to be the only correct course of action,” Amelia muttered, the frustration slowly leaving her face. “He’s already danced with you, you say?”
“Yes, on two occasions,” Jessica replied, with a slight frown. “I do not particularly seek his attentions, however. You may be assured of that!”
Amelia laughed and wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist. “You need not fear me interfering again, Jessica. I should not have pried before and I will not do so again.”
Profoundly grateful, Jessica smiled and, seeing another acquaintance coming to speak to Amelia, took her leave.
However, the moment she stepped away, her eyes fell on none other than Lord Warwick. He had come back inside and was, as she had expected, looking for her. His face held an expression of distress, his eyes searching through the great crowd of guests.
Jessica stepped back, unwilling to let him see her. She did not want to speak to him again, not this evening at least. She was still both angry and confused over what he had done and certainly did not want to engage with him again in conversation.
“Jessica! Where did you go?”
Turning swiftly, Jessica grasped Jacintha’s arm and, together, they hurried towards the back of the ballroom, in amongst the wallflowers and companions.
“Not so loud, if you don’t mind,” Jessica whispered, softly. “Not everyone needs to know where I went.”
“Lord Warwick was walking with you and then the next thing we knew, you were both gone!” Jacintha whispered, her eyes wide with delight and anticipation. “Did he whisk you somewhere? Declare his love?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “For goodness sake, Jacintha, get your head out of the clouds! He did no such thing. I decided to return to the ball after he chose to be more than a little improper and, therefore, I do not wish to speak to him again.”
The light in Jacintha’s eyes faded. “What did he do?”
“He –” The lump in Jessica’s throat grew, forcing her to pause for a moment. “He tried to kiss me,” she whispered, keeping her voice as quiet as possible. “I slapped him and hurried inside.” Seeing the astonishment on Jacintha’s face, Jessica took her sister’s hand. “You must not speak of it to anyone, Jacintha. Can I trust you in this matter?”
“Of course you can,” Jacintha replied immediately, sounding a little hurt. “You and I have always shared our secrets.”
Jessica sighed, biting back a groan. “I know but this is different in its severity.”
“Why?”
“Because it is Lord Warwick,” Jessica replied, honestly. “In truth, I was finding myself a little partial to the man but now he has more than insulted me.” She spotted him again, walking through the crowd, his head turning this way and that. “Now he wishes to speak to me and I cannot bear the thought of it.”
Jacintha did not answer immediately, a serious look coming over her expression. When she did finally speak, she spoke slowly and with a great deal of care, as though considering every word. “I believe that Lord Warwick, whilst overstepping his mark, may have the beginnings of affection for you, Jessica. Major Ridding also seems to be interested in you.”
“I have told you I do not care to consider matrimony!”
Jacintha laughed and shook her head. “You may say that all you wish but I know you would not be this upset if you did not harbor some kind of feelings for Lord Warwick.” She put her hand on Jessica’s arm in an attempt to calm her down. “Either man would do, Jessica, but it depends on your heart. Get to know them both a little more and see where your heart leads.”
Jessica let out a long breath, her expression dark. “Very well, although I am still not inclined to speak with Lord Warwick this evening.”
Laughing softly, Jacintha grinned at her sister. “Then hide in the shadows until it is time to leave, Jessica. I will come and fetch you.”
“Thank you,” Jessica replied, truly grateful. “Hopefully it will not be too much longer. I can hardly wait to return to the Northfell estate.”
Chapter Seven
The following afternoon found George wandering through the small village that lay just outside the Northfell estate, worrying over the situation with Lady Jessica. The truth was, he was more than a little aware that he had made a mess of it all by doing such a foolish thing as kissing her, but he was determined to try and make a fervent apology in the hope that she might find it in her heart to forgive him.
However, he did not feel able to simply walk up the Northfell estate and demand an audience with the lady, for he could not be certain that she had kept the affair to herself. He did not know Lord Northfell particularly well, which meant that he might easily have him thrown out of his estate, should he attempt to visit.
And so, George had found himself wandering the streets of the small village, looking into all the shop windows and trying his best to think of a way out of his current, rather sticky, situation.
&n
bsp; “Oh, goodness, Jacintha! That is surely the prettiest bit of lace I have ever seen!”
Startled to hear none other than Lady Jessica’s voice, George caught the door of the shop as another lady exited from it and, peering around the doorframe, saw none other than Lady Jessica, Lady Jacintha and Lady Harmonia standing together, evidently shopping for new bits of lace.
“Good day, my ladies,” he said, stepping into the shop and bowing before he could even think about what it was he was going to say to Lady Jessica. “How wonderful to find you all here this afternoon.”
“Lord Warwick!” Lady Harmonia exclaimed, after a quick curtsy. “How good to see you. Yes, we are all out shopping for some lace and other such trinkets whilst Amelia rests.”
“She is not unwell, I hope?” he asked, a little concerned.
“Oh, no, not in the least!” Jacintha exclaimed, a wide smile on her face. “She is just a little tired from last evening’s entertainment.”
George smiled, keeping his attention on Lady Harmonia and Lady Jacintha whilst, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lady Jessica begin to move away from them. “I do hope that you enjoyed last evening?”
“Very much,” they said together.
“Thank you for your kindness in inviting us,” Jacintha continued, glancing over at Jessica who, by now, had turned her back to him completely. “Might I inquire as to why you are in the village today?”
His mind suddenly went blank and, as he began to stammer, he saw Lady Harmonia share a knowing smile with her sister.
“You are welcome to come back to the house with us and call upon Lord Northfell, if you wish,” Lady Harmonia said, as he continued to try and think of some excuse as to why he was in the vicinity. “And, if you have time, then I am sure Amelia will insist that you dine with us. There is always more than enough food.”
George bowed, thinking quickly. If Lady Jessica was as upset with him as she seemed, then there appeared to be very little reason to return to the estate to dine. It might only strengthen the gulf between them, whereas, if he left her alone, then she might find herself a little more willing to talk with him in the days that followed.
“Do not have any concern in that regard, Lord Warwick.”
Glancing towards Lady Harmonia, George realized – much to his embarrassment that, not only had he not answered, he had also allowed his gaze to fix on Lady Jessica instead of focusing on Jacintha and Harmonia.
“I do not mean to pry but I am quite sure that a conversation between you both will do the world of good,” Harmonia continued, softly. “She has been quite out of sorts all morning.”
“Well, if you are quite sure that it would not be an inconvenience, then I would be happy to accompany you back to the Northfell estate,” George replied, still feeling a little uneasy. “Did you take the carriage?”
“Oh no,” Jacintha laughed. “We walked for it is such a beautiful day.”
“Wonderful,” George replied, with an easy smile. “Then I shall direct my coachman to take my carriage directly to Northfell and I shall walk with you the moment you are ready.”
Striding from the shop, George managed to find his coachman without too much trouble, who took his leave towards Northfell almost at once. George, not wanting to hasten the ladies, waited outside until they emerged, although Lady Jessica was the last to appear and, even then, she did not look at him.
George’s stomach began to churn as they walked together, although he kept his composure and ensured his features held none of the anxiety he felt. Lady Harmonia and Jacintha were both talkative enough, but Lady Jessica stayed behind them all, not saying a single word.
Presently, however, Harmonia and Jacintha engaged in a conversation he could not be a part of and, as they quickened their steps so as to walk together, George had no choice but to fall back and, therefore, into step with Lady Jessica.
Clasping his sweaty palms behind his back, George cleared his throat and few in a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly and praying that she would, at least, let him speak.
“Lady Jessica,” he began, not able to look at her. “I am not in the least bit surprised that you find me so repulsive. I cannot blame you for it, for this is entirely my own doing. How wrong I was to treat you so. I must ask you, I must beg you to forgive me for my behavior last evening.”
There was a long silence. Lady Jessica walked silently beside him, their feet making very little sound as they made their way through the small country paths back towards the estate.
“In truth, I was overwhelmed by the news that you were not engaged,” he continued, uncertain whether to continue speaking or not. “I do not think that I need to go into the depths of my feelings, Lady Jessica, but I will tell you that I hold you in very high esteem and that my heart quickens the moment I see you.” He shook his head, frustrated that she had not made a single response to his fervent outpourings. “My life since I have taken on the title has been one of disarray and confusion, one where I feel overwhelmed by all that is expected of me and yet, when I see you, all of that disappears. It is as though you calm the stormy seas simply by your presence. I cannot explain it although I am doing my best to share my sentiments with you honestly. I know I should not have pressed my affections on you in such a way. Is there any way you can forgive me? Might we start again?”
Stopping in his tracks, he paused and looked down at her, relieved to see that she too had stopped walking. Her eyes were clear and bright as she looked up at him, although there was no trace of a smile on her face.
“Did you mean all of those things?” she asked, quietly. “Are you being honest with me that I affect you in such a way?”
“Indeed,” he replied, fervently. “When you are by my side, I feel as though I can conquer what the world has laid at my feet. I am quite overwhelmed by what I feel at times, especially when Major Ridding has managed to dance with you on two occasions, and I have not managed even one!”
That, at least, made her laugh. “He was not a particularly gentle dancer if that makes you feel better,” she replied, softly. “And I am surprised to hear you say that you thought I was engaged. That is not the case in the least, I assure you.”
“I cannot tell you just how glad I was to hear it,” he said, as a huge sense of relief filled him. “It was Major Ridding who spoke of it first but where he heard it, I have very little idea.”
She continued to regard him carefully, as though considering her options. “I will not pretend that my heart is not affected by our friendship,” she said, so quietly that he had to strain to hear her. “I do feel something more than simple kinship, but it was much too soon – and much too improper – to behave as you did, Lord Warwick. Marquess or not, I cannot excuse it.”
“And neither should you be expected to,” George replied, fervently, brushing one hand down his cheek as he recalled how she had slapped him. “But the question is, can you forgive me?”
Her eyes narrowed just a touch before she broke into a smile. “I think I can, Lord Warwick. Your apology was done quite prettily, and I appreciate that you spoke so honestly to me.”
George wanted to fall at her feet in gratitude and relief, a burden immediately rolling off his shoulders. “You are very good, Lady Jessica.”
She chuckled and began to walk along the path once more. “Now that the matter is settled, shall we walk together? I do not want my sisters to leave me behind!”
Falling into step with her, George began to talk about his travels in the army and asked her more questions about her life back home. They walked slowly, their conversation flowing beautifully as they made their way back towards the estate.
On the way home that evening, George considered just how much he had discovered about Lady Jessica. She was warm and kind but with a fierce determination to live life in her own way and with her own decisions although she well understood what was expected of her. George found that a rather endearing quality, smiling to himself at what he had learned about her and a little surprised at h
ow open he himself had been with the lady. They had spoken of a great many things, from his choice to go into the army to the death of both his parents and brother – and he had found it easy to talk about his brother when, usually, he found the subject more than a little difficult. When the subject of the future had been brought up, he had spoken about his difficulties with his new responsibilities and she had been more than understanding, her eyes filled with compassion and sympathy. It was little wonder he felt close to her.
“She is quite wonderful,” he said to himself, smiling into the darkness. “Quite wonderful indeed.”
Chapter Eight
Jessica!”
Throwing a frustrated glance over her shoulder, Jessica continued on her way, ignoring Harmonia completely.
“Jessica, you cannot go out riding so late in the evening.”
“It is still quite bright outside, Harmonia, and I am too restless to remain indoors.”
“Then go for a walk in the gardens or something,” Harmonia begged, sounding concerned. “Riding is not wise, Jessica, especially when Amelia and Northfell are not here.”
Jessica hid a smile, aware that the only reason she was able to do as she pleased at this very moment was entirely because Lord Northfell and Amelia were gone from the house. They had joined some acquaintances for a musical evening to which the other three sisters had not been invited, for the event had been planned for some time before they’d even arrived at Northfell. Not that any of them had minded particularly, for they were quite enjoying a short respite from all the busy goings-on that seemed to fill their days.
“Please, Jessica,” Harmonia continued, putting her hand on Jessica’s arm. “I think it might rain soon.”
Irritated beyond measure, Jessica turned around and glared at Harmonia. “If it rains, I shall get wet and it shall not do me any harm, Harmonia. You are being much too ridiculous for words! I have ridden for most of my life and now, here you are, concerned that I might break my neck simply because I seek to enjoy a short time alone on horseback.”
